Based on decades of research and experience concerning how average citizens think and talk about issues, Public Agenda's Choicework Discussion Starters are designed to help groups and communities talk productively about public problems.
Our discussion starters, available here for free download, outline several different approaches to solving specific public policy problems, along with the pros, cons and trade-offs of each choice. We use everyday language, not professional jargon, and focus on the kinds of concerns and values that non-experts can readily understand. Many of our discussion starters have corresponding videos available here and on YouTube; some of our written discussion guides are also available in Spanish. Ready to get more involved in shaping the world we all live in?
Choicework Discussion Starters Available for Download:
Citizens' Solutions Guides
CITIZENS' SOLUTIONS GUIDE - ENERGY
Media Type: PDF / YEAR: 2012
Despite serious knowledge gaps on the part of the public, energy is still on the minds of 8 out of 10 Americans, right after concerns for the economy, education, and healthcare.
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Issue Area(s): Energy & Environment
Environment
FACING THE CHALLENGES OF CLIMATE CHANGE
A Guide for Citizen Thought and Action
Media Type: PDF
This Choicework Discussion Starter can help you examine different arguments about the best way to face the challenges of climate change.
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Issue Area(s): Energy & Environment, Science & Society
OCEANS FOR EVERYONE
A Dialogue on Seattle, the Sound and the Seas in the 21st Century
Media Type: PDF / YEAR: 2004
This Choicework Discussion Starter is designed to help Seattle residents discuss what they can do about the state of the Sound and surrounding oceans.
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Issue Area(s): Energy & Environment