Community is the shared life of people

We believe in the fundamental value of dialogue and know that when civic decisions are informed by those with unique knowledge, expertise and lived experience; lasting change is created.

We believe in the fundamental value of dialogue and know that all civic decisions are improved by input from those most affected, from those both within and outside of the existing power structure and from those with unique knowledge and expertise to contribute.

Since its founding, the Lee Institute has specialized in public engagement efforts that bring community voices into complex processes, showing respect to participants and producing actionable, clear data for our clients to use in their decision-making efforts.

We are experienced in convening and facilitating community initiatives and are impartial experts at “holding the process” for public/private partnerships that make it possible for members to do their boldest, most collaborative and most strategic thinking.

We have convened corporate CEOs, educators, health care providers, residents from communities across all income brackets, nonprofit leaders and staff, elected officials and students—all carefully crafted to imbue innovative, authentic contributions to the projects we work on.

Our community-building and civic engagement work includes task forces, focus groups, town halls, public forums, interviews, workshops, charrettes, online engagement and citizen advisory committees. Projects may last for one day or for several years.

The Nisbet Center for Civic Engagement honors Olin Nisbet. Olin Nisbet was an early advocate, friend, and important supporter of the effort to protect the Duke Mansion and establish the Lee Institute. His family and legion of friends have created the Nisbet Center to honor his legacy and leadership.

These funds enable the Lee Institute to bring its expertise and community-building skills to selected projects that otherwise could not afford professional facilitation and process design. The Fund is a combination of a rapid-response fund and a seed money initiative, ensuring that the Lee Institute principles of dialogue, respect, inclusion, and transparency are “in the room” for some of the most critical conversations of the day.