Our engagement programs provide people with the opportunity to learn about an issue, deliberate with a diverse group of peers, and develop well-informed recommendations to address complex challenges.
At the heart of our work is our Dialogue-to-Action model:
Co-Define: We research and build relationships with stakeholders to gain a deeper understanding of the challenge at hand.
Co-Create: We amplify and share participant recommendations and support implementation by sponsors, partners, and community members.
Citizens Jury
The primary tool we use for deliberation and education is the Citizens Jury, which was invented by our founder Ned Crosby in 1971. Citizens Juries are built on the belief that when given the knowledge, resources, and time, groups of everyday citizens can create powerful solutions to today’s biggest challenges.
Today, the Citizens Jury approach serves as the basis for methods like citizens assemblies, citizens panels, and other community engagement programs around the world.
Here’s how it works:
See our Citizens Juries in action
View the key components of a Citizens Jury
Why a Citizens Jury?
A Citizens Jury provides citizens the opportunity to learn about an issue, deliberate together with a diverse group of their peers, and develop well-informed solutions to challenging public issues. A Citizens Jury also allows decision makers and the broader public to know what people really think once they have the opportunity to study an issue closely.
Engaging dialogues around tough issues can help restore legitimacy, hope, and trust to collective decision-making and the institutions we interact with every day. At the Center for New Democratic Processes, we believe we have the opportunity to reinvigorate citizen-driven change. These changes will come from the diverse voices of the public, producing representative and sustainable solutions around the world.
Learn more about the history of the Citizens Jury
