Our Work
Our Four Pillars
Each pillar strengthens the others: leaders drive advocacy, advocacy shapes policy, and sound policy improves health and economic opportunity.
Pillar 1: Leadership Development
Preparing leaders with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to advocate, lead organizations, and influence public policy.
- Leadership training for community members, workforce leaders, and young professionals
- Mentorship pairing emerging leaders with experienced advocates and executives
- Workshops on public speaking, board service, coalition building, and organizational management
- Peer-to-peer ambassador training so leaders inspire civic participation in their own networks
Pillar 2: Advocacy & Public Policy
Educating residents about policy and helping communities organize so local voices shape public decisions.
- Leadership training for community members, workforce leaders, and young professionals
- Mentorship pairing emerging leaders with experienced advocates and executives
- Workshops on public speaking, board service, coalition building, and organizational management
- Peer-to-peer ambassador training so leaders inspire civic participation in their own networks
Pillar 3: Health Equity
Supporting policies and initiatives that improve access to healthcare, healthy food, and healthier communities.
- Leadership training for community members, workforce leaders, and young professionals
- Mentorship pairing emerging leaders with experienced advocates and executives
- Workshops on public speaking, board service, coalition building, and organizational management
- Peer-to-peer ambassador training so leaders inspire civic participation in their own networks
Pillar 4: Workforce Development
Expanding access to training, career pathways, and economic opportunity for individuals and communities.
- Leadership training for community members, workforce leaders, and young professionals
- Mentorship pairing emerging leaders with experienced advocates and executives
- Workshops on public speaking, board service, coalition building, and organizational management
- Peer-to-peer ambassador training so leaders inspire civic participation in their own networks
Our Impact
Year over year, our work has grown from civic education and canvassing into full leadership, advocacy, health equity, and workforce programs across the Gulf South.
2024
2024 Community Impact
In 2024, Democracy in Action conducted community canvassing and public policy education initiatives designed to help residents better understand policies that affect their daily lives. We completed work in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Atlanta and surrounding communities in Georgia; and Prince George’s County, Maryland. These efforts increased civic knowledge, encouraged informed participation, strengthened advocacy, and built relationships with community organizations.
Philadelphia & Pittsburgh, PA · Atlanta, GA · Prince George’s County, MD
2025
2025 Community Impact
In 2025, Democracy in Action expanded its work in New Orleans East by supporting leadership development, workforce development, advocacy, and health equity initiatives in under-resourced communities. We connected residents with resources, leadership opportunities, community partnerships, and workforce pathways that promote long-term economic mobility and healthier neighborhoods.
New Orleans East, LA
2026
2026 Planned Expansion
In 2026, we plan to expand our work to Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and surrounding Louisiana communities, and into Mississippi with a focus on Jackson, Biloxi, and the Gulfport area. This expansion brings our leadership development, advocacy, health equity, and workforce development programs to new communities across the Gulf South.
Baton Rouge & Lafayette, LA · Jackson, Biloxi & Gulfport, MS