Firsthand: Democracy – Community Conversation

July 4, 2026 marked the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This historical marker arrived at a moment of strain for American democracy, as political polarization deepens and the public trust shifts.

Join WTTW and Tri States Public Radio for this screening and discussion event centered on FIRSTHAND: DEMOCRACY, the acclaimed docuseries produced by WTTW. Through firsthand accounts, WTTW’s FIRSTHAND: DEMOCRACY shares the stories of five Chicagoans who are tapping into the power of community-driven work to get back to the basics of democratic action and improve their communities. Visit the website (wttw.com/firsthand) to explore the project.

During this event, we will screen an episode of FIRSTHAND: DEMOCRACY followed by a panel discussion moderated by executive producer Dan Protess. This event is an opportunity to hear from local leaders whose daily work shapes the state of local, state, and national democracy. The conversation will explore what active citizenship in a democracy looks like. How do we prepare ourselves for the challenges that continue to face our communities? And how do we ensure that our government serves all its constituents?

This event is open to the public and offers a unique opportunity to engage with residents and thought leaders as they reflect on strengthening our democracy.

WTTW is proud to partner with Braver Angels, Illinois America 250, Illinois Humanities and Mikva Challenge throughout 2026 on community engagement initiatives related to Firsthand: Democracy.

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.