Equitable Democracy and Community Engagement in Cleveland

On Friday, November 12th, we attended a City Club of Cleveland program titled “How Can We Collectively Work Towards a More Equitable Democracy? The Barriers, Myths, and the State of Democracy.” The featured speaker was Ms. Erika Anthony, co‑founder of Cleveland VOTES and Executive Director of the Ohio Transformation Fund. Her insights offered a thoughtful look at the work required to build an equitable democracy.

We reviewed both organizations before the event. Cleveland VOTES invests in partners working to expand voter registration, accessibility, and participation. Its mission centers on equitable civic engagement and measurable community outreach. Likewise, the Ohio Transformation Fund is a collaborative effort supporting healthy communities and an equitable democracy across Ohio.

Challenging Myths and Understanding Community Disillusionment

During her presentation, Ms. Anthony challenged the myth of the “apathetic voter.” She shared findings showing that residents care deeply about their communities. However, many do not trust elected officials or local leaders, often for understandable reasons.

She noted that many issues matter greatly to community members. Yet people become discouraged when their efforts seem to produce little progress. This disillusionment, she explained, is a barrier that must be acknowledged when discussing civic participation.

Building Trust and Strengthening Civic Participation

Ms. Anthony emphasized that what happens between elections matters most. She explained that the issue is not a lack of power. Instead, the challenge is learning how to share our strengths so that healing, restoration, and thriving can occur. This approach supports a more equitable democracy grounded in shared responsibility.

Throughout her speech and the Q&A, she highlighted pathways that have produced positive results. However, she stressed that many strategies must be tailored to the specific needs of each community.

Supporting Immigrant and Refugee Communities

We also learned about the role of organizations serving refugees and people who have immigrated to the United States. Some of these groups receive grant funding from sources connected to Ms. Anthony’s work. This support helps expand civic engagement among foreign‑born residents.

Regarding voting, Ms. Anthony avoided broad statements but shared a meaningful example. She recalled a new U.S. citizen who finally registered to vote and expressed overwhelming joy. The moment reflected the power of civic participation and the importance of inclusive engagement.

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