Los Angeles, CA | University Initiative | Civic Engagement, Policy, Community-Based Research
Mission
A project of the USC Dornsife Center for Economic and Social Research, this Agents of Change initiative focuses on engaging civilians—especially underrepresented communities—in public policy research and action. The program seeks to amplify civic engagement and support pathways for Angelenos to shape policy decisions that impact their everyday lives.
Key Focus Areas
Policy Education & Training
Offers programs that train community members to participate in and influence policymaking using data, evidence, and storytelling.
👉 https://dornsife.usc.edu/agentsofchange/about/Resident Researcher Model
Equips residents with research tools to collect and analyze data relevant to their neighborhoods and advocate for change.
👉 https://dornsife.usc.edu/agentsofchange/meet-the-fellows/Civic Engagement with Impact
Prioritizes grassroots participation in public systems, especially among low-income and BIPOC communities in Los Angeles.
Relevant to The Change Lab
This initiative directly supports The Change Lab’s goal of democratizing access to power and information. Their resident-led research model and commitment to civic infrastructure advance systemic change from the neighborhood level up.
