eJournal of Public Affairs, Volume 9, Issue 1, Introductory Essay

“All Voices Count” was an issue in progress before the COVID-19 pandemic hit America, but the value of this issue increases as our country grapples with a fundamental shift in our perspective. Our world reflects voter participation & engagement in every enforced state and federal policy; whether discussing the economy or climate change, it is critical that community members engage in respective and responsive democratic discourse. Civic responsibility fosters strong community participation which, in turn, protects the health and well being of others; AASCU’s American Democracy Project (ADP) collaborates with many campuses, some of which are featured in this issue, to prepare students to be informed and engaged citizens and to foster civic responsibility. This issue illustrates multiple ways for how educational institutions can support our communities in this time of desperate need.