This Fall...
A Statewide Block Party for Democracy
Watch a video of our first Block Party for Democracy in September of 2025.
Building on the network of partner organizations we connected with during the We The People of Ohio tour, Indivisible Next 2sday Arts is organizing our next Block Party for Democracy, and this time, we're taking it statewide. Communities throughout Ohio will host their own local Block Party for Democracy events: free, family-friendly festivals designed to celebrate civic life and imagine the future of our democracy together through art, conversation, music, and play.
We're currently planning this statewide day of festivities for Saturday, September 19th, though we're still gathering feedback from partner organizations, and Saturday, September 26th remains a possible alternative date.
To help make that possible, we've put together a Block Party for Democracy Guidebook: a resource packed with tested activities, planning timelines, and materials for any group ready to host their own event. Expect a festival atmosphere, not a heavy political one: chalk your hopes onto The Democracy I Want Wall, decorate a flag at Flags of Change, earn a trophy at Civic All-Star Trophies, strike a pose at the Hero of Democracy Selfie Booth, or add a page to The People's Assembly, a collective art piece that grows with every stop. Put your civics knowledge to the test, game-show style, plus there are prizes and kids' activities too, and plenty to make and take home. You'll also find resources and people on hand to help answer your questions about elections and voting, register you to vote, or walk you through mail-in ballots.
Explore the Guidebook
From decorating bandanas at Dogs for Democracy to reciting the oath at Super Citizen Kids League, our Block Party for Democracy Guidebook is packed with tested, ready-to-use activities, plus planning timelines, supply lists, and everything else you need to host your own event. Download it to get started.
This is our most current edition. We’re working on an updated version that will include new guidance for weaving in actionable items focused on voting and getting your community excited and prepared for the upcoming midterm elections, so check back soon for the latest release.
Ready to Host, or Just Want to Learn More?
Fill out our brief contact form and we’ll follow up with details, resources, and next steps for bringing a Block Party for Democracy to your community. You don’t have to be in Ohio to host one — we’d love to see these happen all over. Whether you’re ready to commit or still exploring the idea, we’d love to hear from you.
Sample Activities
Don’t know where to start? Don’t worry – we can help!
See the list below for examples of activities included in our guidebook. We are working on an updated version which will incude even more examples, including activities that align with the theme of voting.
Dogs for Democracy: Decorate a bandana or wearable sign for your dog to show off their civic pride, plus a pet selfie booth.
Democracy Learning Games: Game-show style civics and history trivia with prizes, hosted by Cleveland teachers’ group Democracy Lab.
The Democracy I Want Chalk Wall: Write, draw, or doodle your response to “The Democracy I Want…” on a large chalk-style panel.
The People’s Assembly: A collaborative art piece where participants contribute a page reflecting their hopes and visions for democracy.
Civic All-Star Trophies: Choose an upcycled trophy that reflects your civic role, like “#1 Consistent Voter” or “Driver of Positive Change.”
Hero of Democracy Selfie Booth: Strike a pose with civic-themed props and share your photo on social media.
Super Citizen Kids League: Kids take a Civic Duty Quiz, recite the Superhero Oath, and earn a cape and button.
Protest Sign Free Library: A lending library of donated protest signs for participants to borrow or take.
Flags of Change: Create a small pennant-style flag reflecting your values, hopes, and civic pride.
Make & Take Yard Signs: Decorate a yard sign with your own civic message and take it home.
Signs of the Times: A reusable, weather-resistant sign made with dry-erase or removable materials.
Democracy Playground: A kids’ zone with bubbles, noisemakers, simple games, and face painting.