"America Talks," June 12-13, and "National Week of Conversation," June 14-20, 2021

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  • National Week of Conversation logo

The National Issues Forums Institute (NIFI) is joining a broad coalition of civic organizations across the country as a "hosting partner" for the fourth annual National Week of Conversation, an opportunity for Americans to come together in a wide range of discussions about issues that impact the country, and the world. During the week of June 14, online National Issues Forums are being convened on voting. 

This year's National Week of Conversation will be preceded by America Talks, a two-day event on June 12-13 that will provide opportunities for Americans with different experiences and viewpoints to connect in one-on-one, face-to-face online discussions. 

Media partners such as USA TODAY and Yahoo News will publicize opportunities to participate in these discussions through related articles in their print and online publications.

A Weekend of Connection in the Midst of Deep Division, June 12-13, 2021

America Talks, is a powerful two-day event that matches Americans with differing views to have one-on-one, face-to-face video conversations. The event is open to all Americans 18 and older.

America Talks will serve as the headline event kicking off National Week of Conversation

Watch a short video clip.

Learn more about America Talks and to sign up to participate.

Please join us June 14-20
You're not only wanted but needed. 

During National Week of Conversation, NIFI is offering several ways for people to join online National Issues Forums on voting. We are also hosting a webinar about organizing and leading an impactful discussion as part of the National Issues Forums initiative on what might be done to both encourage and safeguard voting.

Forums on Voting
How should we ensure that our elections are fair, efficient, and secure?

Many Americans are concerned about the integrity of US elections. Recent surveys show that a majority of voters lack confidence in the fairness and honesty of the electoral process and a growing number worry about its safety and security. 

  • What should we do so people can vote with confidence and trust that the outcomes accurately represent the will of the people?
  • How should we safeguard and improve our elections?

During the forums, participants will discuss perspectives and experiences as they weigh the pros and cons of various approaches to the issue and gain important insights from other participants in a civil and productive atmosphere.

An newly-updated issue discussion guide on voting will be available in time for National Week of Conversation.

(Dates, times, and registration links are below)

Join the Webinar, June 17, 1-2 p.m. ET
How should we ensure that our elections are fair, efficient, and secure?

Please join us to learn about organizing and leading an impactful discussion as part of the National Issues Forums initiative on what might be done to both encourage and safeguard voting. You will learn about the nonpartisan, public framework for in-person and online deliberative discussions as well as a range of complimentary discussion materials to support your work.

This webinar will prepare you to help others in your community discuss this issue that is essential to our democracy.

(Date, time, and registration link is below.)

Schedule of NIFI forums and webinar, and links to register

Links to register are below and on the NIF website calendar of events.

Mon., June 14, 7pm - 9pm ET (CLOSED)
Online forum on voting
Platform: Common Ground for Action (CGA) + WebEx

Tues, June 15, 4pm - 5:30pm ET
Online forum on voting
Platform: Zoom
Register Here

Wed., June 16, 7pm - 9pm ET
Online forum on voting
Platform: Common Ground for Action (CGA)
Register Here

Thurs., June 17, 1pm - 2pm ET
WEBINAR - "Convening and moderating forums on voting"

Register Here

Fri., June 18, 2pm - 3:30pm ET
Online forum on voting
Platform: Zoom
Register Here

Sat., June 19, 12pm -2:00 pm ET
Online forum on voting
Platform: Zoom
Register Here