OUR STORY
Civics Is Sexy was born out of the success of, founder, Maximina Juson's award-winning PBS documentary One Person, One Vote?, a gripping exposé on the Electoral College that reframed a centuries-old institution through a modern, non-partisan lens. Premiering as the season opener for the critically acclaimed Independent Lens, the film was watched by millions of viewers across America.
It ignited national conversations, broke into the pop-culture mainstream with features on The Daily Show, Forbes, Variety, Deadline, and more, and has been embraced by academic institutions nationwide as a powerful teaching tool that deeply resonates with students. The film's success proves that when civic education is bold, creative, and emotionally resonant, people—especially young people—pay attention.
Seeing the hunger for civic content that doesn’t feel like homework, filmmaker Maximina Juson launched Civics Is Sexy to broaden her civics work beyond The Electoral College. The initiative transforms complex political systems into accessible, entertaining, and empowering media experiences—infused with pop culture savvy, great music, and the unapologetic belief that democracy belongs to all of us. From digital campaigns to interactive workshops, Civics Is Sexy is where civic literacy meets cultural fluency. WATCH ONE PERSON, ONE VOTE? TRAILER
OUR VISION
Knowledge is power—and there’s nothing more attractive than owning your ability to shape the world around you.
Civics Is Sexy blends the transformative power of the arts with trusted, accurate, and actionable civic knowledge. Through creative storytelling, we spark a passion for civic literacy and the desire to engage in our democracy. Our mission is to empower you to educate yourself, identify disinformation, and step confidently into the role of an informed and active citizen.
Never underestimate the power of one person—you. Your voice, your vote, and your actions create ripples that spark movements and transform communities. Civics Is Sexy redefines what it means to be engaged in democracy, proving that learning about government, staying informed, and taking bold action isn’t just important—it’s irresistibly transformative. Through the arts, we make civics accessible, exciting, and undeniably impactful.
OUR VALUES
ART TRANSCENDS BARRIERS and can play a critical role in uniting polarized communities. It sparks curiosity, builds understanding, and creates cultural moments that inspire us to see one another as part of a collective story and build a more stable society.
EMAPTHY. At the heart of a healthy democracy is the ability to see the world through someone else’s eyes. Through bold storytelling, meaningful conversations, and creative expression, we help individuals build empathy, break down barriers, and embrace the diversity of thought and experience that strengthens society.
ETHICAL PRACTICES. Integrity and honesty are at the core of what we do. From combating disinformation to fostering transparent, respectful dialogue, we uphold the highest ethical standards, building trust and ensuring our work strengthens, rather than fractures, society.
NONPARTISANSHIP. By focusing on shared values and common ground, we foster dialogue that helps communities connect and co-exist with greater understanding. We champion civic literacy and engagement as universal rights, creating a space where all voices are welcomed and respected—beyond political divides.
IMPACT. We focus on real, measurable outcomes—moving people from awareness to action and ensuring civic knowledge translates into tangible, community-driven change. We aim to create more resilient and stable communities that can better withstand polarization.
Our Founders.
CEO & Head of Digital
Maximina Juson
Maximina is an award-winning filmmaker, user experience, educator, and founder of Civics Is Sexy, dedicated to making civic literacy accessible through storytelling and the arts. Her PBS documentary One Person, One Vote? sparked national dialogue on the Electoral College and democracy, reaching audiences from grassroots communities to major media platforms like The Daily Show and Forbes.
Chief of Strategy & Impact
Freedome Bradley-Ballentine
Freedome is a nationally recognized cultural leader who has expanded access to the arts and civic engagement through roles at The Public Theater, New York Parks & Recreation, and The Old Globe Theater. His work focuses on creating community-driven programs that bridge storytelling, public space, and social change.
VP, Artistic DIrector
Pierre Bennu
Pierre Bennu is an award-winning visual artist, filmmaker, and educator known for creating vibrant, culturally resonant works that inspire empathy and connection. His art and storytelling bring a dynamic creative vision to Civics Is Sexy, helping make civic participation visually engaging and emotionally accessible.
