New Partnerships Put Democracy in Everyday People’s Hands  

Dear Friends,

At Everyday Democracy, we know that the future of our democracy isn’t only written in the halls of power—it’s being shaped every day by people taking civic action in their communities. As our country faces challenges to its core democratic structures, everyday people are stepping up to lead change—and showing us the path forward.


This summer, our Everyday Leaders training—launched in partnership with Queens Public Library—drew nearly three times more applicants than we could accept. This is a powerful sign that neighbors, parents, students, and community members are eager to lead community change efforts.


Our Arts, Culture, & Democracy program also brought New Yorkers to the Lower East Side Ecology Center to connect food justice, creative expression, and civic action.


Together, these moments remind us: democracy’s future depends on everyday

people—and they’re already showing up.


Read on to see how new leaders and creative partnerships are taking root in New York—and how Everyday Democracy is building a more inclusive, multiracial democracy from the ground up.


Yours,

Merle McGee, President & CEO

Joining Forces with Queens Public Library to Train Everyday Leaders 

Community leaders in Queens, NY strengthen civic life by sharing resources on education, health, voting, and more.

Food pantries. Youth development. Environmental justice. Community health. These are just some of the projects that our latest cohort of Everyday Leaders are advancing across Queens, NY. In partnership with the Queens Public Library, our summer 2025 program brought 24 intergenerational changemakers together to practice equity-focused, collective leadership skills like making fair decisions, building diverse coalitions, and exercising accountability. The training will support these local leaders to strengthen civic engagement.

Learn more about the Summer 2025 cohort.

Mapping the Path to Food Justice with the Lower East Side Ecology Center 

Food justice is democracy in action—when neighbors come together to decide how food is grown, distributed, and shared. We joined the LES Ecology Center’s Nourishing Communities series to help neighbors envision access to affordable, healthy, fresh, and culturally relevant food. Together they mapped local streets, gardens, and markets, imagining new spaces for growing, selling, and sharing food. Through civic imagination—picturing a better tomorrow and how to get there—the event sparked momentum toward a healthier, more equitable food system.

See photos and activities from the event.

Neighbors at the LES Ecology Center map food access points as part of Everyday Democracy’s food justice workshop.

News & Updates

International Listening Association Conference  

In August, our Civic and Community Engagement team delivered a hands-on workshop at the International Listening Association’s annual convention.  Through a dynamic role-playing game, participants practiced engaging in dialogue that builds empathy, understanding, and shared purpose.

New Board Member   

We’re thrilled to welcome John Bourdeaux to the Board of Directors at Everyday Democracy. John brings decades of leadership experience in nonprofit advancement, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. His leadership and vision will be invaluable as we continue working to build more just, inclusive communities across the country.  

Cultivate Joy: Embrace the Changing of the Seasons  

Like the seasons, democracy moves in cycles. Communities face shifts in leadership, policy, and participation—each bringing both challenge and opportunity. By embracing change, we can successfully strengthen civic life. Here are our tips for adapting in this season of democracy:

Notice the changes: Be curious about what’s shifting and whose voices are rising or missing.


Prepare for what’s next: Build strong relationships and clear structures so people are ready to engage.


Be flexible: Adapt with care and creativity to embrace opportunities—and joy—when they arise. 


These habits help communities stay resilient and keep democracy vibrant in every season. 

Support a Culture of Democracy

Everyday Democracy is powered by everyday people – like you. Your contribution today supports interactive community and cultural events that equip the next generation with skills, knowldge, and connections to uphold democratic values.
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