Institute for Democratic Engagement & Accountability (IDEA)

The Foundational Principle of IDEA

We are grounded in a fundamental principle: When citizens and elected officials participate in civil, representative, and focused dialogue, it fosters mutual respect, enhances decision-making, and builds greater faith in the democratic process.

  • 5 Countries Where DTHs Have Been Held
  • 95% Of participants say Deliberative Town Halls are "very valuable for democracy"
  • 11% Avg. Increase in Trust in Participating Elected Official

Recent News

Deliberative State Governance in Brussels

Deliberative State Governance in Brussels

How FIDE-NA and IDEA Are Helping U.S. States Adapt Europe's Playbook for Citizen Engagement

Last month, the Federation for Democratic Innovation–North America (FIDE-NA),…

File case with IDEA logo on it

IDEA Launches First Internal Advisory Board

OSU's investment in IDEA over the last four years has allowed the Institute to grow significantly, expanding our staff and our portfolio of projects. As IDEA prepares for continuing growth, it has…

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Fellow Spotlight: Ryan Mahoney

Ryan Mahoney's interest in politics didn't start in a classroom. It started at the dinner table.

His stepfather, who was engaged in public affairs in his own youth, brought political…

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Fellow Spotlight: Elise Britton

When Elise Britton talks about what shaped her commitment to civic life, she doesn't point to a class or a campaign. She points to the woman who raised her.

Her mother, aunt, and grandmother…

People Directory

Professor of Communication, Professor of Political Science (by courtesy)
Associate Director
Director of the Institute for Democratic Engagement and Accountability (IDEA); Professor of Political Science and (by courtesy) Philosophy, Communication, and Public Policy
Director of Research