IDEA extends its impact across Ohio, the United States, and around the world. Our programs bring research-backed deliberation to communities, classrooms, and governments at every level. Whether we're facilitating town halls in Nigeria, connecting students to Congress, or building civic skills on campus, we're strengthening trust in democracy one conversation at a time. Explore our three core program areas below.
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.
- Nigerian Deliberative Town Halls
- Malawian Deliberative Town Halls
- EuComMeet
- Connecting to Parliament: UK
- Deliberating Chile's Constitutional Convention
- Connecting to Parliament: Australia
- Global Innovations in Democracy (GID)
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.