Our new strategic plan overview is now available to download.

The National Issues Forums Institute (NIFI) believes public problems cannot be solved without public participation. For over forty years, NIFI has engaged Americans in deliberation on public issues facing communities and our nation. We equip, empower, and mobilize people to use deliberation to take action for the public good. NIFI produces nonpartisan discussion guides, hosts workshops and trainings, and supports the growth and development of the deliberative democracy field.

Our Vision
The future we hope to see.

We envision a participatory democracy where public problems are resolved through deliberation.

Our Mission
How we work toward that hopeful future.

We equip, empower, and mobilize people to use deliberation to take action for the public good.

Our Programatic Priorities
What we do to meet our mission and live out our values.

• To equip community leaders, scholars, and everyday citizens with tools and resources to use deliberation to take action for the public good.
• To empower citizens of all ages with skills and efficacy to use deliberation to take action for the public good.
• To strengthen and mobilize the deliberative democracy field by connecting and convening scholars and practitioners to learn and collaborate more effectively.

To learn more, download the PDF.