Download the Report, Forums for the Fourth, The NIF network at age 25.doc (59 K)

This is a report that summarizes some of the themes that Joyce Hanna encountered as she contacted and interviewed a wide variety of people connected with the National Issues Forums (NIF) network of people who convene and/or moderate deliberative forums or workshops around the country.

Here is an excerpt from the introduction to the report:

In 2006, in my role to promote, encourage and publicize celebration of NIF's 25th anniversary under the banner of Forums for the 4th, I contacted as many members of the NIF network as possible.  Through the uses of the NIFI website, emails, telephone calls and in person interviews, I gathered information not only on anniversary activities, but on how public deliberation is being carried out in locations throughout the U.S.

In the report, Hanna lists people, locations, and/or summary information related to each of the following eight themes:

• NIF practitioners continue to increase their outreach capabilities through the use of websites and other technologies.
• NIF becomes or is on the way to becoming institutionalized.
• Framing of local issues remains important.
• Teaching others to carry on the work
• Adapting to changing times
• NIFI website and online communication are crucial to the network's ongoing maintenance and growth.  The network is ever increasing its role in using/supporting the website and in online communication.
• For the third time in its 25 year history, the NIF network has deliberated the issue of governing.
• Yes, we do have a network; with each entity unique and independent.

Joyce Hanna began her involvement with NIF in 1985.  A moderator, convener, trainer and observer of public deliberation, Ms. Hanna lives in Laguna Niguel, California.