In a year dominated by political turmoil, it's easy to overlook the dedicated individuals who keep our democracy thriving — our public servants. This fall, the Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO Public Media will take you behind the scenes to meet the people who protect "we the people" with an audio series and photo gallery exhibit titled Democracy at Work.
Through narrated audio stories, you will meet women and men engaged in their communities, either as volunteers or public sector employees. These heroes, often unappreciated and underpaid, choose public service out of a deep belief in its mission. Their stories reveal how they uphold the fundamental principles of democracy, including:
- Ensuring free and fair elections
- Upholding the right to representation in criminal trials
- Protecting our country from threats, both foreign and domestic
- Providing proper care for veterans
- Safeguarding clean air and water
- Providing independent journalism to hold the powerful accountable
Some of the compelling profiles include:
- Richard Walker: An ex-felon from Richmond who assists recently released felons in restoring their voting rights.
- Laura Mollo: A courageous citizen who used the Freedom of Information Act to expose corruption in her small town, leading to significant government reform.
- Rear Adm. (ret.) Ann Philips: Former leader of Virginia’s coastal resilience master plan and current federal administrator for the Department of Transportation Maritime Administration.
The audio series will air once a week – broadcast on WHRV FM and published online – between Labor Day and the November election. It will be accompanied by a gallery of photographs and quotes from the subjects displayed in libraries, schools and other public spaces throughout the Commonwealth in October.
To learn more about the project and hear previous episodes, visit whro.org/democracyatwork.