What we do

What We Do

Working for Democracy, Making Democracy Work

Citizen Participation
Public Debates
Democracy & Technology
Democratic Governance
Free and Fair Elections
Countering Authoritarian Influence
Gender, Women and Democracy
Youth Leadership
Political Parties
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Citizen Participation
We recognize that citizen-centered activism – driven by real community needs and desires – is a powerful transformative force.
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Public Debates
NDI has partnered with the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD), the non-profit, non-partisan organization, to help new and experienced debate sponsors overcome challenges.
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Democracy & Technology
NDI’s Democracy and Technology (DemTech) division seeks to foster an inclusive and global digital ecosystem
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Democratic Governance
NDI views the development of effective, democratic, public-sector institutions as a critical component of its mission. Improved governance is the most direct way for democratic development to impact citizens’ lives.
Mountains in the distance, obscured by fog with evergreen trees in the foreground shadow.
Free and Fair Elections
NDI’s approach to election-related programming seeks to maximize the opportunities presented by elections to help advance democratic progress.
Mountains in the distance, obscured by fog with evergreen trees in the foreground shadow.
Countering Authoritarian Influence
NDI works with partners to shine a light on illiberal influences, improve debt transparency and strengthen democratic institutions.
Mountains in the distance, obscured by fog with evergreen trees in the foreground shadow.
Gender, Women and Democracy
NDI’s focus on women’s political empowerment comes from the belief that democratic resilience requires that political systems and processes take account of the voice and agency of all populations.
Mountains in the distance, obscured by fog with evergreen trees in the foreground shadow.
Youth Leadership
NDI supports young people to channel their energy, creativity and aspirations to become political leaders and activists.
Mountains in the distance, obscured by fog with evergreen trees in the foreground shadow.
Political Parties
NDI supports the development of vibrant, accountable and inclusive multiparty systems that offer citizens meaningful choices and opportunities for political participation.
work

40 Years @NDI

The National Democratic Institute (NDI) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that believes a world rooted in freedom — where people have a say in how they’re governed and with leaders who are accountable to their people — fosters more stability, security and prosperity for everyone. NDI envisions a world where democracy and freedom prevail, with dignity for all.

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Debunking six myths about democracy and democracy support

Reconsidering a number of lingering myths that threaten to benefit democracy’s adversaries, and corrode the confidence and resilience of democracy’s defenders.

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NDI Democracy Perspectives
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Insights on democracy from our expert team

Perspectives
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In a historic election year, women are the force for democratic renewal

Perspectives
Political parties, imperfect as they are, remain vital to preserving democracy

Political parties, imperfect as they are, remain vital to preserving democracy (The Hill)

Perspectives
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To end déja vu on debt, strengthen accountability systems (The Hill)

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