For nearly four decades, NDI has assisted people around the world in building the institutions, processes and culture of democracy. We have done so by sharing and learning from the experiences and practices of not only Americans, but also citizens worldwide who have struggled to build just and inclusive societies in their own countries.

The recent high-profile deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery have confronted the United States anew with the violent deficiencies of its racial past and present – our too-long, incomplete journey toward justice, equal rights and dignity for all. Our nation’s historic deficiency in a way is uniquely American, but in many ways is also shared by countless other countries around the world.  

The U.S. Constitution – for all its manifest faults at its inception – begins with an aspirational vision: to form a “more perfect union.” America’s creed “out of many, one” (E Pluribus Unum) reflects a fundamental truth that diversity is strength, and that any country that fails to respect and empower all equally will never live up to its full potential. 

This vision and this creed have served as a beacon to millions, if not billions, around the world who struggle for equal justice and dignity in their own countries. The inability of the United States to create a society that lives up to its historic aspirations is tragic, and a challenge for anyone who cares about the spread of democracy and justice around the world.  

NDI has witnessed time and again the consequences when populations fail to recognize that racism, intolerance and injustice will never lead to a truly secure, prosperous and peaceful society. 

Supporting those who seek justice and a voice in their own lives – democracy – is the work to which NDI has been committed for decades. 

Those of us who are American citizens understand that every one of us has a responsibility to advance that struggle in our own communities here at home.  

As global citizens, inspired by Dr. King’s belief in an “inescapable network of mutuality,” all of us at NDI will continue to advance those same goals internationally, proud and humbled to stand alongside countless courageous partners around the world standing up – or kneeling down – for their rights, and who will not rest before they receive the justice, equality and dignity too long denied. 

Derek Mitchell

NDI President