Democracy's Good News: When faith and civics meet to strengthen democracy

Welcome back to the Democracy's Good News series where we feature we feature the work that individuals and groups across the country are doing to strengthen democracy in a variety of ways.

‍In this second episode, we talk with religious organizations across the United States, namely the Habonim Dror Camp Galil, the Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom, and the Mormon Women for Ethical Government. These organizations are incorporating civic engagement and social responsibility in their programs, thus showing when faith communities and civics meet to strengthen democracy.

Each summer, from June to August, Camp Galil in Ottsville, Pennsylvania, presents a variety of avenues for campers aged seven to 17 to delve into their civic responsibilities. Among these offerings is Hyde Park, modeled after Hyde Park in London, where campers address the entire community on topics of their choosing. From advocating for a later bedtime and more muffins on Fridays to discussing subjects like climate change and imbalance, the campers touch on them all.

"It's an organic democratic activity and the kids have to do a funny walk to the center stage to stand up and speak — it's really fun," said David Weiss, Camp Galil executive director. "And whether you are a seven-year-old or a 17-year-old, everybody is paying attention."

Change is also happening in Reading, Pennsylvania where the community has been home to the Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom for nearly 160 years. With the state's April primary election falling on the first day of Passover, election officials have relocated polling places out of synagogues and other Jewish buildings. But the congregation is making a different choice.

"Passover is a holiday that celebrates freedom. And we see the obligation and the opportunity to vote as part of the ways we as Americans express our freedom," Rabbi Brian Michelson said. "And so therefore, on Passover specifically, it does seem important to make sure that we can allow that freedom to all of those who are within our district."

As faith communities gear up for election season, the mission to civically equip and empower women takes center stage for the Mormon Women for Ethical Government or MWEG. Guided by faith-based values that promote civic engagement, MWEG now has thousands of members in local chapters across 49 states who serve their local communities one way or another.

"We teach them to engage with their elected representatives, we give them well-researched information about the issue at hand, we give them training and peaceful communications, and we offer them opportunities to express their personal voice which is what citizenship is all about," said Jennifer Thomas, co-executive director for MWEG.

Watch the episode here!

This is Jessie Nguyen, The Democracy Group's Community Manager. Here are some of my favorite podcasts this week, check them out!

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