Abstract
This article describes the development of the Domestic Policy Association and its National Issues Forums as a model for public learning and citizen discussion of national policy questions. Originating from a 1981 meeting of civic and educational organizations, the association sought to address public alienation, fragmented civic life, and the gap between citizens and policymakers. The article outlines how participating organizations selected issues with both national and local significance, developed accessible and politically neutral discussion materials, and organized face-to-face forums designed to help participants move beyond initial opinions toward more informed judgments. It also describes the role of the Public Agenda Foundation, the Johnson Foundation, Presidential Libraries, and the Benton Foundation in supporting issue selection, media outreach, policymaker engagement, and teleconference participation. Early forums addressed Social Security, inflation, jobs, productivity, the federal budget, nuclear arms, and education. The article presents the Domestic Policy Association as an experiment in public communication, civic learning, and democratic deliberation.
Recommended Citation
Matthews, David
(1985)
"The Domestic Policy Association: A Test of Public Communication,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 51, Article 21.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol51/iss1/21
