DODO Launches to Prevent Democracy from Going Extinct

September 17, 2023

Today, as we celebrate American citizenship and the U.S. Constitution, we are delighted to announce the launch of Doctors of Democracy Organization (DODO), a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and strengthening U.S. democracy.

We formed DODO earlier this year out of concern about how disconnected from research discussions about our institutions and institutional reform often become. Exaggerations beget more exaggerations, and citizens are left not knowing who or what to trust – and with less faith in our institutions.

 DODO aims to become the trusted source for information about institutions and democracy reform. We will make academic research accessible by connecting scholars and their research with citizens and reform groups. We will create engaging and accessible, but evidence-based information for citizens concerned about the history, politics, and health of U.S. democracy. We will fact-check claims made about reform proposals so that interested citizens know where they stand.

What makes DODO unique is that we do not have any skin in the game beyond our allegiance to democracy and democratic values. Rather, we seek to improve the policy development process. We do not want to impose a particular set of institutional solutions. We prefer instead to assist others in those endeavors, whether teams of local activists focused on town elections or groups seeking national change. We have no agenda in democracy reform beyond informing the reform movement, educating the public on the different types of reforms available, and clarifying thinking about reform and institutions.

DODO is named for its diagnostic approach – which is similar to that which a doctor might use when a patient arrives at their office. We first identify the symptoms, draw on the reputable evidence available to guide us, and reflect. With the benefit of this insight, we then diagnose the problem, and prescribe potential remedies appropriate to the context. We also fully state their potential consequences (“side effects”) on the body politic.

Given that our approach is highly contextual and evidence based, our diagnoses may challenge preconceived notions, conventional wisdom, and partisan rhetoric. Our conclusions may be challenging. Citizens may find that a long-held opinion is not supported by the evidence, that an opposing view has some merit, or that the path to a better democracy is not as clear as it initially seemed.

We’re excited about DODO’s mission. And hope that you will join us. Read more about DODO here and follow us on social media.

Learn more about Constitution Day here.

Sarah John is DODO’s Executive Director and co-founder. Ian Holmes is DODO’s President and co-founder.