PLEASE CONSIDER PARTNERING WITH THE AMERICAN DEMOCRACY PROJECT TO TEACH YOUR STUDENTS THE SKILL OF DEMOCRATIC DELIBERATION WHILE INVESTIGATING POLICY ISSUES THAT MATTER TO YOUR ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE AND COURSE SUBJECT MATTER.
National Issues Forums are a place where democracy comes alive. It’s where the practice of public deliberation is learned by doing.
Forums are neutrally moderated in a way that encourages positive interaction between people who are not expected to agree, but are encouraged to find a shared direction.
A forum typically begins with a starter video related to the issue you’ll be wrestling with. The unbiased facts and research in your Issue Guide give you the knowledge you need for a deeper understanding of the problem.
Forums can last as little as 75 minutes, or as long as three hours; it’s your choice!
Forums can be for your class only, for other classes in your discipline, campus-wide, or open to the public; it’s your choice!
Forums can be led by the instructor, by students, or by the ADP director; it’s your choice!
Participants will investigate several possible solutions to the issue at hand. They will never be forced to “pick sides.”
Solutions are examined through the lens of what’s important to the group as a whole — its shared values, and understanding of feasible options based on facts, data, and evidence. Every solution comes with a set of costs and consequences that must be thoroughly measured.
Possible topics include (but are not limited to):
- Youth & Opportunity
- Free Speech & the Inclusive Campus
- Voting & Elections
- Back to Work: Rebuilding Our Economy
- Policing
- Immigration
- Health Care 2020
- Mass Shootings
- National Debt
- A House Divided: Political Polarization
- Keeping America Safe
- Driverless Vehicles
- The Opioid Epidemic
- The Land of Plenty: Food Insecurity
- Climate Choices (Climate Change)
- The Changing World of Work
- America’s Energy Future
- Social Security
- Alcohol in America
- Mental Illness in America
- Sustainability
- The Future of Higher Education
- Youth and Violence
- Economic Security
- Obesity
- The 21st Century Mission of Public Schools
- Land Use Conflicts
- Youth and Violence
- and more . . .
- There are also several HISTORICAL guides (e.g. Civil Rights Movement, WW1, WW2, etc.)
READY TO LEARN MORE?
Contact Elizabeth Bennion, ebennion@iusb.edu