WHO WE ARE

OUR GOALS

• To inspire and motivate citizens about the genuine difference involvement can make
• To inform them about key issues and problems impacting the vulnerable
• To support active involvement in the public arena (politics, government, academia, and the media)
• To provide opportunities for action on behalf of the vulnerable - practical protection now, and long-term resolution to the root causes of the problems they face
• To encourage individuals to multiply their impact by enthusiastically sharing their heart for the movement with others

OUR DISTINCTIVES
Citizen Voice is distinct.  Our fundamental uniqueness is the focus on giving a genuine voice to citizens that results in protecting the most vulnerable - young children, the disabled, the impoverished, frail elderly, at-risk natural resources, endangered or abused animals, and more.  Our heart is to protect the vulnerable in practical ways and to reorient the dominant political dialogue from a focus on self-interest to one of historic nonpartisan regard for these often still, small or weak voices.  Citizen Voice reflects the fact that there is a great need for 1) a basic change of societal hearts regarding the purpose of politics, and 2) the creation of a major new nonpartisan movement clearly focused on assisting all citizens and protecting the most vulnerable among and around us.

Some of our distinctives include:

• Building a growing citizen movement that has significant impact, not simply an organization
• The focus on protecting the most vulnerable
• Intergenerational approach to citizen involvement
• Nonpartisan
• Global in scope, yet working at all levels - local, state, national and international
• Emphasis on inspiring, informing and involving citizens regarding both immediate needs and long-term systemic changes
• High interest in collaboration on effective projects with other entities that have specific expertise in areas of mutual interest and concern

COLLABORATION
As many wonderful organizations and individuals have valuable specific expertise, our approach is to collaborate with them to bring both practical assistance and systemic changes to issues negatively affecting all citizens as well as the vulnerable.

OUR HISTORY
In response to increasing citizen disillusionment, deepening political divisions and a growing "politics of self-interest" rather than historic concern for protecting the most vulnerable, Citizen Voice launched in 2002.  For Gary and Elyse Dietrich, the founders of Citizen Voice, the launch represented years of preparation to apply their accumulated professional experience and training towards making a significant difference in a new way in the public arena.

During that fall of 2002 election season, a gubernatorial year in California, Citizen Voice held a series of high energy, nonpartisan election awareness events in the state's capital region- reaching both youth and adults, receiving extensive media coverage, and being hailed as a tremendously valuable new asset for citizens. Individuals from around the state and nation, who had heard about Citizen Voice from others or the media, began to make contact expressing their interest.  The test of the need and desire for this new citizen movement had been passed.  Citizen Voice had been born.

2003-04 presented opportunities for increased media exposure and allowed for development of the foundational logistics that will help successfully move Citizen Voice into the future.  Through involvement with California's historic gubernatorial recall election in 2003, Citizen Voice founder Gary Dietrich provided extensive nonpartisan political analysis statewide, nationally and even internationally for California media outlets, U.S. radio and TV networks, French television and the BBC.  The presidential election year of 2004 likewise provided continuous opportunities for media exposure, visibility and on-air voter education.  Additionally, the organization developed a long-range strategic plan and enhanced its structural capacities such as advanced database capabilities and strategically located office space in the capital city of California.

For Citizen Voice, 2005-06 is an exciting time of transition and growth.  The founders are currently undertaking a major initiative that will take the movement to the next level.  As part of their personal commitment, they have made a $50,000 contribution to the organization and are prepared to shift to full-time involvement in this vital cause.  They are the spark behind a big vision to meet the demands of very challenging times, and plan to do so along with many others who desire to join in this fundamental effort to inspire, inform and involve citizens in the public arena on behalf of all, especially the vulnerable.

OUR FOUNDERS / Gary and Elyse Dietrich
Citizen Voice was founded by Gary and Elyse Dietrich.  Mr. Dietrich graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of California and received his master's degree from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard.  He was selected for a prestigious California State Senate Fellowship, served as a staff member to the California State Assembly and the state Senate, and has worked on campaigns from legislative to presidential.  He now serves as a political analyst on television and radio and has been seen or heard on dozens of stations and networks throughout the state (including Newstalk 1530 KFBK, Talk 650 KSTE, KGO and others) as well as nationally and internationally.  Mr. Dietrich is also recognized as an accomplished professional speaker, having addressed thousands of youth and adults regarding the impact of politics, public policy, and government on their lives, their state, and their nation.  Elyse Dietrich, as well, has both an extensive background in the media and broad public speaking credentials.  For nearly 17 years Ms. Dietrich worked in one of the nation's top 20 television markets, the California state capital's greater Sacramento region, as an active and highly visible figure in the world of community affairs.  For 10 years she served as the Director of Community Relations at KTXL FOX40.  Prior to joining KTXL, she served as the Community Services Director at KRBK-TV Channel 31 (now KMAX), in the news department at KCRA-TV Channel 3 and in the Public Affairs Department at KXTV Channel 10.  Ms. Dietrich's academic background includes extensive coursework at the University of California and a communications degree from California State University.  Both are partners in The Dietrich Group, a nonpartisan public policy, public affairs and communications consulting firm.

STAFF, CONSULTANTS AND VOLUNTEERS
In the ramp-up phase, Citizen Voice is receiving services on a contract basis.  The organization is currently seeking funding to bring on initial full-time staff.  The plan is to fill essential staff positions initially and continue on a contract basis with consultants for other job functions as additional funding for these positions is secured.  Volunteers and volunteer leaders have and will take an active and critical role in the growth, success and impact of Citizen Voice as well.

OUR OFFICES
Citizen Voice offices are currently located on the 17th Floor of the Esquire office building, just a block from California's State Capitol.  The arrangement provides flexible use of office space, meeting rooms, communications systems, reception services and administrative and IT support.  This arrangement allows Citizen Voice to contract for services and space as needed.  Plans are to continue in this arrangement for the foreseeable future and to utilize any major campaigns, large gifts and special gifts for the expansion of project and outreach efforts rather than buildings.  Future plans include offices in Washington, D.C. as well as other locations nationally and internationally as the movement grows and extends its reach and impact.

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© 2006 Citizen Voice, Inc. All rights reserved.