New: The Leadership Training for Democracy

Applications close 4/30!

The Leadership Training for Democracy is a joint program by Healthy Democracy and Sortition USA for people who want to strengthen democratic practice in their communities and move from learning to action, with a strong focus on local organizing. This program is aimed at those who specifically want to support sortition and civic assemblies.

The training introduces civic assemblies as a practical, proven way for communities to make better decisions together. Led by Healthy Democracy, it begins with the “why”: civic assemblies build trust, bring new voices into public decision-making, and help governments address complex issues. The discussion will aim to show how strong design, lottery selection, and skilled facilitation lead to better outcomes.

Participants will learn what distinguishes civic assemblies from traditional public meetings, focus groups, or advisory committees, and will explore the core elements that make them effective. Case studies will be discussed: showing the consistent features of assemblies and the flexibility that allows them to adapt to local contexts. Common questions are addressed directly to build confidence in explaining and advocating for this model.

The program also builds practical outreach and organizing skills. Participants learn how to communicate clearly about democratic innovation, build relationships with community partners and public institutions, and develop realistic local plans to advance civic assemblies and related tools. At the end, participants will have identified a goal they want to work toward, and the specific steps necessary to build a local chapter to get there.

Graduates receive six months of follow-up support, including check-ins, mentorship, and peer connection. Seed funding may become available to help launch or strengthen local work. 

Program Schedule & Time Commitment

Two-weekend virtual program led jointly by Healthy Democracy and Sortition USA.

• Weekend 1 (May 23 & 24): Two two-hour sessions led by Healthy Democracy

• Weekend 2 (May 30 & 31): Two two-hour sessions led by Sortition USA

All sessions are held online.

In addition to attending the training sessions, applicants should be prepared to commit approximately 4 hours per week following the training to carry out the strategies developed during the program. This includes local outreach, organizing, relationship-building, and participation in follow-up check-ins and support activities.

This program is best suited for people who are ready to move from learning to action and can realistically make time to apply what they develop during the training in their own communities.

Each program has openings for 10 participants.