Liberty Through Civil Society Engagement | Mary Theroux

Marcela López  | 08 de noviembre de 2024  | Vistas: 5

Mary Theroux, CEO and Chairman of the Independent Institute in California and author of Beyond Homelessness, was awarded an honorary doctorate by Universidad Francisco Marroquín. She is renowned for her advocacy work, promoting community-driven solutions over government interventions. In this interview, she shared her connection to Guatemala and recounted an anecdote from her first visit to the country in 2006 for a Mont Pelerin Society meeting. She also praised Universidad Francisco Marroquín as a global hub for safeguarding and advancing ideas centered on freedom and responsibility.

Theroux emphasized the critical role of grassroots systems, where individuals and communities take the initiative to solve local problems. Drawing on historical examples, she highlighted the contributions of mutual aid societies in early American communities, which exemplified self-reliance and voluntary cooperation. She explained how these initiatives enabled communities to build libraries, hospitals, and other institutions without government interference. Furthermore, she contrasted this with the present, where government programs have displaced such efforts, undermining their effectiveness and fostering dependency.

Real change comes from culture, not politics.” — Mary Theroux

Theroux also explored California's homelessness crisis, pointing out how current policies have worsened the problem. She criticized the state's focus on prioritizing permanent housing over transitional shelters, arguing that this approach fails to address the immediate needs of the homeless. She connected the crisis to broader societal issues, including economic instability, substance abuse, and the erosion of family and community structures. Theroux advocated for a return to civil society solutions, emphasizing personal responsibility and community-driven support as essential to addressing these challenges effectively.

Civil society thrives when people solve problems together, not the government.” — Mary Theroux

In addition, the interview touched the role of think tanks in shaping cultural narratives and influencing policy. Theroux outlined the Independent Institute's strategy, which focuses on engaging minds and changing cultural dialogues rather than solely relying on political activism. She emphasized the importance of showcasing successful voluntary solutions to inspire action and described how think tanks can bridge the gap between intellectual discourse and practical community-led change.

Civil society is about people, not the state.” — Mary Theroux

The interview concluded with a global perspective, where Theroux reflected on historical examples of government overreach, such as the Great Society programs in the U.S., and their impact on societal well-being. She expressed hope for renewed civil society efforts in Central and Latin America, emphasizing the importance of grassroots engagement and decentralized solutions. By fostering voluntary collaboration and empowering communities, Theroux believes societies can tackle complex challenges more effectively than through top-down government mandates.