The National Issues Forums Institute (NIFI) is excited to introduce a new virtual workshop series launching this fall. This series will introduce individuals and organizations to tools and practices that can help their communities, campuses, and organizations communicate more effectively, make informed decisions, and act more productively together.

In a time when public life often feels divided and trust in institutions is strained, it is more important than ever to foster spaces where people can listen, deliberate, and move forward collaboratively. NIFI’s Talk. Decide. Act. approach to deliberative dialogue emphasizes that democracy is not only about conversation but also about making shared decisions and taking meaningful action to improve lives and communities.

Through this workshop series, we’re reaffirming our commitment to empowering and equipping more Americans with practical skills for constructive deliberation and collaborative problem-solving.

What You’ll Learn

Each one-hour session will highlight a foundational component of NIFI’s approach:

• TALK: An Introduction to Moderating for Deliberation

Explore the role of the moderator in creating trust and in ensuring participants weigh choices, consider tradeoffs, and find common ground for taking action.

📅 October 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM ET | REGISTER HERE

• DECIDE: An Introduction to Framing Issues for Deliberation

Learn how to name an issue and present it in a way that highlights real choices and trade-offs, helping people work through complexity together.

📅 November 6, 2025 at 2:00 PM ET

• ACT: An Introduction to Deliberative Talk-to-Action Initiatives

Discover strategies for helping groups move beyond “just talk” toward decisions and collective steps that strengthen community life.

📅 December 4, 2025 at 2:00 PM ET

These sessions will be led by NIFI staff, members of our Board of Directors, and special guest practitioners who bring diverse experiences in civic engagement, higher education, and community leadership.

Who Should Attend

Whether you are an educator, community organizer, civic leader, student, or someone simply interested in learning new ways to strengthen civic life in your community, this series is for you. No prior experience is required—just a willingness to engage and a curiosity about how deliberation can bring people together across differences.

We invite you to take part in this series and share it with your colleagues, networks, and communities. Together, we can practice the skills that help citizens not only talk about issues but also decide and act in ways that make a difference.