National Issues Forums
National Issues Forums
NIF is a non-partisan, nationwide network of locally sponsored public forums. These forums – organized by a variety of organizations, groups and individuals – offer citizens the opportunity to deliberate on choices with others about ways to approach difficult issues and to work toward creating reasoned public judgment. Forums range from small or large group gatherings similar to town hall meetings, to study circles held in public places or in people's homes on an ongoing basis. The forums provide a way for people of diverse views and experiences to seek a shared understanding of the problem and to search for common ground for action. Forums are led by trained, neutral moderators, and use an issue discussion guide that frames the issue by presenting the overall problem and then three or four broad approaches to the problem. Forum participants deliberate on the options and their likely consequences.
Examples:
Terrorism: What should we do Now? 2002
Mission Uncertain: Reassessing America’s Global Role, 1996
IPAC Events
