The Institute for Common Power

An educational branch of Common Power, we are dedicated to illuminating undervalued, underappreciated, pivotal aspects of our collective history. We catalyze people to action through experiential learning opportunities such as lectures, learning tours, national educational events, and more, all designed to foster what should be the most common power in American democracy — the right to vote. We also seek to lead by example as we guide learning and implement programs and initiatives devoted to creating social and structural change. The Institute for Common Power is wholly dedicated to education as a foundation for voting justice, dismantling structural racism, and creating an inclusive democracy in the United States.

EVENTS AND LECTURES

Explore our full list of Democracy Curriculum and past lectures for this year.

2025 Curriculum

OUR FOCUS

We create educational opportunities that are interactive, experiential, and unbound by traditional systemic and financial hurdles. We seek to empower everyone to make a difference.

LECTURES AND MORE

Lectures, Courses , Vision Conversations, and Workshops in the Institute for Common Power are powerful ways to uncover typically unknown aspects of history. Our in-person and virtual lectures and conversations are designed to educate and inspire! Renowned scholars, authors, and activists are featured in our lecture series.

Watch a recent Vision Conversation with Nikole Hannah-Jones

TRUTH AND PURPOSE LEARNING EXPERIENCES

The Institute for Common Power Truth & Purpose Learning Experiences are profound journeys through the American South and through self. We are wholly dedicated to the essentiality of finding and renewing purpose. We explore aspects of our collective history that are too often dismissed, ignored, or denied. We aim to equip you with the knowledge and insights necessary to recognize and dismantle injustice as you drive lasting change.

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

The Institute is committed to teaching truth, to countering those who are trying to silence it, to supporting educators who stand for truth, and to partnering with organizations and leaders who are committed to combating efforts to erase truth from existence. To this end, we have created Resource Pages that illuminate the history and culture of historically marginalized people. We also have free K-12 lesson plans, and resources related to racial disparities in healthcare.

SCHOLAR SUPPORT

Through Institute programs such as Scholars in Motion, Scholar-in-Residence, Educators for Democracy Initiatives, and Education to Action Grants, we aim to provide scholars of all ages and phases in their careers with support to create meaningful change.

SUPPORT FRONTLINE

EDUCATORS

We can only do this work with support from you. Donations to the Institute for Common Power support teachers in classrooms, school districts, and leadership positions who are under assault for simply teaching the truth and working to create an inclusive democracy.

Donate Here