Menard Family Center for Democracy

The Menard Family Center sponsors and supports a variety of on-campus and community-based lectures, workshops, hands-on experiences and interactive dialogues that promote civic education and engagement while connecting Miamians with local, state and national thought leaders.

Directors Welcome

John Forren Thank you for visiting Miami University’s Menard Family Center for Democracy. Established in 2019, the Center -- housed jointly in Miami’s College of Arts & Science and its College of Liberal Arts and Applied Science -- supports a broad range of teaching, research and service activities at Miami that enhance civic dialogue and engagement, active citizenship, community problem solving and public understanding of democracy, politics and civic affairs.

We invite you to join us in our work! Please contact us at MenardFamilyCenter@MiamiOH.edu for more information and to learn how you can get involved.

Our Mission

Rooted in the belief that a healthy democracy requires an informed and engaged citizenry committed to democratic values and practices, the Menard Family Center for Democracy creates and supports direct community-focused programming, engaged teaching and applied research that promotes democratic theory and practice, enhances our understanding of America's civic health and builds the capacity of citizens and communities to collaborate in solving problems across ideological, political and social lines.

Our Student Programs and Opportunities

We offer high school and Miami University undergraduate students a range of opportunities throughout the year, including on-campus and community-based lectures, workshops, hands-on experiences, and interactive dialogues, along with variou number of fellowships and other programs that promote civic education and engagement while connecting students with local, state, and national thought leaders.

Explore Our Programs

High School Civic Scholars Program

Menard Civic Fellows Program

Pre-Semester First-Year Immersion Program

Diplomacy Lab

Winter Term and Summer Term Programs

Democracy and Citizenship Week

Grace Gaston '25

Menard Family Center for Democracy • Political Science • Global and Intercultural Studies • Western • Honors College

Cameron Tiefenthaler '24

Menard Family Center for Democracy • Political Science

Kirsten Osteboe '26

French, Italian, and Classical Studies • Political Science • Menard Family Center for Democracy • Economics

Democracy in Action

Through programs like citizenship ceremonies, Democracy and Citizenship Week, and events featuring candidates, debates, and expert panels, the Menard Family Center for Democracy fosters active civic engagement and informed participation. These initiatives provide opportunities for students and the community to connect with politic, law, and other critical fields shaping democratic life.

Discover Our Events

Faculty Support

The Menard Center provides financial and logistical support to Miami faculty interested in developing new civics-focused curriculum, co-curricular programming, and civics-oriented research.

Apply for Support

Building Bridges within Miami and Beyond

The Center fosters connections across communities and disciplines, promoting civic engagement and collaborative problem-solving. From thought-provoking lectures to immersive simulations and innovative policy initiatives, we create opportunities to inspire dialogue and drive meaningful change.

Delve into these events and Programs