A Deliberative Dialogue Forum brings people together in a small gathering to deliberate about challenging public issues. The process is guided by a neutral moderator and a discussion guide that presents multiple approaches to addressing the problem. Deliberative Dialogue provides an effective framework for mutual understanding and a common purpose that allows people to discuss difficult issues, weigh options, and ultimately take action. This immersive moderator training includes an understanding of deliberation, an overview of the four components of a forum, and engagement in a practice forum. Participants receive strategies and sample questions for moderating a forum, as well as tips and tools for effective moderating. The goal is for participants to be able to take this knowledge back to their institutions or communities to use deliberative dialogues to bring people together. Since 2013, NC Campus Compact has promoted the use of deliberative dialogue as a tool for campuses to build citizens and community. We have trained nearly 500 faculty, staff, and students from 47 colleges and universities, plus community members, to moderate a deliberative dialogue forum.
