We are the Democracy Lab
Foundation!
DemoLab is dedicated to revitalizing democracy and freedom in Costa Rica and Latin America through active citizen engagement. We believe a healthy democracy depends on informed and involved citizens.
DemoLab is dedicated to revitalizing democracy in Costa Rica and Latin America through active citizen engagement. We believe a healthy democracy depends on informed and involved citizens that understand their rights, obligations and individual freedoms
DemoLab is dedicated to revitalizing democracy in Costa Rica and Latin America through active citizen engagement. We believe a healthy democracy depends on informed and involved citizens that understand their rights, obligations and individual freedoms
About Us
About Us
We Create Tools to Democratize Access to Information and Empower Citizens to Engage in Governance.
We Create Tools to Democratize Access to Information and Empower Citizens to Engage in Governance.
To champion individual freedoms and active citizen engagement and participation.
OUR DRIVE
OUR DRIVE
The Battle Between Tyranny and Freedom Is Alive and Pressing!
The Battle Between Tyranny and Freedom Is Alive and Pressing!
GLOBAL CONTEXT
GLOBAL CONTEXT
According to Freedom in the World 2023:
Marking 50 Years in the Struggle for Democracy, only 20% of the world’s total population of 7.9 billion people live in a “Free” country. This means that 80% of the world’s population do not live in a country with the democratic freedoms to speak, write, think, associate, worship, marry, and work however they choose.
These findings carry significant global and human rights implications, with repercussions impacting current and future generations, and demand our attention and efforts today.
According to Freedom in the World 2023:
Marking 50 Years in the Struggle for Democracy, only 20% of the world’s total population of 7.9 billion people live in a “Free” country. This means that 80% of the world’s population do not live in a country with the democratic freedoms to speak, write, think, associate, worship, marry, and work however they choose.
These findings carry significant global and human rights implications, with repercussions impacting current and future generations, and demand our attention and efforts today.
LOCAL CONTEXT
LOCAL CONTEXT
According to Latinobarómetro (2023), support for democracy has dropped significantly in Costa Rica, falling from 67% in 2020 to 56% in 2023. At the same time, indifference toward political regimes has increased, rising from 12% to 22%.
Additionally, support for authoritarianism has also seen a rise, growing from 11% to 16%. This trend indicates increased vulnerability for Costa Rica’s democracy. Furthermore, only 46% of young people aged 16-25 in Latin America express a preference for democracy, highlighting broader regional concerns regarding democratic values
According to Latinobarómetro (2023), support for democracy has dropped significantly in Costa Rica, falling from 67% in 2020 to 56% in 2023. At the same time, indifference toward political regimes has increased, rising from 12% to 22%.
Additionally, support for authoritarianism has also seen a rise, growing from 11% to 16%. This trend indicates increased vulnerability for Costa Rica’s democracy. Furthermore, only 46% of young people aged 16-25 in Latin America express a preference for democracy, highlighting broader regional concerns regarding democratic values
ACTION NOW
ACTION NOW
Now is our moment to stand together and shine as a beacon of hope. Let’s reaffirm our commitment to the principles that define us and show the world what true democracy looks like. Together, we can defend our values and shape a brighter future for all. Join the fight for the freedom we believe in!
Now is our moment to stand together and shine as a beacon of hope. Let’s reaffirm our commitment to the principles that define us and show the world what true democracy looks like. Together, we can defend our values and shape a brighter future for all. Join the fight for the freedom we believe in!
OUR STRUCTURE
OUR STRUCTURE
Our Practice
Our Practice
DemoLab offers citizens new and innovative ways to actively participate in the processes of change in Costa Rica. Through education, research, and events focused on supporting individual freedoms and defending democracy, we generate spaces and tools to connect, listen to, and visualize the hopes and frustrations of citizens, evaluating new mechanisms for citizen participation and collaborative governance to strengthen Costa Rican democracy.
Research Is Our Main Tool
Research Is Our Main Tool
Vision
Vision
To make Costa Rica the freest and most prosperous democracy in Latin America, serving as a hub for freedom and a beacon of hope for a world challenged by authoritarianism.
To make Costa Rica the freest and most prosperous democracy in Latin America, serving as a hub for freedom and a beacon of hope for a world challenged by authoritarianism.
Mission
Mission
To revitalize democracy and protect individual freedoms in Costa Rica and Latin America through active citizen engagement.
To revitalize democracy and protect individual freedoms in Costa Rica and Latin America through active citizen engagement.
WHY DEMOLAB?
WHY DEMOLAB?
Demo Lab exists to protect and promote democracy in Costa Rica and Latin America by championing active citizen engagement and participation.
Amid growing disillusionment and declining trust in democratic systems, we believe the health of any democracy is directly linked to the degree and quality of its citizens’ involvement and critical thinking.
By fostering a culture of knowledge sharing, engagement, and trust within the population, Demo Lab seeks to combat apathy, particularly among the youth.
We aim to protect Costa Rica's democracy and its image as a model of a stable, fair, and representative society in a region challenged by authoritarian regimes.
Demo Lab exists to protect and promote democracy in Costa Rica and Latin America by championing active citizen engagement and participation.
Amid growing disillusionment and declining trust in democratic systems, we believe the health of any democracy is directly linked to the degree and quality of its citizens’ involvement and critical thinking.
By fostering a culture of knowledge sharing, engagement, and trust within the population, Demo Lab seeks to combat apathy, particularly among the youth.
We aim to protect Costa Rica's democracy and its image as a model of a stable, fair, and representative society in a region challenged by authoritarian regimes.
Our PHILOSOPHY
01
01
IMPACT
We get things done and deliver on our promises, upholding the highest ethical standards. Our focus is on making a tangible difference in every project we undertake. We measure our successes and failures scientifically, sharing findings openly. Knowledge management is a core part of our identity.
02
02
togetherness
We build strategic partnerships and encourage collective action to maximize our impact. We strive to enjoy the journey while making a difference, balancing seriousness in our work with lightheartedness in our approach. Together, we aim to create meaningful change.
03
03
excellence
We challenge the status quo and disrupt traditional norms, setting a benchmark for meaningful change across Latin America. Our commitment to efficiency drives us to recognize details and seek continuous improvement. We learn from our setbacks, embracing a constructive mindset to move forward.
04
04
ATTENTION TO DETAIL
We believe details are essential, shaping the foundation of our work and influencing outcomes. Every small element contributes to our larger vision, and focusing on nuances enhances our effectiveness. By prioritizing details, we aim to create lasting change and elevate our standards.
05
05
don´t take it personal
We embrace a mindset of separating actions from identity, fostering resilience and adaptability. This clarity allows us to approach challenges with openness, viewing mistakes as opportunities for growth. By cultivating collaboration, we navigate obstacles and strengthen our commitment to meaningful change.
IMPACT
IMPACT
Our Impact So Far
Our Impact So Far
Projects
Projects
Individuals
Individuals
+20
Communities
Communities
7
25,000
PARTNERS
PARTNERS
+20
+20
25,000
7
+20
Opportunities for Growth
Opportunities for Growth
The world is rapidly changing, and with it comes both challenges and opportunities. DemoLab is seizing these moments to foster freedom and democracy across Latin America. By understanding global and regional trends, we create programs that inspire, educate, and transform youth, empowering them to be leaders in their communities.
DIGITALIZATION OF EDUCATION AND CONTENT DISTRIBUTION
Leverage technology to reach vulnerable youth with engaging educational content that promotes democracy and freedom.
Leverage technology to reach vulnerable youth with engaging educational content that promotes democracy and freedom.
DIGITALIZATION OF EDUCATION AND CONTENT DISTRIBUTION
Leverage technology to reach vulnerable youth with engaging educational content that promotes democracy and freedom.
RISING PRESSURE ON DEMOCRATIC PROCESSES
Engage communities in defending democracy and countering the increasing appeal of authoritarianism.
RISING PRESSURE ON DEMOCRATIC PROCESSES
Engage communities in defending democracy and countering the increasing appeal of authoritarianism.
Youth Vulnerability to Extremism and Crime
Use arts, music, and technology to provide value-driven alternatives for youth in at-risk communities, combating the influence of organized crime.
Youth Vulnerability to Extremism and Crime
Use arts, music, and technology to provide value-driven alternatives for youth in at-risk communities, combating the influence of organized crime.
Relevance of Democracy Across Generations
DemoLab’s programs resonate with diverse generations, providing lifelong learning opportunities to understand and uphold democratic values.
Relevance of Democracy Across Generations
DemoLab’s programs resonate with diverse generations, providing lifelong learning opportunities to understand and uphold democratic values.
Contact
Let’s get in touch
Stay up to date on the latest innovative solutions to protect our democracy
Contact
Let’s get in touch
Stay up to date on the latest innovative solutions to protect our democracy
Contact
Let’s get in touch
Stay up to date on the latest innovative solutions to protect our democracy