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Democracy Conversation Project

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:

  • 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?
Democracy Conversation Project logo

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.

Visualizing Democracy Commissions

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?"

What does it mean to be a good citizen?

New Jersey's Democracy Conversation

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.

Host Sites

  • New Providence Memorial Library
  • Grunin Center for the Arts, Ocean County College, Toms River
  • Lawrence Headquarters Branch, Mercer County Library System, Lawrenceville
  • Princeton Public Library
  • Cherry Hill Public Library
  • Wanaque Public Library
  • Brookdale Community College, Lincroft
  • UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ, Cranford

 

Tell Your Story

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.

Filters

“Getting involved in one’s community”

Swathi , 18
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“I want my voice to be heard”

Julie , 50
Why is voting important to you?

“Supporting our troops”

Rafi , 18
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Following the laws”

Saoirse , 18
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Stand for the ones who need our help

Gus , 18
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Always involved in their community”

Amy , 18
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“White nationalistic fascist conservatives”

Kyra , 20
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?

“Participate in government”

Farhana , 18
Why is voting important to you?

“Follow the laws”

Farhana , 18
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Holding people accountable”

Sharika , 17
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

“Don’t always listen”

Saorise , 18
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?

“Not putting ego to the side”

Gabrielle , 18
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?

“It means that I have a voice in my community”

Swathi , 18
Why is voting important to you?

“Republicans and Democrats are becoming politically polarized”

Gus , 18
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?

“Average Joe cannot afford to live”

Jillian , 44
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?

“Cancel culture”

Rafi , 18
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?

“It allows me to express my opinion with no judgement”

Gabriella , 18
Why is voting important to you?

“Being heard and making an impact”

Amy , 18
Why is voting important to you?