CONVERSATION CARDS

ON DEMOCRACY FREEDOM EQUALITY GOOD CONVERSATION CARDS

ON DEMOCRACY FREEDOM EQUALITY COMMON GOOD

These cards are designed to spark engagement with democracy and democratic values. On your own or with family, friends, classmates, or colleagues, select a card and read its quote aloud. Turn it over for suggestions for reflection, journaling, or discussion, and ways to act on the ideas in your personal and community life.

Thanks to the team at the Practicing Democracy Project (PracticingDemocracy.net) for helping develop this resource. 1 DEMOCRACY journalist andpoliticalcommentator Bill Moyers those who exercise it.” Democracy belongs to DEMOCRACY What are the bestways you have REFLECT strengthen our democracy. a political conversation) to action (such as participating in citizenship. Follow upwithan to enhance your capacity for meditation, prayer, orjournaling) Choose apractice (such as ACT found toexercise your democracy?

2 DEMOCRACY civil rightsactivistandUSRepresentative John Lewis at peace withitself.” nation and world society Beloved Community, a what we called the do itspart tohelp build each generation must state. Itis anact, and Democracy is not a DEMOCRACY John Lewis helped tochange REFLECT toward that goal. thing that you could dotogether people your own age, identify one Beloved Community? With some society that could becalled a build the kind ofdemocracy and How has your generation acted to ACT each change? What doyou think ledto turning pointsinour democracy. America’s democracy. Identify

3 DEMOCRACY writer andconservationist Terry TempestWilliams our opinions? our attentionrather than just our minds, and offer with our whole beings, not generous? Can we listen be equitable? Can we be our questions. Can we It is where we embrace first home ofdemocracy. The human heart is the ”

DEMOCRACY What would aheart-centered REFLECT experience and observations. Then answer them based onyour evaluate acountry’s democracy. Make alist ofquestions touse to ACT democracy looklike toyou? 4 DEMOCRACY political theorist political theorist Benjamin R. Barber talked todeath.” that democracy cannot be thing we can besure ofis powerlessness. And the one most debilitating form of Speechlessness may bethe in political discourse. regularly and permanently It requires that we engage If democracy is tosurvive…

DEMOCRACY Are you comfortable talking about REFLECT along the political spectrum. Invite peoplefrom different points see changed about US democracy. appreciate and what you’d like to discussion about what you Conversations Guide.” Hold a Download OnBeing’s “Better ACT What is helpful? and others? What getsinthe way? politics withyour family, friends, 5 DEMOCRACY author andjournalist Michael Pollan without offending.” where we learn toargue we learn toshare; it’s democracy. It’s where really the nursery of The family meal is

DEMOCRACY Where didyou firstlearn REFLECT make decisions by majority vote. you encourage civil debate and neighborhood gathering inwhich Hold ahousehold, workplace, or ACT democratic values and virtues? 6 DEMOCRACY writer andactivist James Baldwin her perpetually.” on the righttocriticize for this reason, Iinsist in the world and, exactly than any other country I love America more DEMOCRACY What are your chiefcriticisms of REFLECT Be sure toread avariety ofviews. within and beyond our borders. United Statesis being assessed to getanoverview ofhow the Read editorials and opinionpieces ACT US domestic and foreign policy?

7 DEMOCRACY writer andactivist Robert Maynard Hutchins undernourishment.” indifference, and extinction from apathy, ambush. Itwillbeaslow assassination from is not likely tobean The death ofdemocracy DEMOCRACY Have you seen interest in REFLECT from your hearts. each other and tospeak openly democracy. Agree not tojudge state and future prospects for person can talk about the present Find atime when you and another ACT accounts for any shifts? in your lifetime? What doyou think US politicsand government shift

8 DEMOCRACY US Senator George McGovern to ahigher plain.” deep enough tocall her love ofone’s country of official policy, a but is not ablind acceptance The highest patriotism DEMOCRACY How doyou define patriotism? REFLECT illustrate what this means toyou. statement toshare withothers to country.” Make aposterorwrite Patriotism is oftencalled “love of ACT Is itimportant toyou?

9 DEMOCRACY newspaper columnistandhumorist Molly Ivins confusion.” a certain relish for or quiet.Itrequires is not neat, orderly, democracy is that it The thing about

DEMOCRACY Recall atime when you were struck REFLECT convey the same things. Write captions tonews photos that sides oflife inademocracy. disorderly, confusing, and humorous Collect cartoons that reflect the ACT of politicsand government. by the illogical orirrational aspects 10 DEMOCRACY US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to power.” designed tospeak truth Our democracy is DEMOCRACY Who has inspired you tobecome REFLECT truth topower. inspiring peoplewho have spoken Read orwatch storiesabout ACT you learn from them? politically active? What lessons did 11 DEMOCRACY composer andactor Lin-Manuel Miranda in Roomfrom “The Where ItHappens” But we don’t getasay in We want our leaders to The room where I wanna beinthe room Hamilton: An American Musical Hamilton: AnAmerican what they trade away.” save the day it happens… where ithappens

DEMOCRACY Have you ever thought about REFLECT money, etc. secure signatures, canvass, raise national level. Help plan strategies, campaign onthe local, state, or Get involved inapolitical ACT Why orwhy not? running for political office?

12 DEMOCRACY political commentator political commentator George Will for their votes.” promises inexchange for voters, who seek promising to dothings Politicians seek votes by is transactional: Politics inademocracy DEMOCRACY When have you felt that you or REFLECT poll watcher. the polls, orvolunteering as a new voters, helping getvoters to drive. This may involve registering Participate inaget-out-the-vote ACT government policy? What other “transactions” influence something inreturn for your votes? other citizens have gotten

13 DEMOCRACY by George Lucas and Jonathan Hales in Queen Jamilla we lose it.” can work is the day believing democracy The day we stop Star Wars: theClones EpisodeII—Attack of

DEMOCRACY When you reflect on whether REFLECT in and aspire todoorbe. political beliefs—what you believe Write astatement about your ACT Which are strongest? what hopes and fears doyou have? democracy can work inour time, 14 FREEDOM aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart —only freedom.” No borders, justhorizons FREEDOM How doyou describe freedom? REFLECT of freedom. creative work toreflect your concept Make adrawing, painting, orother ACT

15 FREEDOM What’s that Ihear now singer-songwriter Phil Ochs Callfrom “The toFreedom” You can hear itifyou try!” It’s the sound ofthe old Ringin’ up tothe sky! It’s the sound of I hear itmore and more I’ve heard that ways a-fallin’ freedom callin’ … sound before ringin’ inmy ear?

FREEDOM When and where have you heard REFLECT to freedom. order for more ofustohear the call “old ways” need tobe“a-fallin’” in Talk with friends about which ACT like? sound freedom calling? What doesit

16 FREEDOM Jewish theologianandrabbi Heschel Abraham Joshua All are responsible.” Some are guilty. some are doing. are involved inwhat In afree society, all

FREEDOM In what ways doyou find itdifficult REFLECT change things ormake amends. close friend about how you might on social media. Ifnot, talk witha you are proud of, share your support is happening. Ifthis is something week, think about your part inwhat As you read orsee the news this ACT of others? to take responsibility for the actions

17 FREEDOM abolitionist and social activist abolitionist andsocialactivist Harriet Tubman I would take the other.” could not have one, liberty ordeath. IfI things Ihad arightto: There was one oftwo

FREEDOM What risks are you willing totake REFLECT one topractice this week. fighters have demonstrated. Choose Harriet Tubman and other freedom Make alist ofthe qualities that ACT to” and having “freedom from.” difference between having “freedom for freedom? Consider the

18 FREEDOM abolitionist andorator Frederick Douglass the ground.” without plowing up men who want crops deprecate agitation, are favor freedom, and yet Those who profess to

FREEDOM When have you felt called to REFLECT other tribute. them withaletter, adonation, or agitation and find a way to honor Make alist ofyour heroes of ACT demonstration for freedom? participate in aprotest or

19 FREEDOM political consultant Shapri LoMaglio defending our own.” others, ultimately, we are to defend the freedom of Therefore, whenever we act there is no freedom atall. live and act onour beliefs, believe, and freedom to conscience, freedom to Without freedom of

FREEDOM Share atime when you saw inaction REFLECT statement about religious tolerance. for example, put out ajoint the freedom of religion. You might, how your community can ensure spiritual orientations todiscuss Gather peoplefrom different ACT to freely express their beliefs. the importance ofthe people’s right

20 FREEDOM Christian ministerandUSSenatechaplain Peter Marshall is right.” opportunity todowhat as we please, but as the not as the right todo May we think offreedom,

FREEDOM How doyou balance individualism REFLECT desires withcommunity needs. opportunities tomerge individual Find examples incurrent events of ACT needed by the larger community? with doing what is wanted and (doing what you want and need)

21 FREEDOM novelist andessayist Toni Morrison somebody else.” your jobis toempower have some power, then somebody else. Ifyou are free you need tofree Your real jobis that ifyou FREEDOM Who has given you your bestsense REFLECT one steptoward that goal today. help another person achieve. Take Identify akind offreedom you can ACT your earliest memories ofliberty? of what liberty means? What are

22 FREEDOM actress andLGBTQ+ advocate Laverne Cox and for each other.” liberators for ourselves might beable tobecome oppressor and how we how we mightbean one ofustointerrogate encourage each and every an oppressor. Iwant to us has the capacity tobe Each and every one of

FREEDOM Think ofatime when you have REFLECT and groups inthe larger society. people, bothindividuals you know you can besupportive ofoppressed spiritual community, talk about how With family, friends, oryour ACT turn out? occasion? How didthe encounter acted as anoppressor. What was the

23 FREEDOM US Supreme Court Justice Ruth BaderGinsburg others tojoinyou.” in away that willlead you care about, but doit Fight for the things that FREEDOM Which struggles for freedom REFLECT their perspectives. today inorder tobetterunderstand leaders infreedom movements Read orlisten tointerviews with ACT been encouraged tojointhem? inspired you? When have you throughout history have most

24 FREEDOM stereotypes—Black as We are trapped by activist andfilmmaker Valarie Kaur Our storiesset usfree.” destroy stereotypes. them. But stories can imprison them, and kill easier torape them, to astereotype, itbecomes Once aperson is reduced and women as property. savage, trans as deviant, terrorist, indigenous as Muslim and Sikhas criminal, Latino as illegal,

FREEDOM Assess your perceptions of REFLECT stereotype-breaking revelations. paying special attentionto Listen tostoriesorread memoirs, ACT your opinions? have you had that changed stereotypes? What encounters How have you beeninfluenced by different groups in your community.

25 FREEDOM podcaster andtelevisionpersonality Jonathan VanNess good about something.” really thirsty tofeel so many people are suffering going on— there’s so much that is everywhere— political polarization From the extreme

FREEDOM What freedoms inour democracy REFLECT noting this goodconnection. paper orpost an online comment common. Write alettertoyour local thing all the peopleshare in are polarized. Then identifyone community around which people Identify one issue inyour ACT do you feel really goodabout?

26 FREEDOM We mustbehonest about Christian minister andpoliticalactivist William J. BarberII her past.” we are honest about more perfect union—until even getclose tobeing a reconstruction—will never complete the work of that America willnever her potential. But Iknow I love America because of systems we call America. political and economic the foundations ofthe

FREEDOM Name three events, attitudes,or REFLECT dark side. US history that reveal our country’s Learn more about moments in ACT you can dotomake amends? to bequestioned. What is one thing programs inUS history that need

27 EQUALITY Christian ministerandcivilrightsleader Dr. MartinLuther King, Jr. men are created equal.’” be self-evident: that all ‘We hold these truths to meaning ofitscreed: up and live out the true day this nation willrise I have adream that one EQUALITY What are your dreams for REFLECT affirm the beliefinequality. religious action you can take to Identify apolitical, social, or ACT America’s democracy?

28 EQUALITY transgender pioneerandactivist P.Marsha Johnson all your rights.” person, untilyou have have your rights, one You never completely EQUALITY What are some ofthe obstacles to REFLECT and find a way to address it. treatment ofall inyour community Consider one barrier toequal ACT equality incontemporary society?

29 EQUALITY writer andactivist bell hooks in alove ethic.” and it was totally rooted the civil rights movement country has ever known is for social justice our The greatest movement

EQUALITY Have you beeninvolved in any REFLECT rooted ina“love ethic”? movement. Inwhat ways was it Look deeperintothe US civil rights ACT motivated you toparticipate? social justice movements? What

30 EQUALITY poet andactivist Langston Hughes Be AmericaAgain” “Letfrom America Equality is inthe air But opportunity is real, Is crowned withno false O, letmy land bealand we breathe.” and life is free, patriotic wreath, where Liberty

EQUALITY What false promises and real REFLECT we breathe.” as Hughes’ “Equality is inthe air using animage for equality, such Write ashort statement orpoem ACT United Statestoday? opportunities doyou see inthe

31 EQUALITY journalist andwriter Jorge Ramos inhabitants.” they treat their weakest are defined by how The greatest nations

EQUALITY In what ways is the United States REFLECT support, oradvocacy and outreach. in terms ofvolunteers, financial sources, find out what they need From their websites and other of the poorand the vulnerable? in your area are working onbehalf What organizations and services ACT greatness? Inwhat ways is itfailing? living intoRamos’ definition of

32 EQUALITY US Representative Ayanna Pressley in government.” see themselves mirrored It’s important that people EQUALITY When you lookinthe government REFLECT their constituents. representative ofthe make-up of and federal government more Find ways tomake your local, state, ACT mirror, what doyou see?

33 EQUALITY 32nd President theUnitedStates of Franklin D. Roosevelt the voters ofthis country.” government officials, but and congressmen and a President and senators of our democracy are not over us.The ultimate rulers and not analien power government is ourselves Let usnever forget that

EQUALITY What words would you use to REFLECT from the people. government is something separate editor, challenge the idea that the Using social media oralettertothe ACT describe the government?

34 EQUALITY Democracy…is the only Democracy…is political andcultural commentator David Brooks of majority rule.” system, oras the principle procedural orpolitical and teach democracy as a be agreat error tothink of justice and truth.Itwould moral striving for freedom, woman, oneach person’s individual man and the infinitedignity of each system built onrespect for EQUALITY There are different kinds of respect: REFLECT dignity ofthose you encounter. use tosignifyyour respect for the hand over your heart, that you can such as bowing orputting your Come upwithasimple gesture, ACT important toyou? kinds ofrespect? Whichis most been your experience with these tradition, for history, etc.What has individual, for authority, for respect for the dignity ofthe

35 EQUALITY Christian pastorandtheologian Timothy Keller disagree withyou.” you totreat peoplewho how your beliefslead having beliefs.It’s about Tolerance isn’t about not EQUALITY How doesyour faithtradition or REFLECT importance ofloving your enemy. sacred texts tosupport the Find quotesorpassages from ACT you disagree? how you treat those withwhom your personal philosophy influence

36 EQUALITY theologian andeducator Ada MariaIsasi-Diaz we are and what we believe.” touch the very core ofwho points todifferences that the same truth,but rather of different expressions of Diversity is not amatter

EQUALITY What groups doyou identifywith? REFLECT by affirming diversity. them about the equality tobefound different from your own. Talk with (religious, ethnic, economic) Get toknow people from groups ACT What about them doyou celebrate?

37 EQUALITY writer andactivist Mitsuye Yamada IS political.” what is personal tome in apatriarchal society, society, and as awoman of color inawhite parents, as a woman As achildofimmigrant

EQUALITY How doyou make the abstract idea REFLECT decision-making. expression of opinions, and sharing roles, giving equal time for the start by modeling equal gender home orsocial circle. You might Make equality apriority inyour ACT of equality personal?

38 EQUALITY disability rights activist and writer disability rightsactivistandwriter Sherer JacobsonDenise law won’t mean much.” society’s attitudes,that law but untilyou change iceberg. You can pass a was only the tip ofthe achievement. But it was awonderful with Disabilities Act) The ADA (Americans

EQUALITY Make a list of attitudes—your own own Make alist ofattitudes—your REFLECT and societal attitudes? sparked changes inour laws in American history. What the rightsofdifferent groups Research the turning pointsfor ACT person tofeel valued. that need tobechanged for every and some you have encountered—

39 EQUALITY singer-songwriter Bob Dylan Times TheyAreA-Changin’” “The from For the times they are a-changin’” And rattle your walls Will soon shake your windows The battle outside ragin’ Will behe who has stalled For he that getshurt Don’t blockupthe hall Don’t stand inthe doorway Please heed the call Come senators, congressmen

EQUALITY Dylan addressed this lyric from REFLECT support withyour time or money. of changing times? Choose one to What battles raging today are signs ACT you advise to“heed the call”? the US Congress. Who else would his classic song tomembers of

40 COMMON GOOD actress anddirector Kerry Washington of us.” include more and more meaning ofthat phrase to history, we’ve expanded the Throughout our country’s that phrase so much. We the people. Ilove words ofour Constitution: and live uptothe firstthree in this great democracy all ofuscould have avoice So many struggled so that

COMMON GOOD What doesthe phrase “we the REFLECT friend orachild. of “we the people.” Explain ittoa Draw apicture ormake acollage ACT define the “common good”? people” mean toyou? How doyou

41 COMMON GOOD It all means nothing sung by by Common andDiane Warren from “Stand UpforSomething” and I’llstand upfor you.” if you don’t stand up It all means nothing You got towalk that walk, You can’t justtalk the talk if you don’t stand up for something yes you do for something , singer-songwriter

COMMON GOOD What “talk” about democracy most REFLECT for yourself and others. lifetime goals—of ways tostand up Make alist—from everyday tasks to ACT that talk? appeals toyou? How can you walk

42 COMMON GOOD writer andspiritualleader Marianne Williamson mourner given comfort.” prisoner rehabilitated, one made tofeel needed, one elder given respect and person prayed for, one one childread to, one sick one loving stitchatatime: society mustberewoven The fabric ofAmerican COMMON GOOD Reflect onthe concerns and causes REFLECT and gifts. is the bestfit for your passions is needed and assess which project in your community. Find out what Check out volunteer opportunities ACT What doyou think is “yours todo”? that are most important to you.

43 COMMON GOOD empower the powerless, choices by whether they our social and economic We mustlearn tojudge theologian andactivist Jim Wallis foster truedemocracy.” protect the earth, and COMMON GOOD What criteria are important to REFLECT it beimproved? things you value? Ifnot, how might government. Doesitaddress the being considered by the Select anexisting law orapolicy ACT economic choices? and social youmake you when

44 COMMON GOOD 34th President theUnitedStates of Dwight D. Eisenhower cold and are not clothed.” are not fed, those who are from those who hunger and in the final sense atheft every rocket fired, signifies every warship launched, Every gun that is made, COMMON GOOD When you read statements like this REFLECT beliefs inmind. Redraw itwithyour values and departments of the government. in the annual budget between and other resources are allocated Find apiechart ofhow tax dollars ACT Why? community needs, how doyou feel? compared withexpenditures on or reports onmilitaryspending

45 COMMON GOOD labor leader andcivilrights activist Cesar Chavez cultures.” disrespect for other require contempt or own culture doesnot Preservation ofone’s COMMON GOOD How doesliving inamulticultural REFLECT you from another culture. favorite objectsthat have come to home, identifying well-used and present? Now, walk through your neighborhood—what cultures are Take awalk through your ACT society affect you?

46 COMMON GOOD writer andeducator Parker J.Palmer democracy depends.” community onwhich not unravel the civic create inaway that does and the conflicts they political differences good tohold our It is inthe common

COMMON GOOD Do you regularly connect with REFLECT pledge. Forward it toothers. different political views, signthe Together withsomeone who holds Malice Toward None” pledge. Look upBraver Angels’ “With ACT engagement? What experiences guide your with those who agree withyou? views, ordoyou tend tostick people who hold different political

47 COMMON GOOD founder and president of Interfaith founder andpresident of Youth Core Eboo Patel unique contribution.” chance tomake its community has a best served when each The common goodis COMMON GOOD What has your community (ethnic, REFLECT support them. accomplishments. Find away to to learn about their aspirations and different constituencies in your area Read interviews withleaders of ACT Why orwhy not? Are you proud ofthat contribution? American politicsand culture? religious, gender) contributed to

48 COMMON GOOD US Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor not understand.” us inways that we might history has really shaped come from and how that to appreciate where we It is important for all ofus COMMON GOOD Reflect on where you come from REFLECT them tobe. out what you want your legacy to letter tofuture generations, spelling received from them. Then writea thanking them for what you have Write alettertoyour ancestors, ACT your personal history. and how you have beenshaped by

49 COMMON GOOD labor leader andcivilrights activist Dolores Huerta the world.” minute achance tosave potential activist, every every person is a organizing opportunity, Every moment is an COMMON GOOD How important is organizing, REFLECT about change. you withtheir efforts to bring of a“moral mentor,” who inspires Watch amovie orread abiography ACT an example. is needed inour world? Share activism toyour vision ofwhat protesting, and other forms of

50 COMMON GOOD writer andactivist Grace Lee Boggs spiritual values.” economic, political, and sea change inour ecological, our humanity require agreat planet and the restoration of when the survival ofour points inhuman history one ofthe great turning recognizes that we are at We need avision that COMMON GOOD What contemporary artists, spiritual REFLECT in the next five years. changes you want tosee happen the past five years. Then add have observed inthe world during self. List the major changes you Write amessage toyour “citizen” ACT that you can align yourself with? a soul-stirring vision ofthe future teachers, or activists have given you

51 COMMON GOOD Parkland shootingsurvivorand activist Emma Gonzalez doing something.” so it’s time tostart continually end updead, actively donothing, people And inthis case, ifyou don’t study, you willfail. anything, it’s that ifyou students have learned ‘it is what itis,’ but if us gotten used tosaying, Maybe the adults have

COMMON GOOD Which ofthese statements doyou REFLECT whom you work, worship, orstudy. of actions totake tothose with you can help, such as creating alist Study uponit.Then, consider how important tothe common good. Choose acause that you think is a national march for gun reform. Emma Gonzalez helped organize ACT something.” Why? it is.” “It’s time tostartdoing feel most strongly about? “Itis what

52 COMMON GOOD of theIroquois Confederacyof the of Turtle theSenecaNations Clanof Indigenous rightsadvocateandFaithkeeper Oren Lyons to survive.” a process that is going then you donot have governing process, moral questioninyour If you donot have a

COMMON GOOD What moral questions doyou want REFLECT for freedom orpeace. democracy, such as apinofbird you want toencourage inour symbolizes the spiritual values Find anobjectyou can carry that to encourage? What spiritual values doyou want ACT our democracy? to becentral todecision-making in