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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

Polarization- I win, you lose, echo chamber media, power over civics and caring, respect, civility

Anonymous
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?

People marched so I could have a voice

Priti , 43
Why is voting important to you?

to be a good citizen involves active participation in the betterment of our communities

Andrea , 46
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

I remember knowing my guy was going to lose but I had a voice!

Anonymous
What do you remember about the first time you voted?

caring for others, showing empathy, and contributing to a fair, just society

Kate , 48
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

Unity. Dismantling divisive behavior

Anonymous
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?

How proud I was to be a part of the collective decisioning

Vernita , 65
What do you remember about the first time you voted?

building community in your city, neighborhood, or state

Anonymous
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

the ideals of the “old guard” as illustrated by then President Bush and that of a young Bill Clinton seemed to clash

Nancy , 53
What do you remember about the first time you voted?

I vote so my sons may vote one day as part of my civic legacy.

Donnell , 44
Why is voting important to you?

Disengagement in politics/lack of representation in marginalized groups

Jessica , 32
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?

inequality combined by outsized influence of the wealthiest people and corporations

Maya , 54
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?

As a young adult I was filled with power and emotion

Anonymous
What do you remember about the first time you voted?

Lack of understanding of the values of civil society.

Leo , 57
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?

Disinformation/misinformation- erosion of trust in the media

Adam , 40
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?

A grossly ill-informed society bloated by excess

Seth , 74
What are the main challenges facing democracy today?

voting in every local, county, state, and federal election

Susan , 63
What does it mean to be a good citizen?

Being a good citizen is finding ways to contribute to society using one’s strengths and skills.

Achille , 36
What does it mean to be a good citizen?