IDEA works across three settings: countries around the world, the U.S. Congress and the communities it serves, and the Ohio State campus. The setting may change, but the method remains the same: bring together a representative group of citizens, focus on one issue, and create a direct conversation with the people making the decisions.
What we learn in one setting strengthens the work in another. Findings from Nigeria and Malawi help shape how we design events for Congress, while our congressional work informs what we teach students. Together, these programs build a growing body of evidence that deliberative democracy can work across different cultures, institutions, and scales.
International Programs
Across the globe, from Nigeria to Chile, IDEA adapts Deliberative Town Halls to diverse settings. Our international partnerships bring citizens and policymakers into structured, meaningful dialogue—even in places with limited resources or ongoing political transitions. From constitutional reform in Chile to climate and development conversations in Malawi, we're building evidence that deliberative democracy works across cultures and contexts.
US Programs
Connecting Congress to classrooms and communities nationwide, IDEA's US programs facilitate research-backed, inclusive dialogue between Americans and their representatives. We bring students and citizens into direct conversation with members of Congress, helping them understand how deliberation strengthens democratic participation.
On-Campus Programs
Through its on-campus programs, IDEA empowers Ohio State students to develop deliberative skills and engage complex issues thoughtfully and respectfully. Our workshops, panels, and dialogue events create space for students to practice the habits of democracy.
International Programs
Across the globe, from Nigeria to Chile, IDEA adapts Deliberative Town Halls to diverse settings. Our international partnerships bring citizens and policymakers into structured, meaningful dialogue—even in places with limited resources or ongoing political transitions. From constitutional reform in Chile to climate and development conversations in Malawi, we're building evidence that deliberative democracy works across cultures and contexts.
US Programs
Connecting Congress to classrooms and communities nationwide, IDEA's US programs facilitate research-backed, inclusive dialogue between Americans and their representatives. We bring students and citizens into direct conversation with members of Congress, helping them understand how deliberation strengthens democratic participation.
On-Campus Programs
Through its on-campus programs, IDEA empowers Ohio State students to develop deliberative skills and engage complex issues thoughtfully and respectfully. Our workshops, panels, and dialogue events create space for students to practice the habits of democracy.