About

Where democratic values thrive, pluralism is celebrated and communities are empowered to engage in the democratic process

The Institute for Democracy, Pluralism, and Community Empowerment (IDPCE) at Virginia Commonwealth University is dedicated to promoting and strengthening democratic values, fostering pluralistic societies and empowering communities at VCU, in Richmond and beyond.

Our community of affiliated faculty, students, staff, visiting scholars and invited guests cultivate dialogues about how democracy works, how it is under threat and how it can be strengthened.

We recognize the importance of pluralistic societies and work to provide educational resources and workshops, and facilitate dialogue within and beyond the VCU community. We seek to advance students’ experiential education and career prospects through partnerships with public and private sector organizations working to bolster democracy’s foundations.

Through collaborative programming, research and publications, the IDPCE at VCU promotes connections and increases the capacity of students and community members to participate effectively in democracy and to collectively shape their futures. By providing civic education resources to the VCU community, and the community at large, citizens can better achieve democracy’s promise.

Giving Opportunities

The Institute for Democracy, Pluralism, and Community Empowerment depends on the generosity of our alumni and friends.

If you would like to make a gift to support our work, please contact our leadership annual giving officer Matt Rowe at rowemr3@vcu.edu.

If you prefer to make a gift online, please visit our online giving form.

Your gift is important to us and will enable the IDPCE to advance its mission of supporting students’ experiential education and career prospects, cultivating dialogues about democracy, and providing programming to the VCU community, and the community at large, around civic education and engagement.