Close Up Foundation Institute For Deliberative Democracy 2026

Looking to deepen your advocacy and activism skills and connect with passionate students nationwide? Join us this summer in DC for Close Ups Institute for Deliberative Democracy, developed in partnership with Stanfords Center for Deliberative Democracy. Our programs will give you an unrivaled opportunity to meet & deliberate with your peers. Youll develop an understanding of pressing national issues, create a cohesive agenda for action, & learn how to effectively advocate for your proposals. National Youth Policy Summit (1 week) The week-long National Youth Policy Summit equips you with the tools and knowledge to become a catalyst for change in your community. You will have the opportunity to network with a diverse group of peers from across the country and hear inspiring stories from young activists and policymakers on strategies and models of advocacy and activism. You will deepen your understanding of the characteristics and causes of pressing national issues, participate in a program-wide deliberation led by Stanfords Center for Deliberative Democracy, work in small groups to create meaningful solutions, develop a cohesive Youth Agenda for Action, and meet with public officials to advocate for your proposals. Advanced Deliberative Democracy Course (2 weeks) Building on a deep understanding of the national policy landscape and deliberation process, from the National Youth Policy Summit, students that participate in the Advanced Course (week 2) will move towards examining why it is so difficult to enact change on pressing challenges facing the nation. Led by both Stanford and Close Up faculty, you will work with your peers on a real-world deliberative democracy project using the method of Deliberative Polling. You will gain the knowledge and facilitation skills needed to lead deliberations in your school and home communities and develop resources and events to encourage youth participation in nationwide deliberations. As part of the program, you will be certified by Close Up and Stanfords Center for Deliberative Democracy as a Student Ambassador of Deliberative Dialogue.