Secretary of State’s Office, Vermont Humanities and the Center for Cartoon Studies Release a New Comic on Civic Engagement in Vermont

October 27 2022

Montpelier, VT – Today Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos, Vermont Humanities, and the Center for Cartoon Studies announced the release of a new comic book, titled Freedom and Unity, focused on civics education, local democracy and the Vermont election process.

“As we approach election day, the state of our civil discourse is in disrepair, and trust in our democratic institutions is at an all-time low” said Secretary Condos. “I believe that the antidote to these divisive times is civics education, inspiring the next generation of leaders to be invested and engaged in our democratic and civic processes.”

The comic, titled Freedom and Unity, A Graphic Guide to Vermont Democracy, is a collaboration between the Secretary of State’s office, Vermont Humanities, and the Center for Cartoon Studies, supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Federation of State Humanities Councils.

“By investing in our future voters and leaders, we can work to inspire a new level of civic engagement, from participating in our local town meetings, to running for higher office,” said Deputy Secretary of State Chris Winters, who represented the office in the collaborative creation of the comic. “Of equal importance is teaching the next generation how to exchange ideas without vilifying each other. As a nation we need to reinvest in civics education for our youth, and this comic is a small but important step for our Vermont community.”

The Freedom and Unity launch party was held on October 27 at the Center for Cartoon Studies Post Office building as a part of the Vermont Humanities “Where We Land: Stories that Propel Us” Fall Festival.

“Vermont Humanities is excited to partner with the Vermont Secretary of State to commission this new resource for civics education in our state,” said Christopher Kaufman Ilstrup, Executive Director of Vermont Humanities. “This book emphasizes all of the different ways that Vermonters can get involved in supporting democracy at the local level, while also not shying away from some of the challenges we face,” he continued. “We hope that it inspires Vermonters of all ages to take a role in community governance.”

Copies of Freedom and Unity will be distributed to libraries around the state through the Vermont Department of Libraries, and can also be found at the State House, or the offices of the partners involved in its creation.

Freedom and Unity was created by a talented team from The Center for Cartoon Studies, led by cartoonist Dan Nott, with input from the Secretary of State’s office and Vermont Humanities.

“Comic books may not be able to save democracy but they can certainly contribute to the cause,” said James Sturm, Center for Cartoon Studies cofounder and Freedom and Unity creative contributor. “What better medium is there to engage and inform the public? I couldn’t be more grateful to the leadership of our brave little state for making it happen.”

Video from the launch event can be found on the Junction Arts & Media YouTube page.