The Loka Institute

I recently learned (from the excellent book Trust Us, We're Experts by Sheldon Rampton and John Stauber) about the Loka Institute:

The Loka Institute (TLI), a national 501 (c) 3 non-profit research, advocacy, and training institute, has been in operation for more than a decade:

    * Highlighting the social and political repercussions of science & technology and development
    * Providing processes, protocols and best practices for democratic decision-making in organizations, community projects, and policy-making
    * Promoting and practicing participatory research
    * Advocating appropriate design of technology to reflect democratic concerns

We partner with community based organizations, local, state and federal government agencies, and universities.

They promote many worthwhile activities, such as community-based (and funded) "science shops" that enable community groups to study controversial issues themselves.