Driven by our commitment to fostering an Ecology of Democracy, the Living Together Institute focuses on several key areas to create a more just and equitable society. These areas include promoting the Civic Health Index, upholding Human Rights, developing future leaders through our Leadership Academy, and recognizing the critical role of Technology and Rights in the modern context. We believe that technology offers powerful tools for promoting and protecting human rights, and this is a vital aspect of our work in the 21st century.

LTI recognizes that a thriving democracy requires more than just elections; it demands a robust “Ecology of Democracy”. Our focus on the Civic Health Index involves cultivating the habits and performances of democracy at all levels – personal, community, and institutional – to foster active citizenship and ensure the well-being of the social fabric. This includes promoting civic engagement, social cohesion, and trust in institutions, all essential components of a healthy and functioning society.

Cultivating an Ecology of Democracy: We believe that democracy is not a “once off activity at the voting booth”, but rather an ongoing process that needs to be nurtured. To this end, we work to cultivate “habits and performances of democracy” in everyday life, fostering a culture of participation and civic responsibility.  

Building Social Cohesion: Our programs aim to strengthen the bonds within communities, promoting dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding. We believe that strong social connections are essential for building resilience and addressing social challenges effectively.

Strengthening Institutions: We work to promote transparency, accountability, and responsiveness within institutions, fostering trust and ensuring that they serve the needs of all citizens.

Upholding and promoting Human Rights is fundamental to LTI’s vision of a just society. We believe that human rights are not merely abstract principles but are “daily activities that need to be practiced as well as protected and promoted”. Our work in this area focuses on cultivating a deep understanding of the “interdependence and inter-connectedness of human rights”, and integrating human rights principles into all aspects of our programs, from individual empowerment to institutional change.  

Human Rights as Daily Practice: We emphasize that human rights are not just legal concepts but lived experiences. Our work encourages individuals and communities to actively practice and uphold human rights in their daily interactions.  

Interdependence and Interconnectedness: LTI recognizes that human rights are indivisible and interrelated. We promote an understanding of how different rights connect and reinforce each other, and how violations of one right can impact others.  

Integrating Human Rights: Human rights principles are woven into all our programs and initiatives, ensuring that they are implemented in a way that respects and promotes the dignity and rights of all.

LTI is committed to developing the next generation of leaders who will champion democratic values and drive positive social change. Our Leadership Academy provides individuals with the skills, knowledge, and values necessary to be effective “tool makers, catalyzers, performers and community builders”. By fostering skills like group building, performance, participation, dialogue, discussion, and constructive dissent, we empower leaders to create growthful and inclusive environments.  

Developing Essential Skills: The Leadership Academy focuses on developing a range of skills crucial for effective leadership, including:

“Group building skills”  
Performance and participation abilities  
Dialogue, discussion, and dissent  
Fostering Inclusive Leadership: We emphasize the importance of leaders who can create “growthful and inclusive social environments”, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.  

Empowering Changemakers: The Academy aims to equip individuals with the capacity to be agents of change in their communities and beyond, driving positive social transformation.

In today’s digital age, the intersection of technology and rights presents both opportunities and challenges. LTI recognizes the transformative power of technology to promote and protect human rights, enhance civic engagement, and foster transparency. Our work in Technology and Rights explores how to leverage technology for good, while also addressing potential risks such as privacy violations, misinformation, and digital exclusion. We aim to ensure that technology empowers individuals and strengthens democratic processes.

• Technology for Human Rights: We explore how technology can be used to:
  
  
  • Document and monitor human rights abuses.
  • Facilitate communication and information sharing.
  • Empower marginalized communities.
• AI and Democracy: This area examines the impact of artificial intelligence on democratic processes, including:
  
  
  • Addressing the spread of misinformation and disinformation.
  • Promoting transparency and accountability in algorithms.
  • Ensuring equitable access to technology.
• Digital Inclusion and Access: LTI works to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that everyone has access to technology and the skills to use it effectively, promoting digital literacy and inclusion.