Purpose of Deliberative Issues Forums

Provide safe spaces for public discourse on complex issues

Encourage conversation that identifies underlying values that inform our ideas not just what, but why?

1

A Return to the Civic: “What does it mean to be a citizen?”

More than “one who votes” Working with others to solve common

problems Understanding other points of view Active seeking of common ground for

greater good--solutions that address everyone’s concern

2

Debate, Discussion, Deliberative Dialogue3Debate, Discussion Deliberative Dialogue

4

Effective Issue Framing

FramingPeople normally approach difficult decisions by looking at the options available to them, weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each, and then selecting the option that is most consistent with what they consider valuable.

Framing issues for deliberation requires just a few simple questions:

What concerns people when they think about an issue? In other words, what is valuable?Given these concerns, what types of actions would they favor?What benefits, and what negative consequences might result? In other words, what tradeoffs have to be considered?

Core values

Security

Fairness/Equality

Freedom/Self-determination

Characteristics of an Effective Framing The issue is named in such a way that it does not

favor a particular approach. The things that people consider valuable are

reflected in the options for action. The tensions between the advantages and

disadvantages of each option are clear. The framework does not lend itself to selecting

“all of the above.” The consequences are described in terms of their

effects on what is valuable, not just practical

Characteristics of an Effective Framing, cont’d. Those who should take action should include citizens

and what they must do collectively, not just individually.

An effective framework recognizes unpopular points of view.

Each option is presented in the most positive light; if the framing seems to favor one particular option, people will feel manipulated.

The pros of one option are not the cons of another An effective framework does not prompt the usual

conversations. An effective framework often leaves people ‘stewing’

because they are more aware of the undesirable effects of the options they like most.

Structure of an Issues forum

Moderator, recorder Personal stake Review of ground rules

Charge: the work of citizens to make choices about public issues

Deliberation, not a debate. Equal time for each approach Personal and group reflection

10

Ground Rules Everyone is encouraged to participate No one or two individuals dominate The discussion will focus on the choices All the positions on the issue will be

considered An atmosphere for discussion is

maintained We listen to each other

11

Personal Stake

Personal experiences with this issue?

What concerns you the most about this issue?

12

Choice Work

What do you like/not like about this approach?

What is important to people who favor this approach? underlying values

Cost/Consequences/Trade-offs

13

The moderator’s role Guide the deliberation, not lead it

The less said, the better Encourage participants to talk to each other, not to you

Present the essence of each approach and then ask a starter question to turn the work over to the group.

Periods of silence between speakers is ok (they may be thinking)

Questions the moderator can ask: Why? How? Why is this important to you? How could that be accomplished? Whose voice is not represented here?

14

Post-forum Reflection

Personal Reflection How has your thinking about issue changed? What have you learned that surprised you?

Group reflections Shared sense of direction or common ground?

Tensions What are we still struggling with as a group? What do we still need to talk about? Which trade offs are we or are we not willing to make? Whose voice was not at the table? What are you going to do with what you learned today?

15