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The Presidents’ Series
This series is a collection of reflections from Dēmos founders, past presidents, and current leadership. Each essay looks back at why our organization was founded and forward to the work still ahead: building a truly multiracial democracy and an inclusive economy that works for all.
Dēmos was founded on a simple but powerful belief: a healthy society requires both a vibrant democracy and an economy that creates shared prosperity.
For 25 years, we have advanced that vision, providing research, advocacy, and strategic support to movement leaders working at the intersection of democracy reform, economic justice, and racial justice.
Together, we have made meaningful progress. But we are also at a critical juncture: democratic norms are being tested, economic inequality is deepening, and the voices of everyday people are too often overshadowed by the ultrawealthy and powerful.
Across this series, past presidents and current leadership reflect on Dēmos’ evolution—from a small experiment in policy advocacy into a multi-issue “think and do” tank that connects ideas to action. These essays offer both reflection and direction, grounding us in the lessons of our past while pointing toward the challenges and opportunities ahead.
As we look to the future, our focus remains clear. First, we must build power with and for Black and brown people. Then, together, we must advance a more just and inclusive democracy and economy for this generation and the next.
