Iowa State University Extension: Public Deliberation

Public Deliberation: A different kind of talk, another way to act

Citizens define what they consider to be in the public interest and find common ground for action. Through the deliberative process, citizens explore options, weigh others' views, and consider the costs and consequences of public policy decisions.

Goals for public deliberation include:

Weighing potential consequences of various solutions to community problem/issues before deciding what is best for our community
Struggling with the hard choices every problem requires
Sharing our ideas, opinions
Truly listening and understanding one another
Looking for common ground - the foundation of good community decision making.

For more information, contact:
Mark Edelman, Interim Director, Community Vitality Center, and ISU Extension
Economist, 477 Heady, Ames, IA 50011

Jeanne Warning, Assistant Director to Families, ISU Extension, 101 MacKay Hall, Ames, IA 50011

David Wilkinson, Teaching and Learning Specialist, Iowa State Education Association, 777 Third Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309

Iowa State University Extension | Extension to Communities | Extension to Families | Iowa State University

Last updated: 31 July 2002
Contact: jwarning@iastate.edu
Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.