Please view this brief video to see how West Virginians are using community dialogue to work together on public issues.
Why talk?
The goal behind community dialogue is not merely to draw a crowd
and fill a room with opinionated people. The purpose is much bigger
and more powerful. When people talk together about common concerns,
they take ownership of problems. They talk about what they can do,
not just what others ought to do. They act out of a sense of mission
and passion. Communities in a democracy are healthier when citizens
are doing the work of citizens.
Resource Guide Available on Public Engagement
The National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation is a network of 1,300 groups and professionals who bring people together to discuss, decide and collaborate on today’s toughest issues. They have recently created a guide to share stories and resources about effective public engagement through dialogue and deliberation. Download a free copy here.
Over the past decade, the abuse of prescription drugs in West Virginia has
increased among adults and youth alike, with profoundly negative impacts
on individuals, families and communities throughout our state. 