Explore
Discover deliberative methods and real-world examples of public participation in action.
IAP2 USA & NCDD Present
2027 Deliberation Discovery Series
Explore practical approaches to public deliberation, informed participation, and collaborative decision making.
Full-series bundle registration closes January 27, 2027.
5Virtual Sessions
90Minutes Each
Jan – May2027 Series
EXPLORE THE SERIES The Deliberation Discovery Series brings together practitioners and ideas from the field of public deliberation to explore how communities can participate more meaningfully in decisions that affect them. Across five virtual sessions, participants will examine practical approaches to building public trust, fostering inclusive participation, navigating misinformation, exploring artificial intelligence, and supporting groups in reaching shared recommendations. The series draws on experiences with Citizens' Assemblies and other deliberative methods, connecting emerging practices with the everyday challenges of public engagement. LearnHear practical insights, emerging approaches, and lessons from experienced practitioners. ApplyConsider how deliberative practices and techniques can strengthen your own engagement work. |
The 2027 Program
Five sessions. New perspectives.
Explore each session and register individually, or choose the full-series bundle.
January
27
2027
Public Trust & Agency
Building trust through meaningful public participation
We are in a crisis of public trust and polarization, but this can be shifted through genuine opportunities to participate and increased transparency. Hear from leaders who successfully involved the public in Citizens Assemblies and other methods to tackle high-heat topics. Learn how these projects navigated low-trust environments and involved the public in meaningful problem solving, all while strengthening the community's democratic capacity.
Register for January 27 → $50 members / $65 nonmembers
February
24
2027
Who's in the Room?
Recruitment, representation, and inclusion
It's possible to involve a group of participants who reflect the community they are representing - but it requires careful planning. Hear practical advice about recruitment techniques like civic lotteries and targeted outreach that help to create a 'mini-public'. Listen to practical insights about fostering respectful inclusion in a diverse room.
Register for February 24 → $50 members / $65 nonmembers
March
24
2027
Information & Misinformation
Supporting informed participation
Informed participants are a core ingredient of high quality public engagement. Learn how Citizens Assemblies develop learning programs to support each participant to understand and explore the subject being discussed. Then, hear the brain science mis- and dis-information, and strategies to engage in the era of fake news, alternative facts and malinformation.
Register for March 24 → $50 members / $65 nonmembers
April
28
2027
AI as Facilitator?
AI applications and ethical considerations
What can Artificial Intelligence offer public engagement and deliberation? Hear real-life use cases of AI helping bridge difference in political divisions, coaching participants to build on one another's ideas, or helping all voices be heard. Wrestle together with the ethical implications and key guiding principles for AI in public deliberation.
Register for April 28 → $50 members / $65 nonmembers
May
26
2027
Coming to Agreement
Building shared understanding and recommendations
Even when participants have diverse perspectives, a good engagement process can support them to come to agreement. Learn from public deliberation projects that help participants build a shared vision, explore options for decisions, and move from individual views to a shared group recommendation. Hear from practitioners about the techniques they use to support groups to make meaning together, without flattening difference.
Register for May 26 → $50 members / $65 nonmembersInterested in all five sessions? The full-series bundle is $190 for members or $250 for nonmembers. Bundle registration closes January 27, 2027.
View Bundle Registration →Registration Options Choose how you participate.Join the full series or select individual sessions that align with your interests.
FULL SERIES BUNDLE · CLOSES JANUARY 27, 2027
All five sessionsRegister once to participate in the complete Deliberation Discovery Series.
IAP2 Members
$190
Save $60
Nonmembers
$250
Save $75
Individual sessionsChoose the topics most relevant to your work. Register for one session or several.
IAP2 Members
$50
Per session
Nonmembers
$65
Per session
Bundle savings are calculated against the cost of registering for all five sessions individually. Registration is processed through IAP2 USA. |
Who Should Attend For people shaping how communities participate.The Deliberation Discovery Series is designed for professionals and community leaders interested in strengthening public participation, exploring deliberative approaches, and supporting more informed, inclusive decision making. Public Engagement PractitionersProfessionals designing and facilitating participation processes who want to explore new methods and strengthen their practice. Government & Public AgenciesStaff working with communities on public decisions, policies, and programs who are seeking more meaningful participation. Facilitators & ConsultantsProfessionals supporting dialogue, collaboration, and deliberation who want practical approaches for working across different perspectives. Community & Nonprofit LeadersIndividuals advancing civic participation, community engagement, and collaborative approaches to local challenges. |
What Past Participants Have To Say!
"I really enjoyed these practical workshops. I could use what I learned right away."
"I found all of these extremely informative, the presenters and Susanna were all wonderful with great examples, and I liked the bite size format of 1.5 hours."
"I like this approach to learning, small digestible chunks that are tool based are extremely valuable."
About the Instructor
|
better conversations between the public and decision makers. She has about 20 years' international leadership experience in designing, facilitating, managing and evaluating complex civic engagement efforts. Susanna is an instructor with the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2)as well as a post-secondary instructor for Simon Fraser University’s Dialogue and Civic Engagement certificate program and the Justice Institute of BC’s Centre for Leadership. Her courses cover topics such as deliberative dialogue, digital engagement, evaluation, large scale engagement and more. For more information, visit susannahaaslyons.com or follow her on Twitter @zannalyons. |
Susanna Haas Lyons, M.A., is a public engagement specialist who develops strategy and provides training forSeries Partners
A collaborative learning experience.
The 2027 Deliberation Discovery Series is presented through a partnership between IAP2 USA and the National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD), bringing together communities of practice committed to meaningful public participation.
International Association for Public Participation USA
Continue developing your public participation practice. Build on your learning through IAP2's specialized elective courses. Explore practical training in facilitation, understanding people and communities, and navigating conflict in public participation.
Explore IAP2 Electives →
National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation
NCDD connects practitioners and organizations working to advance dialogue, deliberation, and collaborative approaches to addressing public challenges.
Visit NCDD →