The Ron and Jane Olson Institute for Public Democracy
Drake stands boldly and bravely as a hub for democratic discourse, dialogue, and action focused on renewing a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. We prioritize collaborative, innovative, and novel approaches to the project of sustaining multi-dimensional public participation and civic leadership. Faculty, staff, and students engage in the difficult, invigorating, and necessary work of strengthening our local, state, national, and global communities.
Programming and Initiatives
Intentional programming and initiatives shape the learning experiences of the Public Democracy Scholars and other Drake students with an interest in politics, community leadership, public service, law, policy, or social change.
The Public Democracy Scholars Program
The Public Democracy Scholars Program is a signature initiative of the Ron and Jane Olson Institute for Public Democracy—making Drake the school of choice for politically minded high school students.
The Ron and Jane Olson Institute for Public Democracy will recruit five students per year to participate in the program with a goal of having 20 scholarships overall.
Events
Save the date for upcoming events hosted by the Ron and Jane Olson Institute for Public Democracy.
Contact Us
Rachel Paine Caufield
Co-Executive Director, Ron and Jane Olson Institute for Public Democracy
Professor of Political Science, College of Arts & Sciences
Scott Raecker
Co-Executive Director, Ron and Jane Olson Institute for Public Democracy
Executive Director, The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center