What’s Next, America? Deliberation, Community Development, and the Civic Work AheadFacilitated by the National Issues Forum Institute
(The slide presentation from this plenary session is attached)
As communities navigate change, uncertainty, and opportunity, how can we strengthen the civic muscles needed to talk, decide, and act together? This luncheon plenary will introduce What’s Next, America?, a national initiative that uses the nation’s 250th milestone as a springboard for deeper deliberation and shared local action. Through expert insights, community development perspectives, and interactive moments, participants will explore how deliberation can build trust, surface shared priorities, and support community-driven next steps.
Lunch will be available to registered attendees.
Martín Carcasson, Ph.D., is a professor in the Communication Studies department of Colorado State University and the founder and director of the CSU Center for Public Deliberation (CPD) and co-lead of the Deliberative Journalism Project. He currently serves as co-chair of Braver Angels’ Civic Scholar Council and a Fellow with the Interactivity Foundation. His research focuses on helping local communities address “wicked problems” more productively through improved public communication, community problem solving, and collaborative decision-making. The CPD is a practical, applied extension of his work, and functions as an impartial resource dedicated to enhancing local democracy in Northern Colorado. Dr. Carcasson and the CPD staff train students to serve as impartial facilitators, who then work with local governments, school boards, and community organizations to design, facilitate, and report on innovative projects and events on key community issues.
Cristin F. Brawner leads the National Issues Forums Institute (NIFI), a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization dedicated to equipping, empowering, and mobilizing people to use deliberation to take action for the public good. Her career has focused on helping communities and our democracy thrive by building partnerships, designing programs, and strengthening the civic infrastructure that enables people to talk, decide, and act together.
Before joining NIFI, Brawner served as Executive Director of the David Mathews Center for Civic Life in Alabama. Brawner also founded the Southern Deliberative Democracy Network and is a former Associate with the Kettering Foundation.
Hollie C. Cost is the Assistant Vice President for University Outreach & Public Service at Auburn University, collaboratively leading the Rural Health Initiative to improve healthcare access in rural Alabama. With over 25 years of teaching and civic leadership, she prioritizes inclusivity, sustainability, health and wellness, educational equity, and youth civic efficacy. Hollie has served as a Professor of Special Education and a special education teacher. Along with a team of stellar colleagues, she launched the Montevallo Junior City Council, Thrive Together Shelby County, the Montevallo Sister City Commission, Future Falcons, Montevallo Connection and other impactful initiatives. As mayor of Montevallo (2012-2020), she oversaw $10 million in capital projects. Hollie holds a Ph.D. and master's degree in special education from Auburn University. Her honors include Albert Schweitzer Fellowship Humanitarian of the Year and Alabama Main Street Hero. She was recognized as one of 25 Women who Shape the State in 2023. She serves as chair for the National Issues Forum Institute and a partner in Keys to the City Community Coaching.
Linda Seals is a Regional Specialized Extension Agent with the University of Florida/IFAS Extension who has spent more than 20 years helping communities tackle challenges, build partnerships, and create positive change. She leads statewide programs focused on civic engagement, facilitation, grant writing, and sustainable living, including the award-winning Community Voices, Informed Choices (CIVIC) program. Linda is passionate about bringing people together for meaningful conversations on complex issues and helping communities find practical solutions that work for them. Through her teaching, facilitation, and community engagement efforts, she has worked with thousands of Floridians and continues to support Extension professionals, local leaders, and organizations across the state.
