We invite you to learn about transformative thinking, integrative theory and practice, and experiential learning at the Florida Center for Public & International Policy. For more than 30 years we have built a research and service reputation, first as the Institute of Government at the University of North Florida and then as the Florida Center for Public Policy and Leadership. The late Dr. Terry M. Bowen was the last director of the Institute of Government and the Florida Center for Public Policy and Leadership was under the direction of Dr. Adam W. Herbert. We are most appreciative for the shoulders upon which we stand.

In 2001, in partnership with the UNF Honors Program, we took UNF students to Ghana. That transformative learing opportunity started our expansion into global policy. In 2003 we changed our name to the Florida Center for Public & International Policy.

The traditional model of top-down policy development is simply no longer an option. Citizens demand more transparent relationships with their governments and with their employers. With the unprecedented access to information over the internet, citizens create their own webs of trust, cherry-picking who and what they believe. Imagine yourself in The Truman Show, the hit movie produced by Paramount Pictures in 1998 starring Jim Carrey. Every move you make, every sound you utter, is seen, heard and experienced by millions of viewers, 24-7, every day of your life. Indeed, it would be scary. Yet increasingly, that is the every day environment in which the business, government, and nonprofit organizations operate. These pressures put personal, organizational and civic relationships under stress. We conclude that effective public policy can only be crafted within the context of trusted networking and personalization. Today, more than ever, people expect far greater participation in public policy making. They want news and information when they want it and how they want it. They are increasingly skeptical and distrusting of those in positions of authority. But if the internet has taught us anything, it's that the world is full of people who know a lot about small niche areas. That when all those people with all those diverse interests come together, they can pool their knowledge together to make amazing things - think of Wikipedia or Digg, a virtual Vox populi.

Our Mission:
The mission of the Florida Center for Public & International Policy is to provide high quality programs to meet the needs of Florida's communities primarily across government and nonprofit organizations. Our work is global, interdependent and interconnected. The Florida Center for Public & International Policy has three major policy areas: 1) partnership initiatives, emphasizing the university's role as a community player in civic engagement and citizen-focused leadership education; 2) public policy initiatives which include governmental and nonprofit research, organizational development, surveys, and evaluations; and 3) international affairs and global education policy and initiatives.

Our Vision:
The vision of the Florida Center for Public & International Policy is to partner with our clients, research fellows and multiple publics to enable clients to build stronger, sustainable relationships to influence attitudes and behaviors in a rapidly changing, complex world. We thoughtfully and responsibly value client and community perspectives and anticipate their needs. With intelligence and ingenuity we deliver informed analysis, strategic thinking and breakthrough creativity. We are committed to excellent execution and smart management as we exceed client expectations.

Our Values
The values of the Florida Center for Public & International Policy openly embrace: 1) critical thinking, 2) global sustainability, 3) popular democracy, 3) social justice, 4) citizen action, 5) savvy strategic policy, and 6) breakthrough creativity.

The Florida Center for Public & International Policy
University of North Florida
Social Science Building (#51)
Room 2112
Jacksonville, FL 32224
(904) 620-2978; Fax (904) 620-2979

Partner Organizations

FreshMinistries
JCCI
Jacksonville Chamber Small Business Center
SCLC Jacksonville
WJCT
World Affairs Council of Jacksonville

This web site is designed for visitors, prospective students, public sector practitioners, scholars, alumni and members of neighborhood and community groups. Please note that the University of North Florida and the Florida Center for Public & International Policy do not endorse the sites behind the links found here. We offer them to facilitate research.

Maintained by Dr. Henry B. Thomas

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