WASHINGTON, D.C. — People For the American Way today announced the upcoming release of The Art of Saving Democracy: An Action Kit for Making Change, a new, nonpartisan civic renewal initiative designed to inspire and equip Americans to actively participate in our democracy.
The action kit features a book with a foreword by Academy Award-winning actor and People For the American Way board member Jamie Lee Curtis, and artwork by renowned artists Shepard Fairey, Roy Lichtenstein, Ed Ruscha, Carrie Mae Weems, Vincent Valdez, Victoria Cassinova, Beverly McIver, Tracie Ching, Debbie Millman, Michael Dixon, Deborah Kass, Ann Hamilton, and more.
Now available for preorder, The Art of Saving Democracy will land in bookstores on June 2, 2026—arriving in time to celebrate America’s founding ideals and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on the Fourth of July. Storey Publishing, an imprint of Hachette Book Group, is the publisher, and all royalties will benefit People For the American Way.
Pre-Order The Art of Saving Democracy from Hachette Book Group
“Change has never come easy, but it always begins with people daring to try,” said Jamie Lee Curtis. “This action kit inspires and empowers in equal measure.”
At a time when truth, freedom, and democratic values are under assault, The Art of Saving Democracy offers both a rallying cry and a roadmap for robust civic engagement. The practical handbook helps aspiring activists find their role in strengthening democracy—whether by organizing locally, engaging elected officials, or making their voices heard in community meetings or in the media.
More than a book, The Art of Saving Democracy is a hands-on action kit that includes stickers to amplify messages of hope and solidarity, postcards to encourage friends to vote, conversation starters to spark deep listening and meaningful connection, mini-posters to hang in dorm rooms and local shop windows, and other creative ideas to motivate action in our communities.
Written by Emmy Award–winning journalist Na Eng for People For the American Way, the project builds on the organization’s four-decade legacy of harnessing cultural power for social change. It features bold artwork that captures the stakes and spirit of democracy—including Vincent Valdez’s striking cover image of the Statue of Liberty’s torch without a flame, symbolizing that liberty’s light depends on the will and imagination of the people to reignite it.
“Art has the power to cut through noise, fear, and cynicism to reach people’s hearts,” said Shepard Fairey, whose iconic work for social change has been downloaded—and often held up defiantly at protests—in 193 countries around the world. “The Art of Saving Democracy reminds us that creative expression and civic participation go hand in hand—and that defending democracy is itself an act of creation.”
In addition to tapping its own network of artists, People For the American Way teamed up with Amplifier, a nonprofit design lab that builds art and media experiments to shift the national narrative. Amplifier generously contributed art pieces from its diverse portfolio of arts-driven campaigns.
“If you, like me, are looking for something to help change these troubling times, The Art of Saving Democracy is your answer,” said Kathleen Turner, a long-time supporter and friend of People For. The two-time Golden Globe Award-winning actor urged people to use and share the action kit widely.
Beyond reaching broad audiences through booksellers, community events, social media and other platforms, People For the American Way seeks philanthropic partners to help expand community outreach and ensure that Americans from all walks of life have access to this timely resource.
“Democracy works best when more people understand they have agency and act to protect their rights,” said Svante Myrick, President of People For the American Way. “Philanthropic support would help ensure that we get this kit into the hands of as many Americans as possible—especially frontline communities under-represented in our democracy who feel the greatest impacts from unjust policies.”
The Art of Saving Democracy: An Action Kit for Making Change ($26, ISBN 979-8-89708-013-7) is available for pre-order at bookstores now.
Pre-Order The Art of Saving Democracy from Hachette Book Group
###
About People For the American Way:
People For the American Way is a national progressive advocacy organization that inspires and mobilizes Americans to defend freedom, justice, and democracy from those who threaten to take them away. For more than four decades, we have been dedicated to making the promise of American ideals real for everyone and have worked toward a vision of a vibrant America where basic rights and freedoms are upheld for all, not just the wealthy and the powerful. Learn more at peoplefor.org.
About Storey Publishing:
Storey Publishing is dedicated to empowering readers with books that share accessible, clear, and comprehensive instructions for learning new skills. From growing a vegetable garden to building a cabin to supporting democracy, Storey is dedicated to sharing expert advice for a well-lived life. Learn more at storey.com.
