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...
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.


















