About

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

The Baldacci Institute for Civil Discourse at Virginia Commonwealth University’s College of Humanities and Sciences is dedicated to strengthening democratic values, nurturing civic collaboration, promoting a civil exchange of ideas, and empowering citizens throughout VCU, Richmond, and beyond. 

We seek to foster a community where democratic values thrive, pluralism is celebrated, and individuals meaningfully engage in the democratic process. We strive to bring meaningful partnerships to bear in order to equip students with the skills to be informed, active members of society who are motivated to contribute to the greater good.

Through collaborative programming and partnerships, the Baldacci Institute increases the capacity of students and community members to contribute to civic life as informed and ethical citizens. By providing civic education and civil discourse resources to the VCU community, and the community at large, citizens can better achieve democracy’s promise.

Giving Opportunities

The Baldacci Institute for Civil Discourse 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.

Your gift is important to us and will enable the Baldacci Institute 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.