Forums range in format from small study circles which meet for several sessions to large community gatherings modeled on New England town meetings. All forums use nonpartisan issue books designed by NIF to guide dialogues on specific issues and help participants learn about the issue. The structured discussions are led by trained moderators who help participants weigh solutions to problems and the arguments for and against them. The results of the forums are shared with national and local leaders. In addition, citizens who have attended a forum often decide to continue to work together to try to solve problems in their community.
Jurors hear from a variety of expert witnesses during moderated hearings.
They then deliberate together on the issue and present recommendations to the public.