Daniel Altschuler

Professional Background

Daniel Altschuler is an accomplished political scientist, organizer, and writer, widely recognized for his extensive work in civic and political engagement. Currently, he serves as the Managing Director of the Make the Road Action Fund, where he leads initiatives focused on enhancing civic participation and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. His role at Make the Road New York (MRNY) as the Civic Engagement and Research Coordinator demonstrates his commitment to fostering civic involvement and advocating for social justice. Previously, Daniel played a pivotal role as MRNY's Long Island Coordinator and as the Coordinator of the Long Island Civic Engagement Table, where he helped mobilize communities and advocate for their rights.

Daniel's academic journey is rooted in a profound exploration of political dynamics, particularly in Latin America. His research has primarily concentrated on civic and political participation in Honduras and Guatemala, providing valuable insights into the complexities of civil society in these nations. This groundwork laid the foundation for his influential publication, "The Promise of Participation: Experiments in Participatory Governance in Honduras and Guatemala" (2013, Palgrave-MacMillan), co-authored with the esteemed political scientist Javier Corrales. This book not only addresses theoretical aspects but also offers practical experiments in participatory governance, making significant contributions to the academic discourse on governance in Latin America.

Education and Achievements

Daniel's educational background is impressive, reflecting his commitment to academic excellence and social issues. He holds a Doctorate in Politics from the University of Oxford, where he studied as a prestigious Rhodes Scholar, earning respect and recognition in the political science community. He also obtained a Master's in Development Studies from the same institution. Prior to this, he completed his Bachelor's degree at Amherst College, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Spanish and Black Studies. His educational pursuits have equipped him with a rich understanding of political theory and practice, which he applies in his roles as a leader and researcher.

Moreover, Daniel has garnered significant academic and research experience outside of his leadership roles. He served as a Visiting Scholar at the Milano School of International Affairs, Management, and Public Policy at the New School for Public Engagement (2013-14) and was a Copeland Fellow at Amherst College (2010-11). These positions have not only expanded his scholarly influence but also allowed him to engage deeply with both academic and journalistic writing.

Journalistic Pursuits and Publications

In addition to his political organizing and academic research, Daniel is an accomplished writer and journalist. His journalistic efforts have primarily focused on Central American politics and the intricacies of U.S. immigration policy. His insightful commentary and analysis have reached a broad audience through reputable platforms such as The Christian Science Monitor, The Nation, Americas Quarterly, CNN, Foreign Policy, Newsday, the San Francisco Chronicle, and Dissent. Through these publications, Daniel has been able to highlight critical issues surrounding immigration and civic engagement, contributing to a greater understanding of these topics in public discourse. His journey epitomizes a robust intersection of academia, activism, and journalism, demonstrating his commitment to advancing social equity both through scholarly research and community organizing.

Conclusion

In summary, Daniel Altschuler exemplifies a dedicated leader in political science, activism, and writing. His academic background, particularly his DPhil from the University of Oxford and extensive work on civic participation in Central America, positions him as an authority in his field. As Managing Director of the Make the Road Action Fund and Civic Engagement and Research Coordinator at MRNY, he continues to influence and inspire communities. Combining activism with scholarly research and journalistic efforts, Daniel remains committed to advocating for social change and enhancing civic engagement, both domestically and internationally.