Democracy is in need of love.

Let’s tackle today’s biggest problems:

  • With a sense of commitment, action, and joy.
  • Through lifelong learning courses, workshops, and communities.
  • Together with our partners who bring commitment and expertise.

Be a part of the solution.

Take The Democracy Challenge

Our orientation course pre-requisite to joining the Academy

James McHenry (1753-1816) records the events of the last day of the convention, September 18, 1787; he wrote: A lady asked Dr. Franklin, “Well Doctor, what have we got a republic or a monarchy – ‘A republic replied the Doctor if you can keep it.’” 


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.

Upcoming Programs:

Below are the programs we’re offering this coming month!

  • The Democracy Challenge

    The Democracy Challenge is our orientation course. 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.’

  • Media Meal Planning

    “Media Meal Planning” is a dynamic course that deepens your media and journalism understanding. You’ll assess your media habits, analyze news stories, and evaluate media channels. The course concludes with a hands-on assignment and a reflective project to devise your media strategy.

Membership:

Membership in the Public Square Academy is currently by donation: you choose the price you can afford that represents the value you expect to gain. Members may start or join any number of groups and have full access to our community, discussion forums, and events. Members receive discounts on Courses and Workshops.

Join the PSA

Democracy is the worst form of government… besides all the others. At our darkest, we have selfishness, infighting, fear, and hatred. At our best, we have creativity, power, flexibility, and opportunity.  When democracies fall, they fall to oligopoly, totalitarianism, and autocracy. The Membership offer is at the conclusion of The Democracy Challenge. Enroll now!

It’s up to us

The difference is in how well we, as citizens, rise together for the common good. We thrive when we come to honest agreement, when we treat each other with care and respect. Making this happen requires a compassionate, broadly educated, informed, and engaged public.

Get on board

If you are angry, disillusioned, disempowered, disenfranchised, or even hopeful, we’re here to raise your level of citizenship by supporting your personal development, economic empowerment, and civic engagement.  It’s up to you to show up and do the work.

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