National Issues Forums (NIF) is a very good entry point for all kinds of deliberative work...and the NIF Basics is designed as an introduction to the world of Deliberative Practice. NIF-style conversations help people get engaged in the political process by providing a place for public deliberation, but these conversations don't just happen by themselves. In this workshop, we first experience deliberation together...then we debrief the experience and 'unpack' some of the basic components of deliberative conversations. Our workshops are interactive with lots of time for questions and answers...and practice in leading a conversation as a moderator.
Learn the components and flow of NIF-style deliberative conversations
Understand how to use the issue guides and moderators' guides
Develop methods and understanding in convening and moderating forums and community conversations
Recognize the unique characteristics of deliberative conversations as a public decision-making tool
Learn how to generate deliberative conversations in a variety of settings
Understand how to create partnerships in your community
Find how to access resources related to civic engagement in public decisions
