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:
Early Childhood & Preschool
A GREAT EDUCATION STARTS AT HOME
Increasing Parent Involvement in Education
Media Type: PDF / YEAR: 2010
This Choicework Discussion Starter is designed to help you and your neighbors figure out how to inspire and help more parents to become more involved in their children’s education.
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Issue Area(s): Early Childhood, Children & Families
Childcare & Afterschool Programs
ALL ACCOUNTED FOR
What Do We Want Out Of Our Afterschool & Summer Programs
Media Type: PDF / YEAR: 2010
This discussion guide will help you work through some of the choices, while understanding their pros and cons.
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Issue Area(s): K-12 Education, Children & Families
CHILDCARE
A Public Agenda Citizen Choicework Guide
Media Type: PDF / YEAR: 2005
This Choicework Discussion Starter will help your community decide what makes the most sense for children, parents and families.
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Issue Area(s): Children & Families
WHAT DO YOU WANT IN AN AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM?
Media Type: PDF / YEAR: 2010
This guide, intended for high school and middle school students, will help them talk about the programs they'd like to have available.
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Issue Area(s): K-12 Education, Children & Families
Public Safety & Police-Community Relations
ENSURING SCHOOL SAFETY
A Public Agenda Citizen Choicework Guide
Media Type: PDF / YEAR: 2005
This Choicework Discussion Starter is designed to help communities evaluate different approaches to ensuring safety and security in schools.
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Issue Area(s): K-12 Education, Children & Families