In the USA and across the world, political events in 2024 confirmed that (a) democracies need better informed and engaged citizens, and (b) periodic elections aren't enough to make citizens feel connected and heard; democracy needs to be closer to people's lives.

Here's what Learning Life is doing to bring democracy closer to people in the US and worldwide:

DMV Democracy Community: In the US capital region ("the DMV"), we're bringing hundreds of diverse people together through our Democracy Dinners, a new Democracy Festival, and in 2025, a new Democracy Dispatch to help thousands become more connected, informed, and civically active.

Family Diplomacy Initiative: Worldwide, Learning Life has connected 19,000 people to family diplomacy via Facebook, and engaged over 500 in dialogues and trainings to bring attention to the issues families worldwide face, from poverty, to war, to climate change. In 2025, we're initiating international Family Socials to allow people to learn from each other about family life worldwide, and continuing our Family Diplomacy Issue Dialogues.

Citizen Diplomacy International: Learning Life has identified 300+ citizen diplomacy (CD) organizations, 600+ scholars and journalists, and 2,600 publications, built a list of over 1,250 followers in 110+ countries, published 22 quarterly CD Bulletins and held 24 quarterly international meetings to advance public understanding of citizen diplomacy, and connect practitioners and supporters of this growing field that centers citizens in building a more connected, caring world. In 2025, we'll continue and expand this work.

You can help: In this end-of-year, as we turn to 2025, at a time of mounting challenges to democracy and diplomacy at home and abroad, give generously, invest seriously -- $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500, or what you can afford -- in citizen-led democracy and diplomacy for a more caring world.

Happy holidays, and thank you for your support!

Paul Lachelier, Ph.D.

Founder & Director, Learning Life

2024 - Support Democracy & Diplomacy for a More Caring World

Team Members