The Institute for Civic Studies and Learning for Democracy (ICSLD) promotes lifelong development of the skills and capacities necessary for democracy. We achieve this by bringing together scholars, civil servants, community activists, education practitioners, and others who have an interest in promoting civic learning in their various spheres of influence.
The driving premise behind our work is that democracy is not merely a form of government, but rather an overarching way of living together, where citizens co-create their shared social and political environments. Participating in such co-creation is demanding. Democracy thrives only when individuals continually engage in learning and development.
The ICSLD envisions a world where every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and passion to actively engage in democratic processes and contribute to the betterment of society. We aspire to contribute to this vision by creating a vibrant community of scholars and practitioners who embrace democracy as a way of life, understand its complexities, and are committed to nurturing its ideals. The Institute for Civic Studies and Learning for Democracy is committed to making this vision a reality by providing a platform for knowledge research, dialogue, collaboration, and action. We aspire to be at the forefront of promoting democratic values and nurturing responsible and informed citizens as co-creators of their environments with the aim of the betterment of our societies.
In the current global landscape, the urgency of the work of ICSLD is underscored by the imperative need to fortify democracy and encourage civic-minded perspectives on a global scale. As our world witnesses a concerning decline in democratic values and practices, the ICSLD recognizes the critical need for a continual revitalization of democracy.
The Institute of Civic Studies and Learning for Democracy (ICSLD) is a continuation of the Summer Institute of Civic Studies, an annual 10-day residential retreat facilitated by Peter Levine and Karol Soltan at Tufts University 2009-2018, and also in Germany and Ukraine from 2015-2019, facilitated by Tetyana Hoggan-Kloubert.
These institutes have brought together over 300 participants to study, discuss, learn, plan, and to collaboratively enact projects centered on the promotion of civic capacities. This tradition has always emphasized interdisciplinary approaches and focused on bringing together internationally diverse groups of participants to promote a diversity of perspectives.
These retreats have been held annually since 2009 (with the exception of 2020-2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic).
Locations have included:
Boston, Massachusetts, USA (Tufts University)
Augsburg, Germany (Katholic Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt & University of Augsburg)
Czernowitz, Ukraine (University of Czernowitz)
Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA (James Madison University).