The first phase of last year’s #ThankYouDemocracy Advocacy Campaign focused on fostering a positive narrative around democracy by emphasizing its universal value and promoting youth participation and civic education. The campaign sought to combat political apathy, disengagement, and declining trust in democratic systems by showcasing democratic innovations and good practices worldwide.
The second phase of the campaign, #KeepDemocracyAlive, will build upon these foundations by not only promoting the value of democracy but also actively countering misinformation and false narratives that undermine democratic institutions. This phase aims to demonstrate how democracy impacts daily lives, debunk misconceptions, and reinforce the importance of civic engagement and media literacy.
Objectives
The primary objective of the second phase of the campaign is to safeguard the true meaning of democracy and its institutions from being redefined and manipulated by autocratic regimes, far-right governments, and anti-democratic actors. The campaign aims to reaffirm the authentic principles of democracy, clearly define the roles and significance of democratic institutions, and counter efforts to distort democratic values for political convenience. To achieve this, the campaign will focus on the following specific objectives:
The campaign will actively counter attempts to rebrand democracy by autocratic and far-right actors. It will highlight the true definitions, purposes, and functions of democratic institutions—such as legislatures, courts, and oversight bodies—and demonstrate how they serve as safeguards for human rights, justice, and accountability.
Showcase the tangible impact of democratic governance on individual lives, from healthcare access and educational opportunities to freedom of expression and labor rights. This will involve creating clear and accessible content that explains how democratic institutions contribute to societal well-being and stability.
Provide a platform for experts, activists, and individuals with lived experiences under democratic and non-democratic regimes to share their perspectives. The campaign will engage high-profile figures such as the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association, experts from the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and thought leaders in democracy and human rights. These voices will clarify the expectations and legal standards surrounding key democratic freedoms, such as the right to protest, freedom of expression, and access to justice.
The campaign will address false narratives about democratic institutions, clarify their legitimate roles and responsibilities, and educate the public on media literacy and how to critically assess information. It will also focus on explaining what democratic institutions are and what they are not, helping to dispel myths that confuse or undermine democratic governance.
Develop educational materials and media content that set the record straight on critical democratic processes and rights. For example, videos and podcasts featuring experts explaining what constitutes a legal protest, the boundaries of free speech, and the true mandate of international institutions like the ICC and ICJ.
The Thank You Democracy Podcast
The Thank You Democracy Podcast, is a dedicated source for powerful stories at the frontlines of today’s democratic struggles and triumphs. Brought to you by the Global Democracy Coalition, this podcast brings a renewed focus on the people who make democracy real.
In Season 2, we dive into the lives of young leaders, activists, and everyday changemakers who are keeping democracy alive in the face of rising authoritarianism, disinformation, and repression. These are people who speak up, push back, and step forward—often at great personal risk—to defend rights, truth, and justice in their communities and beyond.
Our episodes explore stories of courage and connection, shining a light on those whose daily actions, big and small, form the backbone of resilient democratic societies. With guests ranging from grassroots organizers to international advocates, the Thank You Democracy Podcast offers an inside look at what it takes to protect and strengthen democracy today. Whether you’re a committed democracy defender, a curious listener, or someone seeking hope in a challenging global landscape, this podcast is for you.
Subscribe now and join us in celebrating and sustaining democracy, today and every day.
Thematic Hashtags
Multimedia content will serve as a central pillar of the campaign’s outreach strategy. Each week, a curated schedule of social media content will be released, structured around five thematic hashtags.
#NextGenMondays will amplify youth voices, highlighting stories of young leaders, and facilitating conversations around political representation, civic education, and grassroots activism. These posts aim to inspire and equip the next generation with tools to take meaningful action in their communities.
#FactCheckingTuesdays will confront the growing threat of disinformation, deepfakes, and AI-driven manipulation, especially in electoral contexts. Through infographics, short videos, and expert commentary, these posts will raise awareness about how false narratives spread, and how citizens can critically assess information and protect the integrity of democratic processes.
#RightsWednesdays will focus on elevating the voices and experiences of marginalized communities, spotlighting issues related to gender equity, LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, the inclusion of persons with disabilities, and more. By sharing testimonials, data-driven insights, and advocacy initiatives, this theme will underline the principle that democracy must be inclusive to be legitimate.
#TransparencyThursdays will delve into themes of anti-corruption, judicial independence, and open governance. The content will explore how institutions can build public trust through accountability, and why the rule of law is foundational to democratic societies. Featured stories include case studies and expert testimony from high-level democracy advocates.
#FreedomFridays will celebrate and defend fundamental freedoms such as freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and press freedom. These posts will feature journalists, activists, and everyday citizens exercising their rights, and discuss threats in closing civic spaces around the world.
Stay up to date via our social media!
For more information, reach out to Elisenda Ballesté Buxó (e.ballestebuxo@idea.int), Nicki Kalfas (n.kalfas@idea.int) or Laura Flores (lflores@clubmadrid.org).