For two decades, the Center for Democracy and Citizenship has used theory-based civic engagement strategies to make democracy a way of life. Through collaborations with a variety of partners, the center promotes engaged citizenship and works to ensure that people of all ages have the skills and confidence to be public problem solvers.

Our focus is to engage a broad array of citizen efforts to redesign education so that it develops the full talents of all. Our work is grounded in the belief that a healthy democracy requires everyone's participation, and that each of us has something to contribute.

Our two core initiatives, The Jane Addams School and Public Achievement, are both learning programs with built-in reflective practice to innovate and improve along the way. While currently strengthening the fabric of our local neighborhoods, this work also serves as an important model for healthier communities more broadly. We can inspire others to do this work all over the country and world.