Firsthand: Democracy - A WTTW News Special

Описание: As the country prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, WTTW will be documenting how individuals and local organizations are responding to challenges and opportunities around democracy.

Firsthand: Democracy is a year-long multi-platform initiative featuring documentaries, journalism, community conversations and more.

WTTW News kicked off the series Monday with a special edition of “Chicago Tonight” focused on civic attitudes and civic life in Chicago and beyond.

Joining a live studio audience were four panelists:

— Jennifer Benz, senior vice president of public affairs and media research at the National Opinion Research Center, or NORC, at the University of Chicago.

— Alexandra Filindra, a professor of political science and psychology at the University of Illinois Chicago. Her work includes studies related to democracy and democratic attitudes in the public, as well as public trust in institutions.

— Vernee Green, CEO of Mikva Challenge, an organization that’s been around for almost 30 years and helps youth to be empowered, informed and active citizens.

— Maryanne Colter, Illinois coordinator for Braver Angels, an organization that helps people with different political views better understand one another. Colter is also featured in one of the Firsthand: Democracy documentaries.

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