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Dear Readers,
I am thrilled to welcome you to the inaugural post of Citizen in a Republic, a newsletter dedicated to transforming spectators into active participants in our democratic process. In a media landscape that often treats the audience as passive observers, it's time for a change. Inspired by Theodore Roosevelt's speech "Citizenship in a Republic," we aim to empower you to become the person in the arena—someone who steps forward to make a tangible difference.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide focused, year-round reporting on legislative actions, including in-depth coverage of floor debates and committee hearings that highlight the arguments shaping key legislation. By engaging with interest groups, advocacy organizations, and legislators, we aim to identify the most important issues and concentrate our efforts where they matter most.
We strive to create a nonpartisan space where backbench legislators can advocate for their initiatives and where constituents, lobbyists, advocacy groups, and legislators can present arguments for or against active bills. By fostering vibrant debates without being beholden to any particular ideology, we aim to cultivate a dynamic marketplace of ideas.
Fundamentally, we are a publication and an organization for participants and prospective participants in the legislative process—not mere spectators. We are committed to showing how things really work in Concord and in the political realm in New Hampshire, providing insights that help individuals navigate the legislative process effectively.
We are dedicated to helping others propose bills and act for change, assisting both new and disconnected legislators in quickly getting up to speed so they can best represent their constituents and fully participate in the democratic system. We also empower constituents to do the same, moving from being unconnected to actively influencing legislation—proposing new bills, advocating for change, and mobilizing grassroots efforts.
Our goal is to amplify diverse voices—especially those that often go unheard—and to bridge the gap for individuals who feel disconnected from politics. We are committed to reporting on systemic barriers that make participation more difficult, particularly for people oppressed due to their race, gender, sexuality, or disability. It is crucial for us to highlight and challenge racism, sexism, ableism, and any other forms of discrimination that hinder widespread participation in the democratic process for both constituents and legislators.
By creating a nonpartisan platform for new ideas and voices in the political realm, we aim to increase participation and better cultivate a thriving marketplace of ideas.
Why I'm Committed to This Work
Allow me to share a bit about my background to illustrate why I am uniquely positioned to lead this initiative and why your support as a fiscal sponsor would be invaluable.
A Legacy of Legislative Engagement
Public service runs deep in my family. My father was an influential lobbyist who drafted the Federal Assault Weapons Ban of 1994, in between lobbying state legislatures on subjects ranging from gun control to gambling to raising cigarette taxes. He sometimes talks about his early career in one of the Senate office buildings, working out of an office that was once a closet. I like to remind him that his office was on Capital Hill—a privilege many only dream of. Growing up, our dinner conversations revolved around policy and legislation. Whenever I voiced concerns about societal issues—as teenagers often do—my father encouraged me to think critically about how to transform those concerns into actionable legislation. This instilled in me a lifelong passion for civic engagement and a deep understanding of the legislative process.
Hands-On Experience in Government
In high school, I served as a page in the Maryland State Senate, working alongside then-State Senator Jamie Raskin during his first term. While I fetched coffee and made copies, I was also absorbing the intricacies of state governance and the complexities of policy making. It was an invaluable experience that solidified my commitment to public service.
Leadership in Student Government
During my college years, I joined the Maryland Student Legislature, a mock legislature for university students across the state. I ran for and was elected Governor—the highest student-held position. Under my administration, we nearly doubled the number of participating universities, showcasing my ability to lead and expand organizations effectively.
Global Perspectives on Democracy
Seeking broader horizons, I moved abroad after college:
Thailand: Taught English in Ubon Ratchathani and witnessed Thailand's shift from democracy to a more restricted regime, where even reading George Orwell's 1984 in public led to arrest.
China: Studied Mandarin in Tianjin for two years and worked in Shanghai. Lived through the dawn of Xi Jinping's era as president-for-life, observing firsthand the tightening political landscape.
Egypt (2013): Was present during the nation's brief period of democracy, sandwiched between two military juntas.
Myanmar: Was in the country during the Rohingyan genocide, gaining firsthand insight into the impacts of political strife.
These experiences deepened my appreciation for the fragility of democracy and the vital role that informed citizens play in safeguarding it.
Community Organizing and Advocacy
Returning to the United States, I settled in Houston, Texas:
Extinction Rebellion Houston (2019): Co-founded the chapter and dedicated three years to building its culture, promoting non-hierarchical practices, and ensuring its longevity—it remains active today.
Tenant Union Formation: Initiated a tenant union in my 300-unit building in Midtown Houston. In association with the Houston Tenant Union, I organized a team that secured signatures from over half the residents to advocate for better living conditions.
Re-engaging in American Politics
In July 2024, alarmed by troubling polling data and the precarious state of our democracy, I joined the Harris campaign as a field organizer in New Hampshire. Stationed in Nashua, I:
Mobilized Volunteers:
Recruited 58 canvassers who completed 74 canvassing shifts.
Recruited 69 phone bankers resulting in 145 completed phone banking shifts.
Developed Leaders:
Recruited and developed 11 staging location leaders, resulting in 72 completed staging location leader shifts. These leaders were instrumental in coordinating canvassing efforts and ensuring smooth operations on the ground.
Engaged the Community:
Organized 130 low-barrier events to encourage community participation.
Conducted 111 one-on-one meetings with community members, including 13 state representative candidates and one union leader.
Supported Candidates:
Advised Dr. Sanjeev Manohar, a chemical engineering professor at UMass Lowell with no prior political experience. With persistent coaching, he knocked on 1,500 doors and won his race by 78 votes in one of Nashua's most challenging districts.
These efforts reinforced my belief in the impact one person can have when equipped with the right resources and support.
The Urgency of Now
The 2024 election underscored the critical challenges facing our democracy. In New Hampshire, as in many states, the erosion of local media has left citizens disconnected from the legislative processes that directly impact their lives. This disconnect not only undermines informed civic participation but also silences diverse voices, especially those marginalized by systemic barriers like racism, sexism, ableism, and other forms of discrimination.
Citizen in a Republic seeks to fill this void at a pivotal moment. By providing focused, year-round reporting on legislative actions—including in-depth coverage of floor debates and committee hearings—we illuminate the arguments and decisions shaping our laws. Engaging directly with interest groups, advocacy organizations, and legislators, we identify the most pressing issues to ensure our efforts concentrate where they matter most.
In the wake of the 2024 election, it's more important than ever to foster a nonpartisan space where backbench legislators, constituents, lobbyists, and advocacy groups can present arguments for or against active bills. By amplifying diverse voices—especially those that often go unheard—we aim to cultivate a dynamic marketplace of ideas, free from ideological constraints.
Our mission extends beyond reporting; we are dedicated to empowering individuals to transition from spectators to active participants in the democratic process. We provide training, how-tos, and explainers to help constituents propose legislation, advocate for change, and even consider running for office. By assisting new and disconnected legislators in navigating the complexities of governance, we help them effectively represent their constituents.
The urgency of our mission is clear: without an informed and engaged populace, our democratic institutions cannot function effectively. By bridging the gap between the public and the legislative process, we strengthen the very foundation of our democracy.
Moreover, we believe that Citizen in a Republic can serve as a model for revitalizing local democracies across the United States. If proven successful in New Hampshire, this approach can be scaled to other states and territories. Imagine a network of similar publications, each dedicated to increasing participation by covering their legislatures, amplifying diverse voices, and empowering citizens to step into the arena.
We invite funders and partners to join us in this crucial endeavor. By supporting Citizen in a Republic, you're investing in a scalable solution to one of the most pressing challenges of our time—the need for a more informed, engaged, and diverse citizenry actively participating in our democracy. Together, we can strengthen our democratic institutions from the ground up, ensuring they remain robust and responsive for generations to come.
A Call for Support
To realize the full potential of Citizen in a Republic, we are seeking a fiscal sponsor—a 501(c)(3) organization willing to support our mission. This partnership would enable us to apply for grants and secure funding while we work toward obtaining our own nonprofit status.
Why Partner with Us?
Proven Leadership: My background demonstrates a strong track record in leadership, organization, and effective advocacy.
Commitment to Democracy: My experiences have fueled a deep commitment to fostering active citizenship and safeguarding democratic values.
Vision for Impact: We aim to empower individuals to become informed actors in their communities, driving positive change from the ground up.
Join Us in the Arena
As Theodore Roosevelt so eloquently said:
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
It's up to each of us to fulfill our roles in preserving and strengthening our democracy.
With your support, Citizen in a Republic can be a catalyst for change, providing the tools and knowledge necessary for citizens to step into the arena confidently and effectively.
How You Can Help
Fiscal Sponsorship: If you are part of a 501(c)(3) organization aligned with our mission, please consider becoming our fiscal sponsor.
Spread the Word: Share this newsletter with individuals and organizations who might resonate with our cause.
Get Involved: Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to participate in our initiatives.
In Closing
Courage begets courage. By taking action, we inspire others to do the same. Let's work together to ensure that our democracy not only survives but thrives for generations to come.
With your help, I will do everything I can to fulfill my role as best I can, so that you, the reader, can be the best citizen in the arena you can possibly be.
Thank you for joining us on this journey toward active citizenship.
Sincerely,
Andrew Horn
Editor, Citizen in a Republic