The ATHENS PROJECT

The wealth gap is an issue - but the power gap may in fact be a more urgent and foundational one. Today, meaningful access to policy is held by elite think-tanks, corporate lobbyists who write legislation, and the ultra-wealthy. This is poison for a democracy and falls short of the ideals of Ancient Greece or our Founding Fathers. The Athens Projects says enough - starting at the state level, we will revolutionize the way Americans engage as citizens.

The Athens Project seeks to restore the democratic spirit of classical Athens through a modern civic infrastructure that empowers ordinary citizens to shape public policy, hold institutions accountable, make community-based decisions and cultivate long-term civic responsibility—starting at the state level.

At the same time, the project aims to create a sense of meaning and public purpose for young people and others across the generational spectrum by providing tangible opportunities for engagement, contribution, and leadership in civic life. The Athens Framework will create powerful ripple effects: those involved will carry insights, conversations, and ideas back to their communities, family and friends.

While many Civic Institute fellows will come from the rising generation of policy thinkers and professionals (ages 20–40), the program is intentionally inclusive of older citizens, whose lived experience and regional knowledge are vital to democratic renewal.

Pillars of the Athens Project

I. State-Subsidized Think Tanks (“Civic Institutes”)

Purpose: Decentralize policy formation, elevate non-elite voices, and incubate long-term public leadership.

  • Regional institutes: 5–15 per state.

  • Priority for graduates in public-facing disciplines (law, policy, economics, sociology, etc.).

  • Also open to tradespeople, small business owners, and non-policy majors.

  • Terms: 6–48 months, renewable.

  • Outputs: whitepapers, model legislation, local pilot programs, regulatory proposals, open policy databases, citizen assemblies, surveys, policy simulations, leadership fellowships, civic workshops, school district activities, micro-grants, pilot programs, civic tech and data labs, civic journals, civic reports, exchange programs, ballot initiative toolkits, mediation panels.

  • Admission panels: judges, academics, civic organizers, senior civic institute members, and randomly selected citizens.

II. Term Limits for Democratic Vitality

Purpose: Disrupt political stagnation, promote turnover, and restore public trust.

  • 12-year cumulative limit for state legislative office.

  • 3-term cap for city councilmembers, mayors, and county supervisors.

  • Legislative sabbaticals: Paid year for study or service after 6 years.

III. The Kleroterion System (MODERN Policy Jury Duty)

Purpose: Normalize civic deliberation as a duty of citizenship.

  • Randomly selected citizens serve 3–6 weeks on Policy Assemblies.

  • Hear testimony, deliberate, and vote on draft policies.

  • Recommendations go to local/state bodies.

  • Modest stipend + job protection (like jury duty).

IV. Participatory Budgeting Boards

Purpose: Democratize control of public funds.

  • Cities and counties over 50,000 residents allocate 1–5% of their budget via citizen boards.

  • Supported by Civic Institutes with data and feasibility studies.

  • Focused areas: parks, public health, libraries, school infrastructure.

V. University Policy Integration Mandate

Purpose: Transform universities into engines of democracy.

  • Each public university must host a Policy Lab.

  • Students and faculty work with local leaders on legislation, audits, and consultations.

  • All research published in open-access formats.

VI. Civic Corps for Young Adults

Purpose: Provide youth with meaningful service rooted in democracy.

  • Target ages 16–22 (summer or gap year).

  • Service tracks: Civic research, legal literacy, public works.

  • Benefits: stipends, housing credits, admissions boosts.

  • Direct pathway into Civic Institutes.

VII. Democratic Transparency & Accountability Platform

Purpose: Rebuild trust through radical transparency.

  • Every major policy must publish a Democracy Impact Score: who wrote it, who benefits, how open the process was.

  • Citizen audits funded through Civic Institutes.

  • Real-time dashboards tracking budgets, laws, and metrics.

VIII. Tech for Democracy: Open Government Coding Labs

Purpose: Use civic technology to make government more transparent.

  • Open-source labs at universities and tech hubs.

  • Projects: FOIA automation, voter access platforms, police accountability, budget dashboards.

  • Fellowships for computer science students and civic tech professionals.

IX. University-Based Democratic Revival Hubs

Purpose: Anchor universities in local democratic renewal.

  • Hubs must provide civic education, town halls, civic career pipelines, and public reports.

  • Partner with state/local governments for research support.

  • All outputs made open-access.