Engaging People is a digital online series of short documentaries launched in 2013 about people engaged and actively making change in their communities. They serve as role models of service, volunteerism and political action every day and in crisis situations, illustrating what it means to be an active participant in American democracy. Although we continue to experience gridlock in our political system the Engaging People Series provides hopeful examples of how empowered citizens improve communities and society in a wide array of positive ways.

S.A.G.E. (Stylez Advancing Graffiti’s Evolution) Coalition is a Trenton-based art collaborative that seeks to transform symbols of urban blight — crumbling, abandoned homes and buildings — into showcases for art. S.A.G.E. artists remind those in neighborhoods that unity in community and pride in heritage are still alive. Their humanitarian goal is to uplift the lives of their communities and create a source of pride around the soul of their messages. An impact can be seen in their widening network and visual “take-back-the-streets” attitude. You'll be taken behind the scenes to see how this artist coalition is changing things up in Trenton and building community with people from diverse backgrounds.

The Fair Haven Fire Company has produced their Firemen’s Fair for most of their 100-plus year history with tens of thousands attending every August through Labor Day. Hundreds of volunteers successfully come together to coordinate and manage the huge fundraiser for the all-volunteer fire company, which helps support their training and work fighting fires throughout the year. But, it's not just the fair that highlights their astute organizational nature. The Fair Haven Fire Company holds a long tradition of highly productive teamwork during extraordinary situations, illustrating the strength and impact that citizens can have on the fabric of their community. This is a story of public service and volunteering at its best—proudly American—giving back to the community; families, friends and children in the most genuine and memorable way.

Using skills he already had as a caterer, Circus Maximus decided to create The U-HUNGRY Cafe to mobilize and distribute food to shore towns without electricity and whose cars had been totaled by the storm. Along the way he found a crew of like-minded volunteers who got a quick lesson on how to do catering from the back of a U-Haul truck. They listened to people's stories and helped bring some levity and humor to the situation. Circus started a pay-it-forward solidarity approach and eventually handed-off the reins and returned home to Seattle.

Justin Auciello grew up in Seaside Park loving the ocean, beach and surfing. But, that wasn't the only thing he loved. When he heard fire alarms go off, he'd hop on his bike and chase fire trucks because he "always wanted to be in the know," sharing information with others in his community. Turns out the digital revolution at the crossroads of journalism and crowdsourcing came along just in time for Justin to catch that BIG wave, too.

High school seniors, Noah Tucker and Tyler Lubin both enjoy river activities including fishing, crabbing, boating and swimming in the Navesink River, located in Monmouth County, NJ. However, now and in the past the Navesink has been threatened by fecal coliform bacteria (human and animal feces) which enters the river through sewer drains. The two teens looked for solutions when they heard the water quality worsened in 2015. Through research they learned what fecal coliform bacteria was and found a viable solution to the problem, but are awaiting town approvals to allow for simple installation.

Bonnie Kerness has been an activist since she was fourteen. In 1961, at the age of nineteen, she moved to Tennessee to participate in the Civil Rights Movement. In 1970 she moved back North and became active with welfare and tenants rights and anti-war groups. Bonnie has worked as a community organizer on gay rights, welfare rights, women’s rights and other campaigns. She speaks loudly and publicly on behalf of people in prison and on US human rights violations of the United Nations Convention against Torture and is often quoted in articles, books and other publications on prison related subjects. Bonnie shows us how she has used nearly sixty years of her life challenging social injustices and speaking truth to power.

Amy Quinn, a 15-year resident of Asbury Park was elected Deputy Mayor in January 2015. As an attorney for the Community Health Law Project, a nonprofit legal services agency, there's no doubt she loves living in the culturally diverse town and cares about making her community stronger. Previously serving as Councilwoman, Amy believes in a "voice for everyone," and is a "see a problem, solve a problem" kind of person. As Deputy Mayor she is seeking new ways to reduce the crime rate, involve Asbury residents in community decisions, support small businesses and create government transparency by improving communication. She's honest and direct, "There are no easy answers."

We all know people who are hard-core doers, and Rosemary Ryan, life-long Highlands, New Jersey resident delivers in spades. She's been elected Board of Education President, is an Environmental Commission member, and also sits on the Hope for Highlands Commission, a group of like-minded citizens and business people who raise funds to help residents rebuild their lives after Hurricane Sandy. In 2013 Rosemary was encouraged to run for public office, and although she overcomes all obstacles in her way—including a bout with cancer in 2012, politics seems like a daunting task.