SayPro, in partnership with the United States Peace Corps, is promoting inclusive local governance by increasing public participation in community decision-making. SayPro believes that communities are strongest when all voices are heard—especially those of marginalized and underrepresented groups. With support from Peace Corps volunteers, SayPro organizes town halls, citizen feedback forums, and participatory budgeting sessions. These initiatives give residents a meaningful role in shaping policies and priorities. SayPro’s mission is to build trust between citizens and leaders, ensuring that local governance reflects the will and needs of the entire population rather than a select few.
SayPro places a strong emphasis on civic education and leadership training. Through workshops facilitated by SayPro and Peace Corps volunteers, community members learn about their rights, responsibilities, and the mechanisms through which they can influence decision-making. SayPro ensures these sessions are inclusive by providing translation services, child care, and accessible venues. These inclusive practices have allowed SayPro to engage more women, youth, and people with disabilities in governance. As a result, SayPro is helping shape a more transparent and accountable local government culture.
SayPro also works with local authorities to foster openness and responsiveness. Through its advocacy programs, SayPro encourages elected officials to adopt open-data policies and publish regular progress updates. SayPro helps communities develop civic charters and governance scorecards to track performance. Peace Corps volunteers assist SayPro in facilitating dialogue between officials and residents, ensuring mutual understanding. SayPro’s approach promotes a culture of responsiveness where citizens feel heard and leaders are motivated to act on public input.
SayPro’s success is evident in the increased turnout at public forums, improved service delivery, and stronger community-government relations. SayPro aims to replicate this model in other underserved areas, with a particular focus on post-conflict regions where civic trust is low. With continued collaboration from the United States Peace Corps, SayPro is redefining governance as a shared responsibility. SayPro remains committed to building inclusive, accountable systems where every citizen’s voice has the power to drive meaningful change.