NIFI News

"The Ethics of Dialogue and Debate" - Introducing a New Section in the Journal of Lutheran Ethics

Oct 03, 2019 By National Issues... 0 Comments

The October/November 2019 issue of the Journal of Lutheran Ethics introduces a new section focusing on the theme of The Ethics of Dialogue and Debate. In an introduction to the issue, editor Jennifer Hockenbery Dragseth wrote:

National Conversation Project - "Guns in America: Conversation Resources & Opportunities"

Sep 12, 2019 By National Issues... 0 Comments

The following announcement is from the National Conversation Project.

Report on NIF Forum Activity: Climate Choices

Sep 05, 2019 By Kenny McGuane 0 Comments

When people gather with friends, neighbors, and fellow community members to deliberate on shared problems, they often report that they are exposed to ideas and perspectives they hadn’t previously entertained. They also often say that they leave the deliberative forums, not with completely changed minds, but “thinking differently” nonetheless.

Read the Blog Post by Rev. Dr. Leah D. Schade - "Applying the Dialogical Lens to the Parable of the Rich Fool"

Aug 07, 2019 By National Issues... 0 Comments

In a July 31, 2019 blog post titled Applying the Dialogical Lens to the Parable of the Rich Fool, the Rev. Dr. Leah D. Schade writes:

In a survey of 1200 mainline Protestant preachers I conducted two years ago, I asked what social issues they were willing to address in their sermons.

I listed 38 topics for them to choose from, and the results turned up an interesting paradox.

National Issues Forums Institute is Nominated for Civvys Award

Jul 25, 2019 By National Issues... 0 Comments

The National Issues Forums Institute (NIFI) has been nominated for an American Civic Collaboration Award, or #civvys Award. Since 2017, these awards have celebrated those who step up to improve their communities and the nation and who insist on working together to do so. Please help us spread the good news.

Read the Article in "YES! Magazine" - "Why Difficult Conversations Can Actually Be a Good Thing" by Yasmeen Wafai

Jul 11, 2019 By National Issues... 0 Comments

A July 10, 2019 article in YES! Magazine, by Yasmeen Wafai, describes several examples of methods to help people talk productively about difficult public issues, including The Difficult Conversations Lab founded by Peter Coleman, and the National Issues Forums.

The following are excerpts from the article:

From Kara Dillard - Summer Online Forums and Moderator Training

Jun 19, 2019 By National Issues... 0 Comments

Upcoming Common Ground for Action (CGA) forums:

Friday June 21st @ 4p ET on Climate Choices: https://tinyurl.com/y5v5bh3y

Saturday July 6th @ 6p ET on Coming to America: https://tinyurl.com/y44qsdge

Report on NIF Forum Activity: What Should We Do about the Opioid Epidemic?

Jun 05, 2019 By National Issues... 0 Comments

Over the last year, we have heard from local groups in Connecticut, Florida, Mississippi, Montana, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin, and others that have gathered to deliberate using the 2018 National Issues Forums issue guide What Should We Do about the Opioid Epidemic?

Reflections on a Forum at Lawson State Community College

Jun 04, 2019 By National Issues... 0 Comments

We are deeply saddened at news of the passing of Curtis L. Sparks III, who died at his home May 16, 2019. Curtis was a talented forum convener and moderator and his work and his inspiring and caring ways will be greatly missed. The following is just one story about the important work that Curtis was doing in his community.

Guest Blogger - Jenna Schemenauer Writes about Her Experience with Deliberation in High School