Democracy in Action Lab

Discover the Democracy in Action Lab (DIAL), an epicenter of collaboration and innovation. Located in the Forum, these flexible rooms are supportive spaces for learning, conversation, and collaboration.
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Education at the Center
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Program Spaces

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Education, Field Trips, and Professional Development for Teachers

The Democracy in Action Lab (DIAL) provides a dynamic environment where students and educators can engage and learn through specialized programs and events. The Labs serve as a hub for collaboration, featuring interactive workshops, discussion groups, and real-world case studies that prioritize diverse perspectives and lived experiences. The DIAL can also be used as a centralized locale for field trips and other scheduled events happening on campus.
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Foundation Initiatives and Programming Hub

Democracy in Action Lab serves as a premier gathering space for our current and former program participants. The Obama Foundation’s programs—including Obama Leaders, Obama Scholars, Voyagers, the Obama Leadership Network, the Girls Opportunity Alliance, and My Brother’s Keeper—utilize the DIAL to host multi-day workshops and events designed to deepen the participant experience and foster ongoing collaboration and creativity.
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The Democracy Forum

Democracy Forum—an annual event bringing together hundreds of experts, thought leaders, and emerging changemakers from across the world—has a new home at the Obama Presidential Center. The Democracy in Action Lab is a critical part of Democracy Forum, acting as a space for breakout sessions and discussions on the year’s annual theme.
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More Education Resources 

  • Field Trips

    School groups from grades K-12 can visit the Obama Presidential Center. The trips incorporate the Museum and the rest of campus, and grant young leaders a new opportunity to engage with Values-Based citizenship and learn how to bring change home. Please note that all field trips must be scheduled and approved in advance with our education team. 

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  • Educator Professional Development

    Our professional development programs equip K-12 educators with unique tools, dynamic stories, and practical case studies that help bring civics education to life in the classroom.  Teachers will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, real-world case studies, and collaborative workshops that help them better foster a culture of active, values-based citizenship. 

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  • Online Classroom Resources

    Whether you are in Chicago or around the globe, the Obama Foundation Education Team offers a variety of resources to help students understand their role in democracy. Explore our collection of civics-focused worksheets, lesson plans, and tools tailored for grades K–12.

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Stavros Niarchos Foundation

Democracy in Action Lab, a new space for learning and civic engagement, have been created through the support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). Since 1996, SNF has partnered with hundreds of non-profits and projects to create transformative change that helps empower millions across the world.

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Plan Your Visit

  • Getting to the Campus

    Map out your route to our campus before you visit.

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  • Museum

    Explore the remarkable story of President Obama and Michelle Obama and those who inspired their journey.

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  • Accessibility

    Check out all of the accessibility options across our campus.

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  • Sky Room

    Head to the top of the Museum and take in stunning views of the West and South Sides of Chicago. 

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  • The Shop

    Shop with purpose at the Obama Presidential Center store, where every purchase of curated merchandise and local artisan goods helps to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world.

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  • Programs and Events

    Take a look at the performances, activities, and classes happening across the campus.

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