The Face of Democracy teaches basic documentary journalism skills to high school students and then puts them in the path of those who take their citizenship seriously.
On election day, students who have participated in FOD's two-month classroom program that combines lessons in interviewing, editing, photography and civics, go to the polls to ask one simple question: Why Do You Vote?
After listening to the stories of voters in their own communities, the students come away from election day having a complex and profound understanding of our democracy and a newfound commitment to participate in the electoral process when they reach voting age.
But the program does not stop there. After election day, the students create a traveling exhibit of portraits and pull-quotes that has been displayed in libraries, city halls, and public galleries across the country.
The Face of Democracy seeks to challenge the prevailing disconnection of young people from the political life of the country by enabling them to bear witness to our democracy in real and tangible ways.