Janet Belkin is a local writer, advocate and member of Safeguarding Democracy
Safeguarding Democracy is a group of concerned thinkers who are working to protect the future of American democracy and the welfare of its citizens, according to founder and Yonkers resident John Baer.
Baer launched the group 2 years ago by placing flyers throughout Yonkers and the surrounding area seeking others interested in defending elections, upholding the rule of law and engaging in fact-based political debate against authoritarian threats.
Working on Civics in Yonkers
During these two years the members of Safeguarding Democracy have actively participated in registering new voters, particularly within the Yonkers school system, as well as educating existing voters and convincing fellow citizens that they are the foundation of our democracy.
Specifically, one primary goal is to spread the message that civic engagement is the major way for an individual American can participate in influencing his or her own future. The group is now in the process of determining how to reach that goal.
Collaborating with Other Groups
As the organization has grown as an active community group, it has begun to work with groups with similar goals, such as the League of Women Voters and community educators. Membership seems to be growing among Senior citizens who are becoming more concerned about threats to our democracy. In fact, one member suggested it might be appropriate to change the name to Seniors for Sanity, but the group is not there yet.
Welcoming New Members
Baer noted that the current membership represents a diversified group of accomplished professionals with a shared goal of defeating an authoritarian threat while building a resilient democracy. He indicated that the membership looks forward to welcoming new members who share their goals and are interested in helping to facilitate those goals. People of any age, residence or experience are welcome. The only requirement for joining is a sharing of the need to continue our democracy as one “of the people, for the people and by the people.”
Currently meetings are held in Yonkers every other week. For more information contact john@johnebaer.com
