The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grants that fund state councils are being rescinded by DOGE. As a result, NJCH will be forced to significantly scale back or cut our grants, programs, and operations. Here are some steps you can take to help.
Empowering people and communities through the humanities
The New Jersey Council for the Humanities is collecting the thoughts of 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 have the opportunity to provide their thoughts in response to four questions about our democracy:
Responses are accepted in written, audio, video, and visual formats. They will be compiled and displayed in interactive format on this page, below, following onto responses collected during the 2022 iteration of this program. Responses can be filtered by age of the respondent (when provided), as well as keyword tag, question prompt, and response type.
In summer 2023, NJCH announced the opportunity for a commission for projects aiming to explore, analyze, and visualize responses collected in 2022 in new and interactive ways. The video below, by filmmaker April Merl of South Orange, brings to life various responses to the question "What does it mean to be a good citizen?"
See what your neighbors are saying about democracy in our state.
Use the submission link below or visit a host site to add your own thoughts to the conversation. Responses from your fellow New Jerseyans can be viewed below. Use the various filters and click the "Submit" button to see only the responses that fit your selected criteria.
What do you think about the state of our democracy? Add your personal reflection to the statewide conversation about democracy in America through a written statement, photograph, or audio/video submission.
Billionaires leveraging their $s to undermine the will of the people.
| Billionaires leveraging their $s to undermine the will of the people. Additionally ethics, empathy, & equity have not grown commensurate with tech prowess. |
Combating the belief that a representative should align with your political beliefs 100%
| Combating the belief that a representative should align with your political beliefs 100% to justify voting, and subsequently voting for someone because you believe others will as well, rather than voting based on what you feel our region, state, country needs. |
Voting allows me to amplify voices that are often marginalized in national discourse.
| As a Black woman whose ancestors did not have the right to voite, being able to exercise the right to vote is extremely important. Voting allows me to amplify voices that are often marginalized in national discourse. Voting is a powerful act of self-determination and it helps to shape the present and the future landscapes for generations to come. |
my first time voting was 2 years after being naturalized as a US citizen.
| I think my first time voting was 2 years after being naturalized as a US citizen. It was the 2012 presidential and it was extra special because I’d door-knocked for Obama in ’08, but I couldn’t vote yet. It was so special to exercise the privelege of franchise! |
To acknowledge your being part of a greater whole.
| Being a good citizen requires awareness and a willingness to take personal responsibility for actions that can affect the community at large. To acknowledge your being part of a greater whole. One’s personal success cannot exist in a vacuum, and a good citizen takes steps to engage their community in the capacity they are able to. |
to be a good citizen involves active participation in the betterment of our communities
| For me to be a good citizen involves active participation in the betterment of our communities. It’s adding our talents and contributing to see our cities and towns thrive and ensuring that our people are getting the resources needed to succeed and make this world a better place. |
I remember knowing my guy was going to lose but I had a voice!
| I remember knowing my guy was going to lose but I had a voice! |
caring for others, showing empathy, and contributing to a fair, just society
| Being a good citizen means caring for others, showing empathy, and contributing to a fair, just society. Upholding values of democracy and human decency. Listening and helping and participating to make life better for everyone. |
Unity. Dismantling divisive behavior
Unity. Dismantling divisive behavior and leaning into the values of democracy
How proud I was to be a part of the collective decisioning
| How proud I was to be a part of the collective decisioning and to make a difference in my community and nation. |
building community in your city, neighborhood, or state
| Caring about people other than yourself (caring about issues even if they don’t affect you). Helping a neighbor. Getting involved with issues in your community and building community in your city, neighborhood, or state. |
the ideals of the “old guard” as illustrated by then President Bush and that of a young Bill Clinton seemed to clash
| My first election was Bush v Clinton. What was civic discourse and the ideals of the “old guard” as illustrated by then President Bush and that of a young Bill Clinton seemed to clash. But the friendship that grew from seeming policy divisions seems almost impossible at this moment. |
I vote so my sons may vote one day as part of my civic legacy.
| Voting is not only my right and my voice… it’s the legacy I preserve as a good citizen. So I vote so my sons may vote one day as part of my civic legacy. |
Disengagement in politics/lack of representation in marginalized groups
| The main challenges facing democracy today: Strategic misinformation/lack of education. Campaigns run on misinformation and deceitful information of the law to misinform. Supremacism/selfishness. Disengagement in politics/lack of representation in marginalized groups |
inequality combined by outsized influence of the wealthiest people and corporations
| So many! I think first and foremost income inequality combined by outsized influence of the wealthiest people and corporations. This couples with a divestment in community and people and deteriorating institutions at the community level. |
As a young adult I was filled with power and emotion
| The first time I voted I had only turned 18 a few months before. As a young adult I was filled with power and emotion as a female in this country. |
Lack of understanding of the values of civil society.
| Lack of understanding of the values of civil society. Institutionalized self-centeredness. Anger pimps seen as pundits. |
Disinformation/misinformation- erosion of trust in the media
| 1. Disinformation/misinformation- erosion of trust in the media 2. Declining civic engagement. Voter apathy/no trust in institutions 3. Election integrity 4. Technological disruptions |
A grossly ill-informed society bloated by excess
| 1. We are not teaching our children the importance of civic responsibilities or the foundations of our democracy. 2. Too much media. 3. A grossly ill-informed society bloated by excess. |
voting in every local, county, state, and federal election
| To be a good citizen means voting in every local, county, state, and federal election having knowledge about the candidates. Also being a good neighbor and engaging with elected officials. |
Being a good citizen is finding ways to contribute to society using one’s strengths and skills.
| Being a good citizen means loving in the community and society through our actions. We must care about people and treat everyone with kindness. We must also find opportunities to give back through service. Service comes in many forms; for some it’s giving money, giving time for others it’s volunteering or leading. Being a good citizen is finding ways to contribute to society using one’s strengths and skills. |
The first time I voted I got to witness history being made
| The first time I voted I got to witness history being made and proudly voted for Obama. There was so much hope… a stark difference to today. |
“To care for all citizens (and non-citizens)”
To care for all citizens (and non-citizens). Help achieve equity for all.
“To be a good citizen means seeing the humanity in every human”
To be a good citizen means seeing the humanity in every human and sharing empathy and respect for those around you, especially those who may be culturally or ideologically different from you.
“The ability to agree on a set of facts.”
The ability to agree on a set of facts.
“Being a good citizen is about thinking of others over yourself”
Being a good citizen is about thinking of others over yourself – doing what’s right for the greatest number of people & not just for me – understanding that equality & equity doesn’t take away from me, but gives to ALL.
“Misinformation – echo chamber algorithms”
Misinformation – echo chamber algorithms. It is hard for busy, hardworking citizens, even when inspired or interested, to find viable information. If you are already apathetic and disillusioned this further promotes powerlessness & hopelessness. We need TRUTH and HOPE.
“Education – our citizens don’t understand what it means and how much it touches every aspect of our lives.”
Education – our citizens don’t understand what it means and how much it touches every aspect of our lives.
“the main challenge facing democracy today is our inability to engage in civil discourse”
I believe the main challenge facing democracy today is our inability to engage in civil discourse. When we can’t have basic conversations, we can’t move forward.
“to be civically aware, engaged to vote, to speak up against ‘wrongs’, hate, bias”
Good citizen – to be civically aware, engaged to vote, to speak up against ‘wrongs’, hate, bias; to speak up for trust‑building; all‑ages inclusion; spaces for all to gather, learn, pray, read, play; build better futures for all; to partner with & volunteer with organizations that you are passionate about. Be grateful, give generously (time & treasures). Be kind! Be strong.
“caring enough about your community to participate through service, philanthropy and civic duties”
Being a good citizen means caring enough about your community to participate through service, philanthropy and civic duties—including voting. We all need to take active roles in citizenship starting with getting to know and caring about our neighbors.
“the misinformation regarding the current issues that affect vulnerable communities.”
One of the main challenges democracy is facing is the misinformation regarding the current issues that affect vulnerable communities.
“we are faced with a society that cannot listen to each other.”
There are many challenges. To me we are faced with a society that cannot listen to each other. We can’t hear opposing opinions and everyone seems to be unable to see humanity which is the core of who we are.
“Caring about the well‑being of the entire community.”
Caring about the well‑being of the entire community.
“How exciting it was to pull the lever (old school) & feel I was participating in the future I wanted to see.”
How exciting it was to pull the lever (old school) & feel I was participating in the future I wanted to see.
“30% of people don’t know who their state representatives are. “
People do not understand government. 30% of people don’t know who their state representatives are. They don’t know who is responsible for what but we are asking them to vote. Reaching people where they are is what we have to do.
“Vote, speak TRUTH. Share your heart and concrete stories of injustice with neighbors, friends, colleagues”
Pay attention. Check assumptions. Vote, speak TRUTH. Share your heart and concrete stories of injustice with neighbors, friends, colleagues to build awareness, bridges and fight apathy and ignorance. Feel and express grief as you hold onto hope and fight for democracy.
“I did my research about several candidates so that I would be prepared”
I remember being nervous but excited. I did my research about several candidates so that I would be prepared and once it was done I felt more confident and involved.
“Voting means getting involved!!”
We need to refocus on empathy and stop the apathy. Voting means getting involved!!
“to bridge divides & find your power & in your collective belief to improve quality of life for all people.”
To build collaboration in your community – to bridge divides & find your power & in your collective belief to improve quality of life for all people.
“It allows me to exercise my power of choice as a citizen.”
It allows me to exercise my power of choice as a citizen. People fought arduously for me to have that right.
“Good citizen truly believes in the good of mankind and acts on it”
Helping our neighbors and community because we want to – not because we have to – looking for a benefit. Good citizen truly believes in the good of mankind and acts on it.
“Voting gives you a voice”
Voting gives you a voice. It is essential to civic engagement. While it is not your whole voice, it is an integral part of it.
“live up to the ideals of our nation”
Democratic norms and rights are under attack. We need to work to restore trust in key institutions (media, government, universities, the civic sector) that authoritarian forces are seeking to undermine. Concerted, united action is essential to push back against these forces and live up to the ideals of our nation.
“EPIDEMIC OF LONELINESS & ISOLATION”
EPIDEMIC OF LONELINESS & ISOLATION
We need news, info, & education systems that prioritize civil engagement & connection.
“local community governance, sustainability and small “d” democracy”
To be intimately engaged with local community governance, sustainability and small “d” democracy.
“we need to build the relationships that move people”
People are avoiding talking to each other & to bring about real changes in our democracy we need to build the relationships that move people from supporting to policies that harm
“Whenever I hear the song “Don’t Stop” by Fleetwood Mac, I remember this time and my first vote for president”
I had recently moved from NJ to Colorado to being my year as a VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) Volunteer. I voted by mail and was so excited to be voting for Bill Clinton. It was an inspiring time looking forward to change after too many years of Bush/Reagan. Whenever I hear the song “Don’t Stop” by Fleetwood Mac, I remember this time and my first vote for president.
“people don’t seem to understand what is happening right before their eyes”
1. We have forgotten that we have a constitution we follow – not a king. We need to live by and focus on the constitution we fought so hard to adopt years ago. 2. Rule of law and limitations – employees of agencies like ICE have completely forgotten they need to operate within the law. 3. Hiring and appointing unqualified leadership – need I say more. 4. Election tampering – support of laws/policies that keep citizens from voting. 5. Social media and fake news- it is hard for ordinary citizens to know what is real and what is fabricated. 6. Americans need to understand what different forms of government exist. Our democracy is dying and people don’t seem to understand what is happening right before their eyes.
“Residents do not belive that their vote can make a difference”
Being a good citizen means contributing to your neighborhood/society, for example, voting speaking up, following laws, etc. The first time I voted was in 2008, I voted for Obama! It felt empowering and like I was a part of a huge movement. The main challenge today is understanding of elected roles and citizens believing in the “system.” Residents do not belive that their vote can make a difference. There is little faith in local representatives.
“lack of understanding of the role and function of government”
The lack of understanding of the role and function of government; lack of engagement as uninvolved citizens and importance of facts and valid fact-questioning and checking information
“Use your voice”
Use your voice
“Don’t just complain about what is, get involved”
1. Vote! (and get informed about the candidates) 2. Don’t just complain about what is, get involved if you feel that strongly!
“ensuring all citizens – all people – are treated with dignity”
To hold yourself and others – especially the Powers that Be – accountable for honoring the humanitiy and ensuring all citizens – all people – are treated with dignity and respected, and offered equal rights and protections.
“Caring-about people and the community.”
Being respectful. Caring-about people and the community. Being fair and balanced while being expressive about our views. Refraining from violence while standing up and speaking out against those things that are against letting the people decide.
“listening to lead”
Well informed and engaged in community, provide service/time in support of common good, listening to lead
“Lack of civic education in our schools and society”
Lack of civic education in our schools and society, gerrymandering, presidential overreach (executive office), disinformation through social media and media outlets, white supremacy in a major political party
“We had a social studies teacher… who would help students register to vote in school”
We had a social studies teacher in our public high school in Warren County who would help students register to vote in school as soon as you turned 18. It was one of the best days of my senior year of high school and got be very excited to be a voter.
“Standing up for justice and equality”
Standing up for justice and equality
“the majority of Americans do not understand how politics impacts them”
I think the biggest problem is that the majority of Americans do not understand how politics impacts them and do not know how to impact what is happening in government beyond voting. I have heard “What are you going to do?” too many times.
“Lack of transparency with donors”
Lack of transparency with donors. No accountability. Dynastic politics
“apathy, distance, the mind that it’s someone else’s responsibility”
The challenge is apathy, distance, the mind that it’s someone else’s responsibility; the mindset that one person can’t change the world. Courage is required
“we deserve and should demand more from our democracy”
Misinformation, apathy, short memories and celebrity culture. I also think that Americans are just comfortable enough not to be involved, but we deserve and should demand more from our democracy.
“There has been a shift which made political parties polarized like never before”
Rapid spread of misinformation across news and social media outlets. There has been a shift which made political parties polarized like never before, with all sides defensive-leaving no room for growth or true democracy. The administration is stripping people of basic rights while stating they are for the people. Misinformation has led to the belief that the administration is practicing democracy.
“I think about my grandfather who, before he was even 20, fought in Europe in WWII”
Everytime I vote, I think about my grandfather who, before he was even 20, fought in Europe in WWII, earning a purple heart.
“Civic engagement, community connection, and boundless generosity and grace are needed!”
Lack of peace of community, social responsibility, with a commitment to understanding, listening and cooperation vs. competition, division, and isolation. Civic engagement, community connection, and boundless generosity and grace are needed!
“Treat everyone, every place, and this world with respect, with fairness and love”
It means to be respectful to everyone I encounter. Treat everyone, every place, and this world with respect, with fairness and love
“A good citizen is someone who lives to make a difference in their communities”
A good citizen is someone who lives to make a difference in their communities, engages in self care and is committed to supporting those who are under-represented.
“To be engaged in your community, politically aware, and an ally to the more vulnerable among us”
To be engaged in your community, politically aware, and an ally to the more vulnerable among us
“the need for pluralism-that people who have disparate points of view be able to come together around common issues”
1-Need for civic education + learning; 2-the proliferation of misinformation + disinformation + how to mitigate it; 3-the need for pluralism-that people who have disparate points of view be able to come together around common issues; 4-communities must organization around common issues so thtat members of the community have a greater stake in their community. The greater that stake the more likely that they will involve others + vote. That voting ultimately will empower individuals and communities to increase their ability to hold those in power accountable + affect the policies that impact their communities.
“The first time I voted was in 1960 – for John F. Kennedy”
“I was happy to see that New York State had a Right to Life party”
“The feeling of awe, solemnity, and excitement”
“I was in 2nd grade and I was voting for the student council”
“He dressed in a suit every time he voted”
“I hurried toward the Democrat table and she turned toward the Republican table”
“I felt compelled to vote for my parents choice”
“I will vote for the 1st time this November”
“No vote = no voice”
“Every vote matters”
“The best way to affect change is to vote”
“Why live in a world you have no say in”
“Politicians, on paper, are supposed to help people”
“Even if my side doesn’t succeed, I want to try”
“It gives me a voice that my grandmother didn’t have”
“They valued the rule of here and never failed to vote”
“It gives me a say”
“Making your community a better place”
“Pays attention and participates”
“environmental agenda”
“To give back to the community”
“Uninformed citizens”
“Your actions benefit those around you”
“Many people risked their lives and have died for you to vote”
“To contribute towards the whole”
“Obeying the law and paying taxes”
“Aware of current events”
“I can’t vote, I’m an immigrant”
“Technology has allowed for ‘group think/echo chamber’ environments to flourish.”
“People who will govern my life for the next 4 years”
“In 7th grade for my school’s mock election”
“A good citizen is aware of the whole story”
“It gets your voice out there”
“Law abiding person that works hard”
“Divided nation”
“Being up to date with what is happening in politics”
“Polarized views”
“Inequalities”
“Good people in power”
“Women’s rights and gun rights”
“Being nervous”
“To be present in the process of living in democracy”
“Caring for your community and environment”
“Voting can impact our laws and very way of life”
“To get a say in how the state/nation is run”
“To get Joe out”
“To be as educated as much as you can”
“I was the only person there at the time under 35”
“The first time I voted was through the mail-in ballot sheet”
“The nation is divided”
“I remember feeling very insignificant”
“Creating a net positive effect on the world”
“Not littering”
“Extreme polarization”
“Corporate greed”
“So many people forget the right to vote”
“My opinion matters”
“Vote freely and without scrutiny”
“Provide for the community and obey laws”
“Those that are trying to silence others opinions”
“Help out in society and contribute to the community”
“It gives the people a voice”
“Politics will not change people, good people will”
“I want to make my choices and voice heard”
“Doesn’t represent all the voices”
“We should take advantage of that freedom”
“Actively participate”
“Your voice is being heard”
“I want my right to a representative in office”
“Using skills or talents to contribute to society”
“protect democracy”
“Voting is something that has been fought hard for”
“I was a little scared when the curtain closed behind me”
“It allows for people to have their voice heard”
“The lack of unity”
“Getting involved in one’s community”
“I want my voice to be heard”
“Supporting our troops”
“Following the laws”
“Stand for the ones who need our help
“Always involved in their community”
“White nationalistic fascist conservatives”
“Participate in government”
“Follow the laws”
“Holding people accountable”
“Don’t always listen”
“Not putting ego to the side”
“It means that I have a voice in my community”
“Republicans and Democrats are becoming politically polarized”
“Average Joe cannot afford to live”
“Cancel culture”
“It allows me to express my opinion with no judgement”
“Being heard and making an impact”
“Your voice is heard”
“I’m looking forward to doing so”
“There will still be issues that I don’t feel will or can be solved as a state”
“Works to make the country better”
“Lack of diversity in power”
“I can be part of a group”
“Misinformation or contradictory information”
“Have some compassion and empathy!”
“listen to the voices of the people”
“I rushed to get my paperwork”
“I felt so grown up”
“If we lose our right to vote we lose our right to choose”
“follow the rules”
“it was a thrill”
“corruption”
“Careful, planned prejudice”
“Not being truthful”
“The internet is making us childish!”
“Material conditions”
“context”
“Creeping authoritarianism”
“PAC money”
“two separate worlds”
“schools teach biased versions of American history”
“Donald Trump et al”
“Individuals who do not work”
“The movement to limit voting”
“we are dependent upon each other”
“lies in public space”
“respect for others”
“dishonesty…censorship”
“media not reporting facts”
“my opinion/voice is heard”
“far right terrorists”
“democracy won’t survive”
“politicians invested in turning back the times”
“I was helping shape the course of our country”
“takes individual responsibility”
“I’m seen and heard”
“to help”
“focus on important issues”
“my vote doesn’t count”
“we all have responsibility”
“actively engage”
“magic!”
“candidates who…represent the interests of all of us”
“contribute to the fabric of democracy”
“values of the preamble of the Constitution”
“returning land stewardship to my people”
“What we say and how we say it matters”
“active participant”
“I was bound and determined”
“do service”
“one party that is totalitarian”
“committed to public service”
“every election day is a chance to be thankful”
“thankful to have my voice heard”
“a commitment to serve the greater good”
“cynicism”
“culture of quickness”
“Help the elderly people and the community of need”
First name: Mina
Age: 9
Town: Lawrenceville
“Help the community”
To be a good citizen is to help the community!!
First name: Niya
Age: 9
Town: Lawrenceville
“There were party levers”
The polling station was in a local elementary school. There were party levers. Only time I have seen that.
First name: James
Age: 51
Town: Lawrenceville
“Good citizens live according to God”
Good citizens live according to God Almighty our creator’s way as in the inspired written Bible that has outlasted
“Equal educational opportunity…Accessible healthcare…Freedom of speech…”
First name: M
Age: 59
Town: L
