We need some way to be able to take National Issues Forums online.

NIF moderators and conveners have been telling us this for years.

Well, we heard you.

NIFI and Kettering Foundation have been collaborating with a working group of NIF members for over two years on an online version of the NIF forums we all know and love. It’s called Common Ground for Action, and it’s now available to all NIF moderators to use anytime.

Best of all, there’s NO TECHNICAL MUMBO JUMBO— CGA runs in any web browser, and has a simple, intuitive design. If you’re an experienced in-person moderator, all you’ll need is a little practice with the platform.

And to do that practice, we’re offering a special in-person moderator prep workshop at Kettering Foundation July 14-15. We have 12 spots available for the workshop, and Kettering takes care of all travel and lodging expenses as well as meals. These 12 spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so register right away if you’d like to attend.

REGISTER FOR THIS WORKSHOP

Once you register, we’ll be in touch shortly with instructions on how to make travel arrangements through the foundation, as well as an agenda and prep materials. All travel arrangements must be made by June 26, so registration will close June 22!

This workshop will run from noon, Tuesday July 14 – noon, Wednesday, July 15. We’ll be splitting into small groups to give everyone the maximum opportunity to practice moderating, and we’ll have time for lots of feedback and questions. In addition to ensuring you master the technology, we’ll also be focusing on how moderators can make these forums as deliberative as possible.

If you have any questions, email Amy Lee, the Kettering Foundation program officer who developed the platform with NIFI.