People Power: A user's guide to democracy

Dan Jellinek

Jul 2013 · Random House

About this ebook

As protestors around the world risk their lives in pursuit of democracy, in the UK the word has never seemed so tarnished. Surveys regularly show our politicians are not liked, not trusted and not wanted. Voter turnout is shockingly low, and episodes such as the MPs’ expenses scandal serve to confirm the opinion that public officials are all as bad as each other.

So what is the answer?

Lighting the way through the corridors of power, Dan Jellinek provides a unique and accessible guide to democracy in Britain, explaining how its elements work – from national and local government to free speech, the internet and the rule of law – and the role that we, the public, need to play to keep the wheels turning.

Illustrated by Harry Venning (Clare in the Community, Hamlet), People Power's mission is not only to explain but to galvanise and engage people in a positive way. If you want to know how your small actions can bring about big changes, how you can improve your lot and the lives of others, then you must read this book. Stand up and be counted. The power is in your hands.

About the author

Dan Jellinek is co-founder of Headstar, a publishing house specialising in technology and social issues including the effect of the internet on democracy, and access to technology by disabled people.

In his early career Dan covered both Westminster and Brussels for Local Government Chronicle, the UK’s leading news publication for local councils. He then went freelance, writing for the Guardian and working for BBC Online as an early contributor to BBC WebWise, an online and TV resource for internet beginners.

In 2001 he co-founded VoxPolitics, the UK’s first think-tank tracking the use of new technologies in political campaigning. This work led to Dan being voted among the top 10 people worldwide having an impact on the way the internet is changing politics.

In recent years Dan has worked for the Parliamentary IT Committee (PITCOM – now PICTFOR, the Parliamentary Internet, Communications and Technology Forum), briefing MPs and Peers on key policy issues such as the role of the Internet in pro-democracy struggles in the Middle East. Between 2006-09 he was on the international board of E-Democracy.Org, a pioneering charity which aims to improve participation in democracy using information networks.

Dan is married with two children and lives in Brighton, East Sussex.

www.danjellinek.com