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Oklahoma Moderators and Recorders Academy to hold training
STILLWATER, Okla. –Oklahomans, including adults, youth and city leaders, who are seeking alternative ways to solve problems should attend the Oklahoma Moderators and Recorders Academy training workshop Feb. 8-9 in Tulsa.
This training opportunity is conducted by the Oklahoma Partnership for Public Deliberation and will take place at the Tulsa Police Academy, 6066 E. 66th St. N.
The OMRA is a two-day workshop taught by practiced moderators and recorders designed to teach the skills of convening, moderating and recording deliberative forums. The OMRA uses the deliberative forum model developed by the National Issues Forums, as well as NIF materials.
“Deliberative forums address community related topics such as economy, health care and crime,” said Renee Daugherty, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension service leadership development and educational methods specialist. “Local forums are organized by civic, service and religious organizations, in addition to libraries, high schools, colleges and interested citizens.”
Forums are different than everyday conversations or adversarial debates since participants engage in deliberation of three or four choices, which are framed around a particular issue. Under a trained moderator, forum participants identify the consequences and trade-offs associated with each choice and listen for common ground action on that issue.
Daugherty said the forums present each issue in a neutral, nonpartisan way that encourages people to take a fresh look at the topic and at their own convictions. Deliberative forums are a safe way to talk about complex public issues that have the potential for controversy and contention.
Adults and older youth seeking a better way to address important issues in their community, concerned citizens looking for an alternative to adversarial debate in group meetings, community leaders facing conflict surrounding local issues and public officials who want to encourage significant dialogue between citizens and government are encouraged to attend the conference.
Attendees will learn to:
- Deliberate rather than debate or just discuss important issues.
- Develop public understanding and knowledge about issues.
- Convene forums for deliberative dialogue.
- Moderate and record deliberative forums.
- Facilitate groups in finding common ground for action.
- Report deliberative forums.
- Connect with office holders.
- Stimulate public action.
The Oklahoma Partnership for Public Deliberation is offering a special discount registration of $25 for OMRA registrants who commit to convene, moderate or record three Intimate Partner Violence deliberative forums after the OMRA between February and August 2007. Registration is $125 for registrants who commit to one deliberative forum between February and August 2007. Regular registration is $175. Deadline for registration is Feb. 2.
See the promotional brochure and register online at www.OKdeliberates.org. Daugherty can be contacted for additional information at 405-744-6231 or through email, renee.daugherty@okstate.edu.
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REPORTER/MEDIA CONTACT:
Katie L. Reim
Communications Specialist
OSU Agricultural Communications Services
140 Printing Services
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-6792
Fax: 405-744-5739
E-Mail: katie.reim@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.
