civic discourse in the news

january 2007

December 2006

November 2006

October 2006

 

March 2009

1.

Talking about the economy with civility

(Christian Science Monitor, Feb. 24) The former flower shop in New York’s financial district is empty except for a red oval couch. Artist Linda Pollack designed the couch so that people can sit, facing one another, to talk about the financial crisis. She calls this space the Habeas Lounge, and her hope is that it will become a salon for public discourse – a place where anyone can stop in to share their thoughts about the economy, join a reading group focused on Adam Smith’s “The Wealth of Nations,” or listen to lectures from guest experts (extra seating to be provided!). Full Story -->

ICDD Comments: Not only is this an excellent example of getting out the messages of civic discourse, the article even quotes ICDD's own David Proctor! “It’s part of a small but growing national movement that reflects a desire to come together as a community and talk about the important issues of the day,” says David Procter, director of the Institute for Civic Discourse and Democracy at Kansas State University in Manhattan. “People know when dialogue is an attack – partisan and ideological – and they’re tired of it and they’re looking for an alternative.”

 

August 2007

1.

Animal abuse action protest Thursday

(Oxford Press, Aug. 13) "The rally is to give concerned citizens the opportunity to voice and display their feelings regarding Judge Rob Lyons's decision to return China (a white German shepherd mix) to her neglectful owner," said William H. Robinson, of Hamilton, who applied for the permit to hold the rally. Full Story -->

ICDD Comments: Protests don't have to be about global or national issues, they can be about something that is local and concerns individuals. Protests can be a healthy way the public shares their opinion. The important thing to remember is to always remain respectful of people, especially the individuals being protested. Slander and hateful speech or signs does not establish credibility, but instead often leads to more controversy. Protest is powerful, but it can be harmful if not done correctly.

2.

How to Get a Meeting Back on Track

(BusinessWeek, Aug. 11) A successful way to hold a meeting involves ensuring that everyone in the room knows the ground rules—whether our task is to generate ideas, refine them, or simply ingest them for later dissemination to our teammates—is the key. Full Story -->

ICDD Comments: Formulating an agenda or ground rules is an excellent way to start a meeting. This allows for everyone to understand what is going to happen and what their role can be in the discussion. Ground rules and agendas also provide a way for moderators and facilitators to gently steer conversation back a certain direction when it goes off-topic.

 

January 2007

The following example of public protest demonstrates elements of poor civic discourse.

Cindy Sheehan routs the Democrats

(Washington Times, Jan. 4) Cindy Sheehan routed the leaders of the new House Democratic majority from their press conference where they attempted to present their legislative agenda, and the flustered lawmakers retreated to a room behind closed doors, and surrendered the field to Mrs. Sheehan.

ICDD Comments: While protest is a powerful form of discourse it has the potential for negative effects. In this case the target audience, or Congressional members, left the scene and disregarded the protest. Disruptive protest, as a rule, prevents good discourse from occurring as one side generally refuses to participate because of hostilities against them or their beliefs. When dialogue is open between both sides more can be accomplished.

December 2006

1. When controversial or important issues are before officials, public forums are a good way to allow the general public a chance to voice their opinions and share their insight. The following forum allowed just that.

Parents speak out at GRPS forums

(WOOD-TV (MI), Dec. 1) Four public forums to discuss the future of Grand Rapids Public Schools were held to give parents a chance to hear what's going on at their children's schools and to voice their opinions. Full Story -->

ICDD Comments:  Public forums provide an outlet for dialogue about an issue.  To help them be successful it is important that all viewpoints are allowed and that each participant respects the opinions of others.

2. Ideal civic discourse allows diverse perspectives, in hopes that better decisions can be made. The following example demonstrates that this concept is not always followed.

Board draws fire on school drive

(North Jersey Herald News, Dec. 2) Board attorney Anthony D'Elia said, the board does not present some of Clifton Care's concerns at forums because the district believes their assertions are wrong. Full Story -->

ICDD Comments:  The promotion of civic discourse involves information from all sides of an issue.  Personal preference of the organization hosting the meeting or forum (if it is open to the public) should not make content based decisions on who is allowed to speak, provided that all participants engage in the rules of good civic discourse.

November 2006

1. In times of crisis, communication and deliberative democracy are important ways of making decisions that work best for all involved. The example below exemplifies groups doing just that.

State's insurance crisis is topic of public forums

(New Orleans Times-Picayune, Nov. 28) United Policyholders will hold public forums Wednesday and Thursday to discuss Louisiana's insurance crisis and to receive suggestions from home owners and business owners regarding possible solutions. Full Story -->

ICDD Comments:  Forums such as these can provide alternative ways to view an issue that research groups or individuals making executive decisions might not have thought of.  Open dialogue is a good way to provide the public with information and rationale for decisions prior to their implementation.

2. Age should not be a restriction on who can participate in public forums. The example below demonstrates how the views of younger individuals could be very important.

MCPS to hold public forums on middle school reform in upcoming weeks

(Silver Chips Online, Nov. 13) MCPS will be holding two public forums for parents, staff and students to voice their opinions on the proposed MCPS plans for strengthening the middle school system. Full Story -->

ICDD Comments:  Public forums shouldn't restrict comments from students either.  Student views on ways to help their middle school out are valuable as well.

October 2006

Encouraging participation in local governments and communities is a positive way to aid deliberative democracy, because individuals will better understand the issues facing local governments.

Latino Immigrants getting involved in local issues in their communities:

(Los Angeles Times, 0ct 27) The Council of Mexican Federations of North America is a coalition trying to educate immigrants about civic participation. "Our challenge is getting these members who are not connected [to the U.S.] to be fully integrated," Arturo Carmona, the federation's executive director said. They try to tackle the tough issues that legal and illegal immigrants face in an effort to get immigrants to participate more.

ICDD Comments: Civic participation and dialogue helps individuals feel included in society. Information and education are good ways to help facilitate this.