ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers

Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.

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Nikki,

As many people have already mentioned there are a number of institutions that have been hosting discussion and dialogues on a range of issues.  There are tons of groups that specialize in public participation, public deliberation, civic engagement etc.  I have been through Public Agenda's (www.publicagenda.org) training and found it helpful in understanding how to frame issues so that people can put aside their differences.  



I would also suggest the web site http://www.peopleandparticipation.net/display/Involve/Home, which has a process planner that can help you think through your goals and format.  There is also a Journal of Public Deliberation (http://services.bepress.com/jpd/) that might give you additional ideas.



Good luck!  I think that it really vital for museums to create spaces for civil discussion.



Cheers,

Erika



Erika C. Shugart, Ph.D.

Deputy Director

Koshland Science Museum: Interact with the Issues National Academy of Sciences www.koshland-dc.org





Date:    Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:47:46 -0700

From:    Nikki Andersen <[log in to unmask]>

Subject: Organizing civil community dialogue about current science issues



ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.

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Our community is seeking a neutral setting to learn more about current science issues and topics



and then engage in civil dialogue, listening to various voices as folks seek to form their own



perspectives on whatever. We're setting up a series structured around a presenter for 30 minutes



followed by 30 minutes of civil conversation.



 



If anyone has experience with this sort of programming, I'll appreciate your sharing what has



worked well for you and what has not. 



 



Nikki Andersen



 



ExplorationWorks! Executive Director



955 Carousel Way



Helena, MT. 59601



406.457.1800 x 4



 



"Poets say science takes away from the beauty of the stars - mere globs of gas atoms. I, too, can see the stars on a desert night, and feel them. But do I see less or more?" 

―  <http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1429989.Richard_P_Feynman> Richard P. Feynman 



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