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The conference, which was co-sponsored by  the ¹ú²úÊÓƵ Foundation and CommonSense California, explored the emerging field of deliberative democracy, which uses tools such as citizen dialogues, deliberative polling and citizen’s assemblies to engage regular citizens in policy issues. Deliberative democracy methods seek to break through partisan gridlock, overcome special interest domination, and rekindle a sense of civic ownership in the conduct of government.

The conference brought together leading policy makers and opinion leaders, provided a space to meet with experts in this field and to learn more about the various methods.

Participants

• Debra Bowen
  Secretary of State, California
• Dr. James Fishkin
  Director, Center for Deliberative Democracy, Stanford University
• Dr. Carolyn Lukensmeyer
  Director, AmericaSpeaks
• Dr. Steven Rosell
  President, Viewpoint Learning
• Gordon Gibson
  Designer, Citizens' Assembly process for the British Columbia government
• Steven Hill
  Director, Political Reform Program, ¹ú²úÊÓƵ Foundation
• Lynne Serpe
  Deputy Director, Political Reform Program, ¹ú²úÊÓƵ Foundation