New Jersey's Democracy Conversation
In spring 2022, the New Jersey Council for the Humanities collected hundreds of responses from individuals throughout the state as part of our Democracy Conversation Project. Via both an online form and "ballot boxes" located at partner sites throughout the state, New Jerseyans provided their thoughts in response to four questions about our democracy:
- What are the main challenges facing democracy today?
- What do you remember about the first time you voted?
- What does it mean to be a good citizen?
- Why is voting important to you?
Responses were accepted in written, audio, video, and visual formats. They were compiled and displayed in interactive format on this page, below. Responses can be filtered by age of the respondent (when provided), as well as keyword tag, question prompt, and response type.
Visualizing Democracy Commissions
In summer 2023, NJCH announced the commissions of two projects aiming to explore, analyze, and visualize the responses in new and interactive ways. Commissions were awarded in response to a call for proposals.
What does it mean to be a good citizen?
The first project, above, is a brief animated video exploring the themes found in responses to the question "What does it mean to be a good citizen?" The video was created by filmmaker April Merl of South Orange.
The Misinformation Newspaper
The second project, above, is a digital newspaper expounding on DCP responses related to misinformation as a challenge to democracy. It was created by artist and educator Melody Marshall of Woodbury.
All Responses
Filters
“Be responsible for your own actions”
What does it mean to be a good citizen?
“Afterwards, I felt a sense of pride and liberation”
What do you remember about the first time you voted?
“Don’t sit on the sidelines”
Why is voting important to you?
“Apathy is lethal”
What does it mean to be a good citizen?
“The laws of our society”
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?
“Following your responsibilities”
What does it mean to be a good citizen?
“Obeying the law and paying taxes”
What does it mean to be a good citizen?
“values of the preamble of the Constitution”
What does it mean to be a good citizen?
“we are dependent upon each other”
What does it mean to be a good citizen?
“takes individual responsibility”
What does it mean to be a good citizen?
“to help”
What does it mean to be a good citizen?
“we all have responsibility”
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?
“contribute to the fabric of democracy”
Why is voting important to you?
At NJCH, we believe that everyone should have access to humanities programming. Based on your organization and desired topics/formats, we offer programs—often subsidized by our federal and corporate funding—so that you can bring high quality humanities programs to your audiences.
