Image of two people talking by Eugenio Hansen, OFSThere is a growing level of polarization in this country fueled by increasing economic inequality, significant mistrust of others and sources of information, and rapidly advancing social media that allows one to have friends all over the globe but know no one on the street where they live.

We need an opportunity and a process for talking to — and listening to — each other. It may be the only way we can achieve a level of empathy with others who are different and have different views. That is the only way to find common ground, a place where we can stand together and work together.

The National Issues Forums Institute (NIFI), in partnership with the Kettering Foundation, has been fostering a process called public deliberation to allow this to occur in both face-to-face interaction and by online discussion. This work was begun nearly 40 years ago and has involved thousands of individuals who have met in schools, churches, libraries, civic organizations, senior centers, homes and other locations to engage in forums.

The Kettering Foundation, a national research foundation, each year identifies major issues facing citizens and develops guides that describe the issue and options as to how the issue may be addressed. The information is presented in a non-partisan framework that asks participants to study the issue and the options before engaging in a forum. NIFI publishes the issue guides and works with organizations to convene small groups of 15 to 18 individuals. The process used in the forum is deliberate, examining first the nature of the problem and then each option before reaching a conclusion. Each participant is asked to share their experiences and views and to listen as each individual does likewise. The process is led by a moderator, a non-partisan facilitator, to ensure that each voice is heard.

At the conclusion of the forum, the participants are asked to complete a questionnaire that shares their conclusions. The data is provided to the Kettering Foundation, where it becomes a part of a national study. The major issue for 2018 is immigration. The goal this year is to gain input from at least 200 forums across the nation. The issue guide that will be used is entitled, Coming to America: Who Should We Welcome, What Should We Do?  It can be viewed and downloaded for free at nifi.org.

A forum on immigration will be hosted by SUNY Broome’s Center for Civic Engagement in partnership with the Binghamton City School District, from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 24, at Binghamton High School. Locally, Assemblyman Cliff Crouch and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo voiced their support for this deliberation.

“I appreciate SUNY Broome’s interest in bringing this type of deliberation to our community,” said Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo. “Immigration remains at the center of national policy discussions and requires a more thoughtful approach. Because it is such a serious, sensitive, and complex issue, sharing a variety of viewpoints in an open format will hopefully help to forge common ground.”

Assemblyman Crouch commented, “Although I believe that immigration should be addressed on the federal level rather than the state level, I am a firm believer in having open discussions within the community.  This is a great opportunity for legislators to hear directly from constituents and to gain an understanding of where they stand on issues like immigration.”

Civic Engagement Coordinator, Lisa Strahley welcomes and encourages community members to participate in this deliberation.  The event is free and open to the public.  In an effort to gauge attendance, please pre-register by emailing Lisa at strahleyla@sunybroome.edu