Citizen Stories

 democracy happens one person at a time

Each person‘s story is worth telling. We share stories about the efforts, struggles and successes of people who step up to make democracy work better — in their community, their state, their nation. That work can get lonely. It‘s good to have a gathering place to pick up tips, offer support and get inspired.

Region

  • Why I see gerrymandering as a sin that people of faith should oppose

    Rev. Jarrett Kerbel

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    Rev. Jarrett Kerbel is rector of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church in Philadelphia and a member of DTL's east regional steering committee.

  • Jessica Forsell of Doylestown

    Jessica Forsell of Doylestown believes more competition in politics will lead to more responsive government and a more civil public square.

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    Jessica Forsell of Doylestown

  • Dave Davies of Philadelphia

    A journalist who has spent decades trying to move democracy out of backrooms.

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    Photo: Dave Davies shares his story.
    Dave Davies | Image Credit: PWPVideo

  • Chris Satullo of Philadelphia

    At least once before he dies, Chris Satullo would like to see democracy in his adopted state work the way his Dad taught him it was supposed to work.

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    Chris Satullo served as DTL's project director | Image Credit: Philadelphia Junto

  • David Thornburgh of Philadelphia

    The leader of Draw the Lines traces its roots to the inspiration he finds in the Jimmy Stewart films he's loved since his youth.

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  • Linda Breitstein of Bala Cynwyd

    As a child of Jewish refugees who barely escaped from World War II with their lives, Linda Breitstein grew up witnessing how precious the right to a meaningful vote could be.

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  • Yaasiyn Muhammad of Philadelphia

    Yaasiyn Muhammad hopes that Draw the Lines PA helps create a generation of young people who are more aware of the nuances of state government and are encouraged to push for reform.

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    Yaasiyn Muhammad
    Yaasiyn Muhammad

  • Salomon Moreno-Rosa of Philadelphia

    Salomon Moreno-Rosa credits his fifth-grade teacher with inspiring him to recognize the importance of public service.

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    Salomon Moreno-Rosa

  • Myra Gehret Forrest of Gilbertsville

    Dr. Myra Gehret Forrest, a former school district superintendent, believes that the practice of gerrymandering is not just unfair but 'un-American.' She's backing Draw the Lines because she believes education is the key to a solution.

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  • Justin Villere of Philadelphia

    Justin Villere is leading Draw the Lines PA to provide Pennsylvanians of all ages the tools to lead us out of the wilderness and towards a more perfect union.

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  • Barbara Adams of Philadelphia

    Inspired as a child by JFK, Barbara Adams thinks gerrymandering is a fundamental structural problem in our democracy needing to be fixed.

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