How can our local community solve our problems if we can’t talk to each other?
On October 28th, 2021 we heard from Dr James Fishkin and Dr. Alice Siu from Stanford’s Center for Deliberative Democracy about how their American in One Room conference bridged the divide when discussing polarizing topics. When participants were provided unbiased information and thoroughly discussed issues, many participants of all viewpoints moderated their opinions.
The America in One Room conference brought together a diverse group of 523 Americans to constructively discuss some of our country’s most polarizing issues, like taxes, immigration and climate change. The attendees were provided unbiased briefing materials to review, were able to ask questions of subject matter experts and participated in moderated small group discussions. Using deliberative polling to survey the participants before and after the conference (as well as a control group), they documented that many participants moderated their opinions.
At our event we considered how we can apply this deliberative model locally to have more constructive conversations around divisive local issues.
Recording: Lessons from America in One Room Video
6 minute video about the America in One Room Conference
This event was co-sponsored by the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Mountain View.