Dash for Democracy

Posted by on October 27, 2006

On November 4, 2006, three days before one of the most important elections in our nation’s history, Philadelphia?s premier non-partisan and nonprofit government watchdog organization, The Committee of Seventy, is giving your voice legs – literally.

Longtime Boston Marathon Race Director, Dave McGillivray, is proud to be a part of the inaugural Dash for Democracy? 5K Run and Walk that will turn Philadelphia?s Independence Mall into one gigantic platform for everyone to “run” or walk for the issues, passions and beliefs that are most important to them. Prizes will be awarded to the individuals who come up with the most creative and entertaining ways of expressing themselves.

“The objective and mission of the Dash is so different and so innovative in the running world that I knew I just had to be involved,” McGillivray said. “I am really looking forward to working with the Committee of Seventy and the city of Philadelphia on this new and captivating event.”

Pennsylvania is home to one of the hottest elections in the country with U.S. Senator Rick Santorum and challenger Bob Casey battling it out for a United States Senate seat.

?At a time when we?re all bombarded with political messages and advertisements about what we should care about, the Dash gives people a fun opportunity to draw attention to their own passions and beliefs in a very symbolic and real way,? said Zack Stalberg, President and CEO of the Committee of Seventy and the former editor of the Philadelphia Daily News.

Other activities happening on November 4th include a ?Democracy Your Way? Expo that will take place inside the National Constitution Center. While most road races have traditional expos that cater to the running community, ?Democracy Your Way? will feature 35 area non-profits showcasing the work they do and how people can get involved. There will also be a Mini-Dash for the kids, music, raffle tickets, speakers and much more.

According to Mr. Stalberg, the spirit of the Dash is to build a better democracy, which in turn leads to a better government. The Committee of Seventy believes that when citizens take an active role in what?s going on in their neighborhood, community, and city, they have the power to make positive changes and have real impact.

All the revenue generated from the Dash will help support the Committee of Seventy?s non-partisan civic education and empowerment programs.

?Everything about the Dash is unique ? the concept, the race route and the Expo,? McGillivray said. ?If you?re in the area and looking for a U.S.A.T.F. certified road race, I encourage you to consider the Dash for Democracy? on November 4.?

Dash sponsors include Temple University Health System, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Clear Channel, Philadelphia Newspapers, Ltd., CN8, the Comcast Network among others. For complete information, please visit http://www.dashfordemocracy.org or call Anne Mahlum at 215-557-3600 ext. 203.