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Research
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The Democracy Collaborative sponsors theoretical
and practical research projects which explore a wide range of social,
political, and economic issues related to democratic renewal. Currently,
our research falls broadly into four areas of inquiry:
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A central conviction of the Collaborative
is that the process of nurturing citizens — and thus, the
very future of democracy — depends upon strong democratic
localities built upon a foundation of a rich civic life and an
economy and structure of supportive public policy at all levels.
Current research projects include a survey of community-based
cooperative economic institutions which democratize ownership
over capital and assets, and a study of innovations in transportation,
education, health, policing and other areas of community life
that are bringing about concrete benefits to localities throughout
the United States.
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A principal emphasis of the Collaborative
is studying and helping to generate forms of civic participation
that help develop resilient, responsible citizens capable of meeting
the challenges facing communities and society. Flagship research
projects now underway include a survey of the key dimensions of
democratic citizenship and civic engagement, and ways to promote
progress in citizenship development. Soon to be underway will
be an "audit" of democratic practice in the United States
and a research effort into "Democracy, Diversity and Voice."
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The Collaborative seeks to catalyze and dramatize
a powerful new vision of what can be done, and the power that
might be unleashed, when the university, one of the most important
institutions in every society, works with renewed commitment to
strengthen democracy and to build healthy communities. A survey
is being conducted of "engaged university" models throughout
the world that are working in partnership with communities and
developing new democratic pedagogy for their students.
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In the post-September 11th world, only the
globalization of civic and democratic institutions is likely to
offer a way out of the global war between modernity and its critics.
The Collaborative, working with its international partners,
has undertaken a survey of global civil society and
new forms of international citizenship. The project researches
current practices and explores concrete proposals for the creation
of a new civic infrastructure capable of reconstructing democracy
and responding to challenges posed by globalization.
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