From an idea in 1968 to a global movement: DemocracyFirst was born from the belief that fair decision-making is the key to a just society.
An Idea Ahead of Its Time
The idea behind DemocracyFirst was born long ago — in 1968 — out of a conviction that still drives us today.
The spark came from a simple yet painful realization: the prosperity we enjoy in the West is still reserved for only a small part of the world. Despite decades of humanitarian efforts, hundreds of millions of people continue to live in poverty without clean water, education, or basic healthcare. Even today, more than 800 million people suffer from hunger.
How can such problems persist in a world of abundance and advanced technology? It was this frustration — this sense of injustice — that gave birth to DemocracyFirst:
When everyone has a voice, decisions change — they become fairer, wiser, and more humane.
The Evolution of Democracy
Even in the developed world, democracy can no longer be taken for granted. Many citizens feel unheard, disconnected from those in power. This gap exists not only in politics but also within organizations, companies, and communities, where people often lack real opportunities to share ideas or influence decisions.
Throughout history, humanity has always sought ways to spread ideas and gain support: The printing press in the 18th and 19th centuries, the stencil machine and photocopier in the 20th century. Today, the internet fulfills that role, and OpinionFirst offers the structure and tools to make decision-making more open and participatory than ever before.
A New Chapter
DemocracyFirst was formally founded on May 29, 2008, marking the start of our first project: OpinionFirst. This platform allows people everywhere to share ideas, build support, and influence the decisions that shape their lives.
Our conviction remains unchanged since 1968:
When people truly have a say, hunger and war can disappear,
and a society can emerge where every person has the chance to thrive.
History shows what’s possible.
Help us shape the next chapter!
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