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FIRSTHAND: Democracy

A high school teacher urging his students to register to vote. A civil discourse volunteer working to bridge partisan divides. A newly naturalized U.S. citizen from Mexico helping others navigate the path to citizenship. A young activist drawing on childhood trauma to fight for equal justice. A retired grandmother organizing protests and local campaigns with renewed purpose. Read more...

Each of these Chicagoans, in their own ways, is working to strengthen democracy. In their daily lives, they demonstrate what hands-on civil participation looks like in one major American city, and the vital importance of their efforts in this moment. Read more...

Gov. JB Pritzker and lieutenant governor candidate Christian Mitchell prepare to file nominating petitions at the Illinois State Board of Elections building in Springfield Julee with 'Abolish ICE' shirt and buttons on speaking into a megaphone
Portrait of Miten Camille in action
Maryanne at lectern speaking with a presentation Portrait of Isabel
Portrait of Camille Miten next to bookshelves watching a proceeding
Julee with 'Abolish ICE' shirt and buttons on speaking into a megaphone Woman helps prisoners at a table fill out forms
Chicago Board of Elections staff tests new equipment at the downtown early voting supersite Maryanne at lectern speaking with a presentation
Isabel sitting at school desk with papers speaking to someone Julee with 'Abolish ICE' shirt and buttons on speaking into a megaphone

Documentaries

A documentary series capturing the daily work of five individuals dedicated to civic participation in Chicago.

Journalism

In-depth reporting on the challenges and opportunities facing democracy in our communities

Democracy in the News

Major support for FIRSTHAND: DEMOCRACY is provided by the Julian Grace Foundation, the Edwardson Family Foundation, and the Lohengrin Foundation. Additional support is provided by the Alvin H. Baum Family Fund, Nancy Clark, Sylvia Furner, and the Marc and Jeanne Malnati Family Foundation.