About IDEA | Institute for Democratic Engagement & Accountability

Who We Are

The Institute for Democratic Engagement & Accountability (IDEA) is a collaborative, multi-disciplinary research institute with a global network of partners and more than sixteen years of experience designing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based solutions to revive democracy worldwide.

We work with all levels of government to help elected officials hear from the missing voices in their constituencies. Citizens who participate feel respected, especially those on the margins, and leaders learn what they need to set priorities and craft effective responses.

Our research uses scientifically rigorous democratic innovations, including our flagship Deliberative Town Halls (DTHs), Common Ground for Action, Every Voice Engaged, Citizens' Assemblies, and hybrid models. Using [our toolkit](link to IDEA Toolkit page), we partner with elected officials around the world to bring about positive, impactful change in the political process.

Explore Our Work

Our Mission

IDEA bridges the gap between rigorous democracy research and real-world impact through programs that foster direct engagement between citizens and their representatives at every level of government.

Our vision rests on a simple but powerful idea: when citizens and elected officials come together for civil, representative, focused conversations, we respect one another more, our leaders make better decisions, and everyone has more faith in the democratic process. As part of our land-grant university's mission of "Education for Citizenship," IDEA turns applied political science into practical innovations that help democracy work better for everyone, from Ohio State students to Chileans debating their constitution to Northern Irelanders updating the Good Friday Agreement.

The IDEA Toolkit

Where We Work

National. Our Connecting to Congress initiative has implemented Deliberative Town Halls with more than 30 Members of Congress from both houses and parties since 2006. We also support citizen-to-citizen deliberation through Every Voice Engaged and our Common Ground for Action forums, reporting the results back to policymakers. Learn about IDEA's national programs.

On Campus. As part of The Ohio State University, IDEA generates knowledge about American political institutions, fosters high-quality political dialogue, and helps prepare students to be leaders and engaged citizens. Learn about IDEA's on-campus programs.

International. IDEA adapts its innovations to political and cultural contexts around the world, working with elected officials in Nigeria, Malawi, Chile, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Through our Global Innovations in Democracy exchange, we build a network of practitioners ready to expand the reach of these tools. Learn about IDEA's international programs.

Citizens are not apathetic—they’re frustrated

Our Mission

IDEA bridges the gap between rigorous democracy research and real-world impact through programs that foster direct engagement between citizens and their representatives at every level of government.

The IDEA Toolkit

Where We Work

Citizens are not apathetic—they’re frustrated