What does the future of democracy look like? We want your stories
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What would the future look like if people had a real say in the decisions that shape their lives? If communities could work things out together? If power belonged to the people most affected by it?
We don't hear enough of those stories. Most conversations about democracy stay inside policy circles and advocacy spaces. They rarely reach people who haven't yet seen the point of taking part, and they rarely imagine what a more democratic future could actually feel and look like.
The Democracy Stories Lab is here to change that.
The call
We're launching an open call for creators anywhere in the world to share visual content (short videos, illustrations, or graphics) that tells a compelling story about democracy. We're looking for stories that connect with what people actually experience when they do or don't have a say: the power and trust of working things out as a community, the dignity of being taken seriously, the freedom to disagree without fear, and more.
These aren't just stories about political systems. They're stories about voice, fairness, belonging, and what happens when ordinary people hold real power over decisions that shape their futures. These are important topics, but your tone doesn't have to be serious — we don't put a limit on your creativity.
Content can be original or already published, as long as it's yours and it engages with narrative frameworks from the Democracy Narratives Alliance's research on "How to Talk About Democracy." Read our creative brief to start planning your submission.
Key dates
Call release: June 16, 2026
Applications open: July 14, 2026
Submission deadline: September 14, 2026
Winners announced: October–November, 2026
The application form will open on the Democracy Stories Lab page starting July 14. Subscribe to our newsletter to be notified when applications open.
Who can apply
This call is open to individual creators and small teams anywhere in the world. Maybe you work in civic tech, advocacy, or community organizing and have been itching to tell stories that go beyond the usual talking points. Maybe you make comedy, art, illustration, games, or lifestyle content that already sparks conversations about social issues.
What matters is that you bring a fresh perspective on what the future could look like if people genuinely got to decide together on the issues that shape their lives.
We especially welcome creators who reach audiences outside the usual democracy circles, who can reimagine how we talk about voice, fairness, freedom, and power, and who come from communities that have traditionally had less of a say in public discourse.
Awards
Four winning entries will receive USD $1,000 each. Five honorable mentions will receive USD $500 each. Winners will also receive amplification across the People Powered and Democracy Narratives Alliance communications networks and be featured in a global screening event.
About this initiative
The Democracy Stories Lab is an initiative of People Powered, a global hub for participatory democracy, in partnership with the Democracy Narratives Alliance, a global initiative to shift how we talk about democracy. It was voted into existence through PP Decides, People Powered's own participatory budgeting process — making it an outcome of the very democratic culture it aims to promote.