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Public Engagement Publications
REPORTS
Transforming Public Life: A Decade of Citizen Engagement in Bridgeport, CT
(Will Friedman, Alison Kadlec and Lara Birnback) (Public Agenda, 2007, 20 pages)
When it comes time to solve community problems or make and implement public policy, the institutions, organizations, and individuals of Bridgeport, CT, defy business as usual through a remarkably inclusive and deliberative citizen-centered approach to problem solving. As a result of roughly a decade of hard work by organizations, "ordinary" citizens and various local leaders, public engagement has become embedded in the life of the community.
Important, But Not for Me: Kansas and Missouri Students and Parents Talk About Math, Science and Technology Education
(Alison Kadlec and Will Friedman with Amber Ott) ((Public Agenda, 2007, 28 pages))
This study finds just 25% of Kansas/Missouri parents think their children should be studying more math and science; 70% think things "are fine as they are now." The report also explains why parents and students are so complacent in this area and what kinds of changes might be helpful in building more interest in and support for more rigorous MST courses.
How Faculty, Family and Community Leaders Respond to Community College Reform
(By John Immerwahr and Will Friedman with Amber Ott) (Public Agenda, 2005. 24 pages)
This study is an effort to understand the views of relatively under-studied stakeholders (full-time and adjunct faculty members, families of community college students and community leaders) on a variety of education reform ideas aimed at improving results and closing achievement gaps for community college students.
Straight Talk/Street Talk: Possibilities for Police-Community Dialogue
(By Will Friedman and Lara Saxman) (Public Agenda, 2005. 44 pages)
With support from The Annie E. Casey Foundation and The New York Community Trust, Public Agenda investigated the potential for increased communication and dialogue between community residents and the police in San Antonio, Texas, New Haven, Connecticut, and New York City. Based on focus groups, interviews, and dialogue sessions with a mix of "regular" citizens and police officers, our research found both the public and the police to be potential beneficiaries of increased communication.
Nebraskans Weigh in on Essential Education Opportunities for All Students
(By Will Friedman and Lara Saxman) (Public Agenda, 2004. 34 pages.)
Public Agenda was asked by the Nebraska State Board of Education and the Nebraska Department of Education to help design and implement a public engagement process that would allow a cross-section of the state's citizens to comment on the Board's concept of an Essential Education. Toward that end, Public Agenda conducted focus groups and community conversations with over 370 parents, students, educators and members of the general public from roughly 25 districts throughout the state. Our findings are summarized in this report. Download Available Here.
Changing the Conversation on Education in Connecticut
(By Will Friedman) (Public Agenda, 2004, revised 2005. 44 pages.)
A report on 10 years of public engagement on public education topics in over 75 communities across Connecticut. Supported by the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund, the report serves as a comprehensive case study of how public engagement can work in communities across America and discusses the specific accomplishments in Connecticut. Download available here.
Let the People Speak: Report of the Citizen's Tax Assembly (The New Jersey Coalition for the Public Good, 2003. 32 pages)
Public Agenda worked with the citizen's group The New Jersey Coalition for the Public Good to prepare Choicework materials (video and print), as well as train organizers and moderators for a Citizen's Tax Assembly. This report provides the background, proceedings, and conclusions of the Assembly held in Trenton, New Jersey in 2003, and which brought together more than 90 diverse delegates from across the state to discuss the best direction and strategy for tax reform. The Citizen's Tax Assembly was supported by the Fund for New Jersey, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and the Schumann Fund for New Jersey. Download available here.
Just Waiting to Be Asked? A Fresh Look at Attitudes on Public Engagement
(By Steve Farkas, Patrick Foley and Ann Duffett, with Tony Foleno and Jean Johnson) (Public Agenda, 2001. 48 pages.)
This research study finds that school district leaders say they are eager for public engagement in educational decision making, but the venue they rely on most -- the school board meeting -- is primarily seen as a vehicle for the most vocal and disgruntled citizens. Teachers, of all the groups surveyed, feel the most ignored. Parents and the public would like to see more community involvement, but two-thirds say they're comfortable leaving decisions to the professionals. But those who rate their schools poorly are more likely to want to get directly involved. Download available here.
Public Engagement in Education
(By Will Friedman and Aviva Gutnick with Jackie Danzberger) (Public Agenda, 1999. 99 pages.)
Commissioned by the Ford Foundation, this paper defines public engagement and outlines the successful strategies for involving citizens: how to get beyond the "usual suspects, how to ensure civil but candid discussions, and how to develop action plans. Includes five case histories of communities from Maine to California. Download available here.
What Our Children Need: South Carolinians Look at Public Education
(By John Immerwahr, with Ali Bers and a Conclusion by Will Friedman)
Examines public perceptions on educational problems, solutions and prospects for change in South Carolina. The conclusion, written by Public Engagement Director Will Friedman, explores the research's implications for "Effective Public Engagement on School Reform." Price: $10.00. Order here.
The Public's Capacity for Deliberation
(By Steve Farkas and Will Friedman with Ali Bers) (Public Agenda, 1995. 26 pages.)
Based on discussion groups on education, this study explores the capacity of diverse groups of citizens to come together, consider an issue and work through alternative choices for solving it. Price: $10.00. Order here.
The Rules of Public Engagement
(By Daniel Yankelovich and John Immerwahr) (1994. 24 pages.)
This report, written in cooperation with the American Assembly, explores the formidable challenge of engaging the public in debate about U.S. foreign policy in the post-Cold War era. Price: $10.00. Order here.
Effective Public Engagement
(By Steve Farkas) (Public Agenda, 1993. 35 pages.)
Explores effective communication about proposals to set higher academic standards for students. Price: $10.00. Order here.
PRACTITIONER MANUALS
BOOKS
The Magic of Dialogue
(by Daniel Yankelovich) (Simon and Schuster, 1999. 235 pages.)
Drawing on decades of research, Mr. Yankelovich reinvents the art of dialogue in a practical form for today's times. Order Now from Amazon.com.
Coming to Public Judgment: Making Democracy Work in a Complex World
(By Daniel Yankelovich) (Syracuse University Press, 1991. 290 pages.)
Yankelovich focuses on the public's waning ability to influence its future and offers a prescription for strengthening the public's hand in the "silent power struggle" with the experts. Order Now from Amazon.com
