Ten fundamentals. Ten conversations.

"Section 1 is unlike any civics education I've experienced. While most programs focus on specific causes, Section 1 goes deeper by explaining the foundational principles that hold a free and democratic society together. The videos were incredibly easy to follow, and the material was outlined so logically that complex ideas about our "civic immune system" changed my perspective. Instead of being told what to think, I learned how to recognize subtle threats to democratic values and understand why principles like pluralism, rule of law, and equality matter in practice. The material is structured in a way that builds a coherent understanding of citizenship grounded in principles rather than reactions! It shifted my focus from responding to individual headlines to recognizing and protecting the underlying conditions that allow democracy to function. Section 1 makes me feel more confident, informed, and capable of engaging thoughtfully in civic life!"

Railyn DattaSIDE graduate

"My biggest takeaway wasn't just learning what functioning liberal democracies require, but in realizing that education about democracy can bridge divides. When a set of videos can reach into our hearts and tap into the values we care about the most, anyone (even people such as me and my parents) can come together and leave with mutual understanding."

"We found the videos highly applicable to the real world and effective in clarifying the bedrocks of democracy. Even my dad (whose English isn't the best) could easily comprehend the gist of every video because the principles were so intuitive yet nuanced. I also took note of the fact that we had an especially long conversation after watching the Truth Principle video, as we felt this was especially important to keep in mind given the rising antagonization of "the other side"."

"My parents and I hold starkly different political viewpoints and positions on contemporary issues — from affirmative action to taxation to healthcare — and it's rare that we ever find common ground in debates. However, what I loved most about this activity was how SIDE presented us with principles that we fundamentally agreed upon, then gave us the room to diverge into our personal interpretations and knowledge bases when discussing. It's often frustrating to argue with my parents about politics, but our discussions about the SIDE videos didn't feel like arguing; instead, I would find their points insightful and truthful, as we could agree on our critiques of illiberal democracies, the CCP and even figures in Canadian politics."

Scarlett O. LuSIDE graduate

"Each of us thinks we know and understand what democracy means. Section 1's Students in Democracy Education initiative poses a comprehensive view of the concept that will educate and challenge. It does not restrict itself to a description of the working mechanisms of the system — that's the easy part. At its innovative core is the notion of a Heroic Citizen, setting out first principles, explaining them and importantly illustrating the integration among them. It pays attention to the fundamental institutions that underpin a well-functioning democracy. It suggests implicitly that democracy is more than a simple vote. Each short episode is designed to be engaging, with music and photography. By suggesting both challenge and opportunity the experience allows participants to make it their own. Designed to elicit feedback, the intent is to inspire students to assume some responsibility for their own learning — exploring and questioning both what resonates and confuses. In other words, it motivates us to think about the conditions and behaviours that are critical if we are to learn to live together harmoniously — whether in neighbourhoods or countries."