Today, our democratic systems face extraordinary threats: Voter suppression. Political polarization. Cultural divides that grow deeper each day.

At Emerson Collective, we believe that renewing the promise of American democracy is core to making our country and our communities more equitable and just. Only in a functioning democracy can we make progress on the climate crisis, build a fairer immigration system, strengthen our schools, and address the structural inequalities that perpetuate unjust systems.

That’s why, this year, we have selected a cohort of Emerson Collective Fellows who are working to strengthen our democratic systems, protect the right to vote, and foster civic engagement. This Democracy Cohort is a cross-disciplinary group of leaders—a journalist, visual artist, organizer, sociological criminologist, history teacher, election officials, and others—each committed to renewing the promise we all share to improve the American experiment.