Key Challenges Facing the Field of Deliberative Democracy

Abstract

Deliberative Democracy has proved its value as an alternative to governance dominated by special interests, but its use in governing remains inconsistent. Overcoming this challenge will require the field to focus its energy on 1) building a cadre of elected leaders and public officials who understand deliberative democracy’s value and how to do it, 2) engaging with the media so that it becomes an effective partner for the field and a more productive part of our democratic system, and 3) continuing to embrace opportunities – like Creating Community Solutions - to work in unique partnerships, build national infrastructure to support high-quality deliberation, and innovate across methodologies and models.