Some would point to the proliferation of citizen based interest groups in society as a counter to the thesis that local democracy is wanting. Such organizations do not get down to the street level of our neighborhoods and thus only partially address the lack of Democracy in America. This lack of street-level Democracy results in an inability of citizens to have a positive influence on the problems of modern life at the local level. 6 ICE sees its mission as empowering citizens at the most local of levels. As such, its work seeks to fill the constitutional void, identified by Jefferson, that is undermining the democratic foundations of the American Republic.
ICE creates and supports local organizations.
It trains and mentors young community organizers to work with these local organizations to develop grassroots leaders who come, primarily, from neighborhood streets rather than from preexisting organizations and institutions. These organizations are democratically built, basing their actions on the documented support of the majority of effected citizens for the organizationally supported position. The forums for the development of organizational positions are open to all residents and all are able to speak and vote. It is an uphill battle in light of the deluge of non-democratic power conglomerations that govern modern American society. Government by the People, in mass, acting directly and personally.