Deliberative dialogue is a High Impact Practice (HIP) that engages students from diverse backgrounds to dialogue, not debate, about different kinds of wicked problems, many of which involve controversial viewpoints. When deliberation is intentionally and purposefully embedded into campus life, student engage and reflect on personal and opposing perspectives while fostering an environment for reaching common ground to act. Not based on “just conversation,” this HIP involves setting the stage with ground rules, discussing each student's personal stake and connection to the issue, and deliberating on what we could do against the potential tradeoffs of acting.  Anecdotally and empirically, deliberation results in impactful experiences focused on building 21st century skills and mindsets necessary for a healthy campus free speech climate and a healthy democracy. In this session, attendees will get a taste of a National Issues Forums Institute deliberative forum and learn how deliberation can be an antidote for free speech challenges on campus. 

National Issues Forums Institute (NIFI): http://www.nifi.org 

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the impact of campus-wide deliberation is how it relates to positive free speech and freedom of expression efforts on college campuses.

2. Learn basic strategies for hosting a deliberative forum on campus, including campus partners, space requirements, marketing, and materials. 

3. Experience a mini-deliberative forum using the NIFI model