The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

Aaron Azelton is the director of citizen participation programs at NDI. He is an organizing and advocacy specialist who has helped to design, implement and assess civil society programs at NDI since 1992. In his current position, Mr. Azelton supports NDI initiatives by crafting innovative programming approaches and tools, and delivering practical guidance. He has provided hands-on assistance to civic groups in more than 30 countries. In this role, he has helped local organizations develop strategic outlooks, plan political actions, structure partnerships and carry out internal reforms.

Mr. Azelton helped design NDI's Civic Forum, a unique approach to promoting civic action in developing societies. Civic Forum provides a foundation for informed citizen involvement in the public policymaking process through the organization of moderated discussions in conjunction with local civil society organizations. From 1997 to 1998, Mr. Azelton directed NDI's Civic Forum program in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He also developed and implemented the first NDI Civic Forum program in West Bank/Gaza in 1996. Additionally, he has provided technical leadership to aid agencies through research and written reports, and has taken part in numerous roundtables and work groups on civic education and civil society development topics.

Mr. Azelton has two children and enjoys outdoor activities and training pointing dogs.