Learn more about Alice Barbe’s work, the founding of Académie des Futurs Leaders, and the future of the organization in Atelier episode 5. Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Polarization, democratic deficit, identitarian withdrawal... The stakes of social cohesion are increasingly high in a context where social inequalities, the climate crisis and current geopolitical events make it difficult to be optimistic. Proof of this lies in the rise of extreme right-wing narratives, but also in the difficulty of creating the conditions for a real democratic debate devoid of partisan tension on subjects that seem increasingly divisive: migration, gender, political opinion or even religion. Social networks, misinformation and unregulated artificial intelligence don't help matters when we know that a tweet based on anger will be retweeted far more than one based on joy or optimism.
To meet these immense challenges, it is essential to strengthen social ties and cohesion, both locally and nationally. The world of associations, social businesses, activists, as well as research, are brimming with proposals and models for social cohesion. But unfortunately, this civil society finds little echo or translation in representation. Too few people from these ecosystems wish to collaborate with political parties, join them or stand for election. The result is a lack of positive imagination, of embodied social projects in favor of social justice, climate or democracy. Moreover, progressive narratives are often confined to responding to simplistic and essentializing discourse, particularly on issues of concern, especially those raised by populist movements.
The Académie des Futurs Leaders, founded by former Obama Scholar Alice Barbe and based at Reid Hall, is dedicated to supporting, connecting, and training civic leaders whose endeavors have significantly impacted society, empowering them to navigate the intricate realms of political engagement.
Each year, the Académie selects a cohort of 15 leaders, with no condition of age or diploma. They take a six-month intensive course at Reid Hall, comprising in-depth sessions on contemporary issues, access to a network of over 200 experts, politicians, journalists, and mentors, as well as provisions for mental health support and European travel aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges facing democracies today.
The objectives of the Académie are multifaceted. Firstly, it seeks to bolster individuals aspiring to translate their causes into meaningful political action. Secondly, it endeavors to identify and amplify voices from underrepresented demographics, thereby promoting gender and social diversity within the political sphere. Furthermore, the Académie aims to equip participants with the necessary tools to comprehend and navigate the complexities of political transformation. In doing so, it endeavors to cultivate a dynamic narrative that transcends initial sentiments of anger or rejection, ultimately fostering a discourse rooted in constructive political engagement.
The Académie endeavors to forge a coalition of individuals committed to advancing the common goal of social cohesion and a peaceful society. Finally, it seeks to foster a supportive community of over 200 stakeholders, with partnerships spanning institutions such as Columbia, Goalkeeper, BMW Foundation, and the Learning Planet Institute.
The third cohort started in January 2024, composed of 10 women and 4 men, ranging from 25 to 54 years old.