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 - IMMIGRATION
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): Immigration
K-12: Kids, Parents, Teachers, Schools
NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOLS AND STUDENT DIVERSITY
A Public Agenda Citizen Choicework Guide
Media Type: PDF / YEAR: 2005
This Choicework Discussion Starter can help your community discuss how to balance the often competing values of neighborhood schools and student diversity.
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Issue Area(s): K-12 Education, Immigration, Race