The Colorado Forward Party (CO FWD) often describes itself as having ‘values-based’ platform. What does it mean to be ‘values-based’?

A values-based organization is concerned first with how the government works, believing that government based on strong values will best serve the people. This sentiment is central to CO FWD. In fact, CO FWD endorses candidates of any party. One requirement is that the candidate accepts the CO FWD Forward pledge, which speaks of integrity and common values, not policy specifically.

To best understand the values that CO FWD party promotes, refer to the Affiliate and Candidate Pledge (you can sign this yourself!). CO FWD Affiliate and Candidate Pledge strives to foster integrity and promotes a shared set of values, asking affiliates and candidates to be respectful, transparent, reasonable, good-willed, moderate, data- and fact-driven, and unifying.

You can also view the Forward's national candidate pledge, which asks candidates for loyalty to the rule of law and to the constitution, for a dedication to elevate the voice of the voter, for a willingness to compromise and break from partisan deadlock, and for listening. The closest Forward comes to advocating specific policy probably is the thought that our democracy is in need of election reform.

We understand that no single candidate or party platform has all the answers, and that many politicians feel trapped by the demand for strict loyalty to their party. We believe that creating an environment based on a common set of values will result in an well-functioning democratic government that is focused on the needs of the voter.

See a list of candidates CO FWD has endorsed here.

The designers of the American democracy were as a group skeptical that this ‘experiment’ in modern democracy could succeed unless its voters actively developed their own virtue alongside the government. They knew that a nation that descended into factionalism and self-interest was sure to fail.*  This is why a leader who leads by division is so threatening to democracy (The first job of a leader is to bring people together, not to divide the country).

Few would disagree that today’s America is compromised by self-interest and factionalism. CO FWD strives to counter the passion-driven division and anger, villainization and domination that characterize today's American politics.

The above two pledges are what is meant when the Forward Party describes itself as being values-based. If you are not yet registered to vote, you can register here (and hopefully affiliate with the Forward Party, which is now a minor political party in Colorado). If you are already registered, consider changing your party affiliation to the Forward Party.

Also, please consider donating to the Forward Party's growth in Colorado.

Not Left. Not Right. Forward.

* In fact, the slowness of democracy that bothers so many actually is a design feature. The founders knew that reason grows as tempers calm, and tempers calm with time. Therefore, they designed a system that would resist the implementation of policies that resulted from heightened emotion.