Hello! My name is Dr. Bill Benet.

I am an educator/researcher/activist who developed the Polarities of Democracy theory at the University of Toronto in 2006.

The Polarities of Democracy model serves as a theoretical framework for the democratization of workplaces and society to address the social and environmental challenges that we face on a local, national, and global level.

I use the Polarities of Democracy to promote participatory practices that allow citizens, workers, families, organizations, and communities to unleash their creativity and strengthen their capacity for research and social change initiatives that promote social and environmental responsibility. It is being used around the world as a guide to build healthy, sustainable, and just communities.

I serve as the Vice President of the Institute and am also a Senior Fellow at the institute.

I bring with me over 50 years’ experience in politics, peace & justice organizing, union activism, community development, small business management, organization development, social economy entrepreneurship, fostering collaborative community/campus partnerships, and advancing the democratization of public education. Following three years in the US Army (1965-1968), I served 28 years in the Monroe County Legislature as an elected representative from Rochester, New York, including five years as Majority Leader.

I currently hold academic appointments as a Dissertation Committee Chair with Walden University’s School of Public Policy and Administration, an Associate Researcher with the University of Toronto’s Adult Education and Community Development Program, and a Senior Fellow with Bentley University’s Service Learning Center. In addition, I serve as the President and Senior Fellow of the Center for Democratic Values and as the Executive Director of the Graduation Pledge Alliance.