Learn about nine areas where our democracy is at risk. It’s our chance to get to know each other and decide if Academy membership is a good ‘mutual fit.’

This free course is for anyone who wants to promote democracy more actively and participate in the democratic development of the Academy. Although this is a self-paced course, most of our member programs are live virtual workshops and events.

The Academy uses a group-based model to produce constructive change, improve the lives and lot of the citizen, and serves as a social incubator for democratic solutions.

Program Objectives:

• Learn about the Academy, how our programs are designed, and how we work.
• Develop an understanding of nine key areas where democracy can be improved (for a preview, these nine areas are introduced on the “About” page.
• Identify areas of immediate concern to you and develop a personal plan of action to be a part of the solution.
• Upon program completion and with acceptance of our community agreements, you may apply to join the Academy.
• As a member, you will develop relationships with other members, take classes, participate in workshops, and join or form groups.
• We host five types of chartered groups: Action and expert groups develop solutions to problems. Study groups build member knowledge, skills, and perspectives, Support groups build individual capacity, and Local groups address geographically local issues.
• Participate in events designed to develop and support groups and ideas to raise the power of the individual in society. These events include “office hours” for onboarding and support, pitch sessions by members looking to develop groups, and Interact with other students in our weekly discussion forum.