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
Early Childhood & Preschool
Childcare & Afterschool Programs
K-12: Kids, Parents, Teachers, Schools
Higher Education
Interfaith Relations
Public Safety & Police-Community Relations
IMPROVING POLICY-COMMUNITY RELATIONS
A Public Agenda Citizen Choicework Guide
Media Type: PDF / YEAR: 2005
This Choicework Discussion Starter offers communities an opportunity to discuss the best ways to prevent these tensions from developing and of resolving them when they do arise.
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Issue Area(s): Other
PREVENTING CRIME AND PROMOTING PUBLIC SAFETY
A Public Agenda Citizen Choicework Guide
Media Type: PDF / YEAR: 2005
This Choicework Discussion Starter can help you better understand the range of strategies police departments can use and which strategies are most appropriate for your community.
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Issue Area(s): Other
PREVENTING TERRORISM AND PROTECTING CIVIL RIGHTS
A Public Agenda Citizen Choicework Guide
Media Type: PDF / YEAR: 2005
Local law enforcement plays a critical role in the fight against terrorism. How can law enforcement officers be most effective in fighting terrorism?
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Issue Area(s): Other