The Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement (IPCE) at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) is currently exploring how the University can help broaden and deepen the engagement of Chicago-area residents in public policy and community issues—particularly at the neighborhood, city, and county levels—through the use of dialogue and deliberative processes. A national and international dialogue and deliberation movement has been transforming democracy in cities around the world. IPCE is seeking to understand what that movement might offer to Chicago.

Last month, IPCE convened over 75 local practitioners to hear and discuss the Institute’s dialogue and deliberation research findings and explore what it would take to develop Chicago’s “civic infrastructure” via a local community of practice. Sandy Heierbacher, Director of the National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation (NCDD), joined the event as guest speaker.

The report conducted in preparation for the December 5, 2012 event is now on IPCE’s website. It provides a survey of the dialogue and deliberation field in Chicago, serves as a resource for dialogue and deliberation organizers and practitioners seeking to build a community of practice, and informs IPCE about the role it can play in supporting and promoting dialogue and deliberation in Chicago. The hope is that this report will inform, stimulate further discussion, and potentially encourage cooperation among local dialogue and deliberation practitioners, sponsors, conveners, and other interested parties.

If you would like to send comments or contribute additional updates to the report, use the form on IPCE’s Dialogue and Deliberation webpage or send an e-mail to neramos@uic.edu. We also invite you to share your thoughts or responses on our Facebook page and Twitter using the hashtag #ChicagoDD.