Fandom Forward leverages the power of pop culture fan communities —a collective of individuals who share a passion for a particular entity, whether a TV show, movie, book series, or video game. Fandom Forward focuses on video game fans— to inspire civic engagement and strengthen democracy. One of their most innovative campaigns, Save Our Progress—referencing an option for saving what you have earned in a game, so you don’t have to start all over again—focuses on mobilizing video game fans to vote and advocates for democratic participation.
Fandom Forward understands that fan communities have creativity and passion that can be harnessed for social change. The Save Our Progress campaign provides training and mentorship for video game fans, guiding them through the process of organizing fan-centered voting actions within their own communities.
The training includes interactive workshops on how to articulate personal voting stories, host voter registration parties, plan voting actions, and bring others on board. These sessions take place on fun and engaging online platforms that feel familiar to fans of virtual games. This approach is about building a culture of civic responsibility within fan communities and ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard in the democratic process.
Fandom Forward’s work exemplifies the kind of innovative, community-driven activism that Mary’s Pence is proud to support. They show how organizing around shared passions can make democracy more accessible, fun, and inclusive for all.