National Issues Forum
From Deliberative Democracy Institiute Wiki
National Issues Forum or NIF, is a method for deliberative democracy in the USA.
Contents
experts knowledge
In NIF, experts knowledge is introduced (and framed ) by a book which is prepared by the comity or other agency. The book describe 3-4 options to solve an issue[1]
At the begging, a short movie that explain the issue is introduced[2]
Psychological Settings
facilitators charge participants to listen with respect; to consider all perspectives, including those that different from their own; and to seek common ground.
Participation
They encourage everybody to participate.
modorators encourage people to explain even unpopular epproches.
Learning
People are encouraged to tell a their story in the issue, to get people engage the issue (story telling).
Evaluating
Modorators encourage participants to consider each approach fully and fairly, to illustrate each approach with personal stories and experiences, and to consider the related costs and consequences of each approach.
Selection of Common Solution
At the end, after several hours, participants are asked to describe what is the common ground. what is the real issue, what is unacceptable, and which points remain un solved. they strive to articulate a common story, as a group and to find a common path. if there is a devision, then the decision is recorded.
understanding
the facilitator is accompanied by a recorder, who write the outcome on a white board.