Democracy Action Lab

For young activists

 
 

course description

The Democracy Action Lab will equip young activists with the knowledge and skills to design and execute a community action plan. A community action  plan will assess a social justice issue and help the young thinker to bring their solutions to life. Together, we will explore how we can redefine democracy and imagine a world with healthier systems. Students will have the opportunity to interview and collaborate with political advocates and other change-makers.  Change-makers will apply their knowledge of relevant issues to create a community plan with measurable outcomes. Potential projects include creating social media advocacy campaigns, planning interdisciplinary public performances that encourage voter turnout or civic engagement (such as an online dance performance, art exhibition, podcast or creative writing project ), and/or an online  event or fundraiser.

Democracy Action Lab Student Projects

Featured
An Unjust Legal Loophole: Lucy’s Take on the LGBTQ Panic Defense and the State of Queer Rights
An Unjust Legal Loophole: Lucy’s Take on the LGBTQ Panic Defense and the State of Queer Rights

Queer rights in America have a turbulent past and a surprisingly troubled present. For her final project in the Democracy Action Lab, Lucy explores a sinister and unjust legal loophole called the LGBTQ Panic Defense. Her video — written, produced, directed, and edited by her — takes us through the intricacies of the panic defense and documents the state of queer rights in today’s America.

LGBTQ+ Rights in America: Iqra's Democracy Action Lab PSA Project
LGBTQ+ Rights in America: Iqra's Democracy Action Lab PSA Project

For her final project in our Democracy Action Lab, 11th grader Iqra from Cranston, RI creates video PSA of the modern history of LGBTQ+ rights in the U.S. From the Stonewall Riots in 1969 to the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015, watch to learn Iqra's take on this important thread in our history.