AmericaSpeaks takes the spirit of the historic American town meeting and revitalizes it as an equal-level playing field for all voices.

Attendance at the AmericaSpeaks 21st Century Town Meetings involves convening in a large hall or auditorium set up with discussion tables. Ten or twelve people from different backgrounds sit at each table. AmericaSpeaks provides each participant with a discussion guide about the economy and budget. Trained facilitators make sure that everyone is heard, and that no one dominates the conversation. The ideas generated and the views expressed are written down, shared electronically, analyzed for emerging themes across all tables, and thoughtfully considered by participants and volunteers. In the end, the information gathered goes into the hands of decision makers who are committed to putting it to use.

Our video about AmericaSpeaks 21st Century Town Meetings will help you understand what’s involved in attending.