Democracy done differently, in Pennsylvania.
Deliberative Forums help (re)connect us with our neighbors, bridge differences, and co-create real solutions for our community.
Our system is broken, but we aren’t.
Research shows that while partisan divisions are high, American voters are less ideologically polarized than they think they are.
Deliberative Forums help us see difference as a tool to forge consensus.
It starts with talking
A Deliberative Forum is a series of structured discussions where a representative sample of our community engage in thoughtful dialogue about a specific topic or issue. It provides a platform for individuals to express their views, exchange ideas, and explore different perspectives in a respectful manner.
It’s enriched with expertise
Participants are given a grounding in the issues being discussed by content experts to help present all sides of a topic.
Through facilitated conversations, participants work together to identify common ground, areas of disagreement, and potential solutions.
It builds solutions and changes minds
A Deliberative Forum aims to foster understanding, collaboration, and informed decision-making among diverse stakeholders. By promoting active listening and constructive dialogue, deliberative forums help create a space for meaningful civic engagement and collective problem-solving. There is considerable empirical evidence that the deliberative process shifts the views of participants.