AIF 2009 – 2010

Over the past year, the David Mathews Center for Civic Life (DMC) conducted forums in over 20 communities across the state of Alabama through our signature program entitled Alabama Issues Forums (AIF). Using the National Issues Forums (NIF) issue book entitled “Democracy’s Challenge: Reclaiming the Public’s Role,” DMC staff and interns traveled all over Alabama and, in the process, created a statewide conversation on the civic health of the state. Using deliberative forums, the Mathews Center worked to bring communities together to think through why citizens are pulling away from public life and community engagement. Why are fewer and fewer people joining civic organizations and neighborhood associations? Why do citizens feel like they no longer have a say when it comes to public policy? Can ordinary citizens still make significant change at the local, state, and federal levels of government? These are all questions that emerged during this year’s project cycle. Please take some time to look over the report that was produced on AIF 2009 – 2010.