BadAss Grandmas Achieve Surprise Democracy Reform in North Dakota

It’s hard not to be a fan of the “BadAss Grandmas”–the band of retired women largely responsible for North Dakota’s recent constitutional referendum embodying multiple pro-democracy reforms.   They conquered long odds and entrenched interests to achieve something truly important.  They’ve also sent a thoughtful message to other reformers based on an analysis of their own success.

According to one of their founders, Ellen-Earle Chaffee, these are the eight takeaways from the North Dakota experience:

• Democracy matters.
• The time is right.
• Democracy has many more votes than voices.
• Retirees are a rich source of time, talent and treasure for reform.
• Make it safe for people to vote their values. 
• Take the high road. 
• Give the people what they want. 
• You can do this.

For Chaffee’s full message, click here.