Programs
IDEA brings citizens and their elected officials into the same conversation. Our flagship model, the Deliberative Town Hall, gathers a representative group of constituents, gives them balanced information on a single issue, and puts their questions directly to the people who represent them. We work with members of Congress and their communities across the United States, with partners in countries from Nigeria and Malawi to the United Kingdom, Australia, and Chile, and with Ohio State students building their own skills in deliberation. What we learn in one setting shapes our work in the others, adding to the evidence that deliberative democracy works in very different contexts.
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.