Forum Post: How can American's accomplish participatory democracy?

I see hope in the occupy movement, I see hope in all the little cooperative movements springing up throughout the country, I see hope in all the activism aimed at getting money out politics, fighting against racism, for financial reform, on behalf of the poor and disenfranchised, etc. But I guess I'm wondering, is there something else that needs to be done to move us towards participatory democracy?

I see a lot of support for the recall election of Gov. Scott Walker, but not much conversation about the lack of ability to hold recall elections in about 30 of our 50 states. Surely, this would help us move closer to participatory democracy (even though it's not, in itself, participatory democracy, it at least provides a mechanism where people can exert influence over our political system, and an opportunity for participatory democracy).

I mean, I understand this idea may be viewed as trying to work within an illegitimate system, but if peaceful protest is the strategy, then I'm not sure how this can be avoided? Gandhi pushed the British into a political decision, he didn't overrun Parliament (the same with Martin Luther King, Vietnam protesters, etc.). Yes, I understand that real change comes from the ground up, but it seems to me that actually having the power to influence change, would inspire more participation (so it's a sort of a chicken or egg question).