Democracy Conversation Project

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 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

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. No accountability. Dynastic politics

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

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.

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.

Everytime I vote, I think about my grandfather who, before he was even 20, fought in Europe in WWII, earning a purple heart.

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!

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, 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

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.

It’s a way to use my voice; to publicly declare my investment in leadership and my continued commitment to the process by which all citizens should have to use their voices