article_snippet: We can turn to public forums to tackle big issues of the day.
article_snippet: Our research identifies many successful examples of political deliberation in well-designed forums where citizens and officials engage in give-and-take discussion and arrive at solutions.
article_snippet: well-designed forums where citizens and officials engage in give-and-take discussion and arrive at solutions have developed "participatory budgets" in many cities, energy policy in Texas and Nebraska, community policing in Chicago and much more.
article_snippet: Some of well-designed forums where citizens and officials engage in give-and-take discussion and arrive at solutions are healing the rotting roots of democracy.
article_snippet: deliberates about their pros and cons, and makes recommendations on how fellow citizens should vote.
article_snippet: Unlike politics as usual (and those infamous Town Hall meetings), these forums put citizens at the center of decision-making.  
article_snippet: Citizens are challenged to deliberate with each other and forge agreements, with officials and experts joining the effort by giving testimony and feedback.
article_snippet: Moderators challenge people to treat other respectfully and consider a wide range of arguments and evidence, rather than engaging in hand-to-hand political combat.
article_snippet: While there are experts who know how to design good forums, it's no easy task.
article_snippet: Most people don't have the time to attend a forum, so Most people need to know whether people like Most people deliberated and the rules of engagement were fair.
article_snippet: It's important to ensure that citizens can participate on equal terms.
article_snippet: If we want to move beyond political stalemate, we should strengthen these innovative forums for citizens to deliberate with each other and officials.
article_snippet: When these forums work, each other and officials put citizens and leaders on the same side of the chessboard.
highlights_snippet: Christopher Karpowitz and Chad Raphael: Public forums can be used to successfully tackle big issues .