During political transitions, activists sometimes have an opportunity to “cross over” into government so they can advance democratic reform from within as elected or appointed officials. What do they need to know? How do they prepare themselves for shifting from civil society activism to governance? By sharing experiences and knowledge, the Crossover Initiative empowers activists who are entering, or have recently entered, government in overcoming challenges they face.

Twenty years ago, over 400 democrats gathered in New Delhi, India to form the World Movement for Democracy. The Movement was designed to be flexible and adaptable to the time’s most pressing challenges to democracy. Check out what we have achieved over the last 20 years with our timeline of the Movement.

The World Movement is a global networks of individuals, organizations, networks who share the principles, values, and aspirations of our Founding Statement. In honor of #WMD20Years, participants shared how the network has inspired their democracy work, engendered solidarity, and provided a sense of safety and belonging.

In a new video series, we speak with the families and friends of political prisoners in Azerbaijan and Venezuela who have been imprisoned for their work as activists, journalists, and human rights defenders. Join us in calling to #SetThemFree by sharing their stories with your networks.

Empowering Emerging Leaders

The World Movement aims to strengthen inclusive democratic governance with an emphasis on empowering emerging leaders that are committed to democratic principles. As part of this effort, the World Movement facilitates engagement among emerging leaders from civil society and political parties; exploring constructive ways to enhance their political participation; building effective partnerships between civil society, government, and the private sector; and sustaining democratic movements that influence policy making and institutional reforms.

Empowering Young Activists

The next generation of democratic leadership plays a crucial role in sustaining and advancing democracy.  The World Movement believes in the importance of inter-generational dialogue and facilitates exchange of ideas and experiences between seasoned leaders and emerging leaders.Through our Hurford Youth Fellowship,  we empower young activists by helping deepen their understanding of challenges of democracy and linking them with leaders of various democracy movements.

Political Prisoners' Stories

In a new video series, we speak with the families and friends of six political prisoners to learn more about their cases and what life is like after they’ve been unjustly taken from their communities. Listen to the stories of Seymur Hazi, Ilkin Rustamzade, Ilgar Mammadov, Bayram Mammadov, Giyas Ibrahimov, and Fuad Ahmadli below.

Over the past decade, authorities in Azerbaijan have prosecuted hundreds of activists, journalists, and public figures on politically motivated charges like drug possession, tax evasion, illegal entrepreneurship, and even treason.

Reinforcing Democratic Spaces

Freedoms are increasingly restricted for people who wish to voice their concerns, come together, and address those concerns by engaging stakeholders. In both physical and digital spaces, they face limitations on where they can meet, how they can interact, and what they can say or do. This is particularly true under authoritarian regimes, but also under new and established democracies where minority views are marginalized. As a result, citizens have less influence in political processes that impact their lives and are unable to hold their governments accountable.