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 - JOBS AND THE ECONOMY
Media Type: PDF / YEAR: 2012
Each Citizens' Solutions Guide provides essential background on a complex issue and analyzes the pros and cons behind some of the policy solutions endorsed by candidates, so that voters can weigh the tradeoffs before they head to the polls.
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Issue Area(s): Jobs & Economy
Early Childhood & Preschool
Childcare & Afterschool Programs
K-12: Kids, Parents, Teachers, Schools
Higher Education
Interfaith Relations
Public Safety & Police-Community Relations
Taxes & Spending
A CITIZENS' ASSEMBLY ON NEW JERSEY'S TAX SYSTEM
Media Type: PDF / YEAR: 2003
This Choicework Discussion Starter is intended to help citizens in New Jersey take stock of the taxes in their state and talk about the ways the state can raise resources for the public services citizens want.
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Issue Area(s): Jobs & Economy, Voting & Government
Environment
Economy & Federal Budget
MAKING SURE OUR GOVERNMENT USES OUR MONEY RESPONSIBLY
Media Type: PDF / YEAR: 2008
Bringing the federal debt under control will mean making tough choices, but people need to be able to trust their leaders to act and spend responsibly.
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Issue Area(s): Jobs & Economy, Federal Budget
SOCIAL SECURITY, THE BUDGET AND AN AGING POPULATION
A Choicework Discussion Starter
Media Type: PDF / YEAR: 2011
This discussion starter helps citizens think through tough decisions involving values and money and consider several approaches to keeping Social Security solvent.
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Issue Area(s): Civic Education, Jobs & Economy, Federal Budget