We believe that those who are affected by the decisions
of government must be consulted by those who govern. It is the right of
citizens to have access to the instruments of power; it is their duty to
learn to use them effectively and wisely. We seek to elect to public office
men and women who will serve with wisdom and imagination, while remaining
responsive to those who gave them office. We seek to build a citizenry
confident in this capacity to select its leaders and to take part in the
making of public policy.
The IVI–IPO seeks to achieve this program for
the community at large by means of broadly based citizen involvement in
the political process. We will serve to make visible a political community
which is at once energetic and humane. All who have a stake in our decisions
will participate in making them; all who participate will share the responsibility
for implementation. By fostering responsible citizen participation in public
affairs, by promoting fresh, responsive and democratic political leadership,
by demonstrating in our ways of work the wisdom of popular democracy, we
seek to bring about a new political order in our community.
Toward these ends, the IVI–IPO will seek:
