We the People – Engagement Series on Democracy

July 29, 2022 (All day) –
September 29, 2022 (All day)

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With diminished faith in our institutions, a movement to undermine the integrity of our electoral processes embodied in the January 6 insurrection, efforts to suppress free speech, a rise in voter suppression, and increasing polarization within our communities, there is a generalized notion and fear among many that we are in the midst of a crisis in American Democracy.

Please join the ACLU of Illinois for our upcoming Engagement Series on Democracy: We the People. Democracy does not have a universal definition to many – folks arrive at its meaning from different angles and perspectives. As a form of governance, it is the amalgamation of diverse values and beliefs into what the Founding Fathers believed would be a refined set of laws and cultural norms.

However, in our current political climate, there is an “us versus them” mentality that permeates from the Federal to the local level. As a way of calling awareness to this and trying to break the mold, we endeavor to ask people of different identities and backgrounds: “Do not tell us what you are against; tell us what you are for.”

Together we must work to protect our democracy and build a country where equality and freedom are promises fulfilled for all. We encourage you to join us for this engagement series to explore the state of our democracy, learn more about our interrelated rights and liberties, and take action to advance change in our society.

About Weinberg/Newton Gallery and All That Glows in the Dark of Democracy:

Weinberg/Newton Gallery is a non-commercial gallery dedicated to becoming a presenting platform for social justice issues through collaboration with artists and non-profit organizations. Their exhibition All That Glows in the Dark of Democracy, presented both in-person and online and in partnership with the ACLU of Illinois from July 29 – October 1, will feature artworks that present a range of perspective on democracy as a concept both in theory and in practice. Interactive installations, sculpture and video, including newly commissioned site-specific works, invite viewers to think critically about elections, monuments, public and private space, and national symbols. The artists featured are Alejandro T. Acierto, Kandis Friesen, Hannah Givler, Aram Han Sifuentes, Ariana Jacob, and Aay Preston-Myint.

Learn more about Weinberg/Newton Gallery

Previous Events:

Family Day at Weinberg/Newton Gallery

Sunday, July 31, 2022 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM CT

Please join the ACLU of Illinois and Weinberg/Newton Gallery on Sunday, July 31 at 1:00 PM for a Family Day at Weinberg/Newton Gallery. Come make buttons and flags, learn more about the ACLU, and explore the exhibition with your family! 

 

All that Glows: A Night of Storytelling on Democracy

Wednesday, September 21, 2022 | Hybrid Event
Doors Open In Person at 5:30 PM CT, Show Begins at 6:00 PM CT

2nd Story will proudly present All that Glows: A Night of Storytelling on Democracy. This special performance of first-person stories by Martinique Hallerduff, Lynnette Li, and Connie Shirakawa – and emceed by Amanda Delheimer – will examine our individual understanding of democratic values, how we put democracy into practice, and what we can do to activate democracy as part of our everyday lives. The stories presented will reflect a wide range of perspectives, and will be hybrid, allowing for both in-person and virtual participation. 

 

Family Day at Weinberg/Newton Gallery - Banned Books Week Edition 

Saturday, September 24, 2022 |10:00 AM – 1:00 PM CT

Please join the ACLU of Illinois and Weinberg/Newton Gallery on Saturday, September 24 at 10:00 AM for a special Banned Books Week Family Day at Weinberg/Newton Gallery. Explore our current exhibition All that Glows in the Dark of Democracy, learn about the ACLU of Illinois, and make your own Banned Books Week swag including, one-sheet mini books, bookmarks, buttons, and totes. All materials will be provided, in addition to light refreshments and snacks. 

 

We the People: A Conversation on Democracy

Thursday, September 29, 2022| Virtual Event | 6:00 – 7:00 PM CT

Hear directly from ACLU of Illinois Executive Director Colleen Connell, ACLU of Illinois Springfield Chapter President Ken Page, artist Aram Han Sifuentes, and ACLU of Illinois Director of Communications and Public Policy Ed Yohnka on the state of our democracy, how to get involved at the local level, and why art is so critical to helping us find hope and understand the moment we are in. There will be opportunities for audience members to engage in the discussion and ask questions throughout the event. 

WATCH A RECORDING OF THE EVENT

Actions:

Sign up for ACLU of Illinois Action Alerts and People Power to stay up to date on ways to take action:

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Sign ACLU’s Midterm Pledge. It’s important that our elected officials champion fairness, equality, and justice. With everything that's at stake on the ballot this November, we need to mobilize our friends and family to vote their values. Learn more and sign up.

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