One of my favorite new educational organizations is IDEA: The Institute for Democratic Education in America. I’ve been a volunteer for the organization since last winter, and have discovered so many amazing people, educational views, and resources there. You can learn about all different kinds of alternative forms of democratic education (many, like free schools, I never knew anything about until I started volunteering with the organization), as well as download resources like lesson plans and multimedia recommendations. It’s a warm, welcoming community of educators, parents, students, and activists from all across the country, and I would invite anyone who wants to learn more about democratic education to come on over and check it out.

IDEA is currently seeking both regional organizers and interns. If you have any community organizing experience or feel like you have a skill set that would be perfect for grassroots organizing, you should definitely check out their Organizer Call-Out. Organizers will be responsible for creating and managing connections between students, youth, teachers, parents, administrators, and other community members in their region. A total of 12 regional organizers will be hired. Organizers are expected to contribute four to six hours of work weekly. A stipend will also be available for each organizer’s work. The application for this position is due Thursday, July 15, so there is no time to waste!

Applications will be accepted ongoing for the position of IDEA intern. Interns will have the opportunity to delve into the areas of educational research, social media, communications, community organizing, nonprofit administration, and consulting. Each position will require 20 to 40 hours of work for a minimum of twelve weeks and help enhance each intern’s professional skills and development. At the end of the period, every participant will receive a letter of participation. Each intern will receive weekly mentoring and ongoing support. To learn more about the intern position and how to apply, click here.

These are super nice people to work and volunteer with. I’ve been talking with them for over half a year, and I couldn’t ask for more knowledgeable, kind people to be collaborating with. And if you’re just interested in IDEA itself without desiring a position, be sure to check out the website. Peruse the blogs, watch their inspiring (yet, at the same time, shocking and sad) video, “Make Your Voice Heard: Discover Democratic Education,” and evaluate your own school at the site. Who knows? You might just discover a whole new passion, like I did.