Democracy Camp 2027
Description
Help students answer the call to public service!
Democracy Camp is an alternative spring break experience designed to empower UC Berkeley changemakers and enhance our democracy. During this four-day intensive program, 20 undergraduate students explore their public service interests and expand their professional toolkit. Now entering its tenth year, Democracy Camp has an impressive track record of propelling students into public service. Be a part of this story — make a gift today and support the next generation of public service leaders!
NEW! The Democracy Camp Ambassador Challenge
To make this crowdfunding campaign our most successful one yet, we're asking our supporters and friends to participate in our new Ambassador Challenge! Ambassadors are virtual volunteers who inspire their networks to support Democracy Camp by sharing their passion for the program.
As an Ambassador, you will play an important role in helping us generate the awareness and support that will make our campaign successful. Plus, you'll also be entered to win a special prize when you complete our Ambassador Challenge!
I'm in! How do I start?
Sign up with your email using the sign up box on the Ambassador tab of this page.
After activating your profile via email, you'll receive another invite that will take you to your Ambassador Dashboard, where you can grab your unique referral link, and track your fundraising progress.
Spread the word about the Matsui Center’s October crowdfunding campaign for Democracy Camp in Berkeley! Share why Democracy Camp is important to you and how it should be important to others. Make sure to include your referral link in all of your outreach.
Complete the Democracy Camp Ambassador Challenge: Get at least one donor to give via your referral link and you'll be entered in a random drawing to win a special prize. Note: No donation necessary to be entered in the drawing. UC Berkeley employees are ineligible to win.
About Democracy Camp
Democracy Camp is a bootcamp that gives students firsthand exposure to different facets of public service: legislative paths, community organizations, local and state government, legal professions, research, and philanthropy. Students learn directly from guest speakers about the opportunities available in these fields in order to chart their own path to service.
Preparing students for service at all levels of government
Every year, students take a one-day day field trip to Sacramento, where they meet with elected members and professionals in the state legislature and state agencies, as well as Cal alumni in public service careers in our state capital.
2026 Democracy Camp students gather outside of the
California State Capitol building.
Sacramento, CA
In 2026, thanks to the generous support of donors like you, we took a field trip to Downtown Oakland to meet with government and non-profit leaders at The Greenlining Institute, and visited Oakland Museum of California, exploring local history and contemporary issues through the lenses of artistic expression and community building. This field trip was a huge success, and we want to continue making it a staple of the program! Your donation will ensure that Democracy Camp continues to shine a light on the importance of not only our state government, but also community-level action, creativity, and leadership.
Students stand in front of a quote at The Greenlining Institute about the type of
nation they strive to build.
Oakland, CA
Two students discuss a painting at the Oakland Museum of California.
Oakland, CA
In addition to meeting with public service professionals, students participate in skill-building workshops, including networking and resume writing. Participants have the opportunity to put these skills to practice by networking with speakers and exploring public service opportunities on campus and beyond.
The 2026 Student Director leads a workshop on moderating panel discussions to
prepare students for their facilitation roles later in the week.
Berkeley, CA
Fostering a community of service — and building the democracy we need
2026 Democracy Camp participants introduce themselves to guest speakers and
practice their networking skills.
Berkeley, CA
Empowering participants through enriching immersive experiences
"I’ve been on the fence if I should lean more into public service and this camp has solidified my resolve. I want to explore more careers in this field so I can make an impact within my community."
– 2026 Democracy Camp participant
"This experience has definitely impacted my public service career goals in a positive way. Hearing directly from panelists about their career paths and the different ways they’ve served their communities made me feel like there’s space for someone like me in these roles too…[It] inspired me to apply for local boards and commissions focused on community services, which I may not have considered before. Democracy Camp helped me realize that I don’t have to wait until after grad school to make an impact… I can start now."
– 2025 Democracy Camp participant
“This has opened my eyes to the multitude of public service career options… and allowed me to hear different perspectives from how people were able to turn their passions into their career, which was refreshing.”
– 2025 Democracy Camp participant
"I liked the networking and elevator pitch [workshops]! It helped me redevelop my public speaking skills. The resume workshop was pretty awesome."
– 2026 Democracy Camp participant
A 2026 Democracy Camp student engages
a panelist with a question.
Berkeley, CA
Why we fundraise, and how you can help
Democracy Camp is made possible by generous gifts from donors. With your help, we can continue to make this program FREE for participants, ensuring that UC Berkeley students have access to professional enrichment opportunities and public service training, regardless of financial circumstances.
This year, we need to raise $6,000 of our $9,750 budget to fund the 2027 Democracy Camp in Berkeley program. (The Institute of Governmental Studies has committed to contributing the remaining balance.) Donations will go towards the cost of learning materials, field trip ground transportation, and student leader stipends, as well as three meals a day for all Fellows for the duration of the program, to support students who may otherwise experience food insecurity during Spring Break.
We are accepting donations between now and October 31. No gift is too small, and your support will ensure that we are able to provide the best experience possible for UC Berkeley’s motivated changemakers!
Our projected expenses:
→ Meals: $5400 (55%)
→ Transportation: $3000 (31%)
→ Student Leader Stipends: $600 (6%)
→ Supplies: $750 (8%)
These are only estimates. Actual expenditures may vary. All funds raised, regardless of the goal, will go toward making Democracy Camp an accessible experience to all students.
Receive a "thank you" from Democracy Camp participant!
Allow us to show our appreciation!
All donors who give $10 or more will get acknowledged in our biannual newsletter.
For gifts of...
...$50 or more, we will post a shoutout on social media
...$100 or more, we will share a "thank you" message from a Democracy Camp alum
...$1,000 or more, donors will receive a personalized "thank you" video message from a Democracy Camp alum
The 2025 Democracy Camp cohort enjoys a mural at
the Oakland Museum of California.
Oakland, CA
Democracy Camp is sponsored by the Institute of Governmental Studies (IGS) and the Robert T. Matsui Center for Politics and Public Service at the University of California, Berkeley.
IGS stands at the forefront of research, teaching, and service in California and American politics and policy. Interdisciplinary and non-partisan, we foster thoughtful discussions of issues across party lines that focus on solutions – not just problems. Our mission is anchored by a belief in the transformational power of public service. To learn more, visit our website.
https://igs.berkeley.edu/matsui-center/programs-fellowships/democracy-camp/democracy-camp-berkeley
$50
Social Media Shoutout
For donations of $50 or more, we’ll post a shoutout to you or the person of your choosing on our social media channels.
$100
Thank You Message
For donations of $100 or more, you will receive a thank you message from a Democracy Camp participant!
$1,000
Thank You Video
For donations of $1,000 or more, you will receive a personalized "thank you" video message from a Democracy Camp alum!
