The Foundation of Democracy
When Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote in The Social Contract (1762), “The people, being subject to the laws, ought to be their author,” he laid the foundation for modern democracy: governments derive legitimacy from the will of the people. In local government, this principle is particularly vivid—policies and decisions directly shape daily life, from transportation to education to community safety. Yet, in practice, the public’s role in shaping those policies is often confined to an occasional vote or a fleeting public hearing.
A Shift in Participation
Political theorist Ivan Krastev observes a shift in how people today want to participate: “To take part in politics today means to make your voice heard—not to count your vote, but to post your indignation,” as he writes in The Light That Failed (2019). Voting, while essential, no longer feels sufficient for many. People crave dialogue—a chance to express what matters to them in their own words, on their own terms, and to be heard not only by officials but also by their neighbors. Unfortunately, most digital tools for civic engagement oversimplify this desire, reducing complex perspectives to comment boxes or survey checkboxes.
People crave dialogue—a chance to express what matters to them in their own words, on their own terms, and to be heard not only by officials but also by their neighbors.
Enter Equator
That’s where Equator comes in. Our platform offers local governments a fresh approach to engaging residents: through short, thoughtful video discussions on real community issues. Equator empowers leaders to pose clear, relevant questions and enables residents to respond with authentic, structured contributions—not just opinions, but insights grounded in lived experience. It’s a tool that honors Rousseau’s vision of authorship by giving residents a direct role in shaping policy and fulfills the desire Krastev describes for meaningful voice by fostering genuine conversation. The result? Stronger trust between governments and communities, richer public discourse, and better decisions informed by diverse perspectives.
Learn more about Equator for Local Government here.