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

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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…

Elise_Britton_Fellow

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…

Michael Neblo holding shaking hands with a congress member

IDEA Director and Associate Director Featured in The Lantern on Restoring Civic Engagement

IDEA Director Michael Neblo and Associate Director Amy Lee were featured in The Lantern on one of the central questions behind IDEA's work: why Americans have disengaged from politics and what can…

Maxwell_Kiernan_Website- Fellow

Fellow Spotlight: Maxwell Kiernan

When Maxwell Kiernan talks about what drew him to public service, he doesn't start with a class or a textbook. He starts with his mom.

An Air Force pilot and career civil servant, she spent…

People Directory

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