Organization Profile

Organization Details
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Davenport Institute for Public Engagement & Civic Leadership

Pepperdine University, School For Public Policy

Malibu, CA 90263-7490



General Description

The Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership works with local governments, non-profit organizations, and residents to both promote and support constructive and broad-based civic involvement in decisions that affect people where they live and work. Our mission is to help build stronger communities in California by promoting public participation in local governance. Our vision is to be a champion of public engagement as a 21st century leadership skill for local governments and residents to succeed together. Since our founding as a multi-partisan and non-profit organization in 2005, The Davenport Institute has worked to engage the citizens of this state in the policy decisions that affect our everyday lives. It is our firm belief that, in today's world of easy access to information, and easy connectivity to others, California's municipal and education leaders are seeking ways to involve the residents of their communities in the important issues they confront. Done legitimately, this new kind of leadership produces better, more creative policy solutions and better, more engaged citizens committed to the hard work of self-governance. Over the past decade, the Davenport Institute has trained nearly 2,000 public officials in the skills needed to engage their communities, impacting over 120 municipalities and supporting more than 40 projects through annual grants. While the work has evolved over the years, the Davenport Institute currently responds to the public engagement needs of local government through seven main areas: training, certificate programs, technical support, outreach grants, speaker/teaching, co-hosting events, and advocacy. With now more than a decade of experience championing the importance of civic leadership, building capacity, and supporting local governments across California with public engagement, the Davenport Institute is positioned to shift from a responsive, “fill the gap” start-up mode to an established and recognized leader in the emerging field of public engagement.

Areas of Research

Civic Education, Community Diversity, Community Engagement, Innovation, Leadership, Smart Communities

Other Programs Offered

Professional Engagement Certificate, Smart Communities Certificate, Engaging Marginalized Communities Training

Type or Delivery Method Available

Both Traditional and Online
Grad School Primary Contact

Pooja Bachani

(516)318-9973

pooja.digiovanna@pepperdine.edu