One of the main goals of the Citizens’ Initiative Review is to increase civic engagement in our political process.  Many other organizations share this important goal. And while many organizations focus on get-out-the-vote efforts, and online engagement, a number of us are focused squarely on directly engaging citizens in new forms of in-person deliberation. Our approaches may differ, but we’re focused on the same goals.

One organization, America Speaks, has been working on large scale events. Their current project “Our Budget, Our Economy” is an effort to have a nation-wide conversation about the Federal budget. It happens this Saturday, June, 26^th. Portland is a main hub for this national conversation, and a number of smaller community conversations will be taking place across Oregon as well. We encourage you to participate in this important event!

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AmericaSpeaks: Our Budget, Our Economy is a national discussion to find common ground on tough choices about our federal budget.  Americans from across the country will come together to weigh-in on strategies to ensure a sustainable fiscal future and a strong economic recovery.  As a part of this national discussion, on June 26, 2010, thousands of Americans across the country will participate simultaneously in an unprecedented National Town Meeting.

Read more about what a National Town Meeting is here and watch a video.

See how you can participate in the National Town Meeting.

Portland Town Meeting: Our Budget, Our Economy

Space is limited for this Town Meeting site.  Registrations to attend will be considered on a first come, first serve basis. If registrations for this site are reaching capacity and not representative of the demographics of the local community, some participants will be invited to host or attend a nearby Community Conversation (a smaller meeting near you).

Participant Agreement

AmericaSpeaks: Our Budget, Our Economy and the National Town Meeting provide an opportunity for Americans to share their perspectives and listen to the perspectives of others to create solutions for our nation’s economy.  By registering for the National Town Meeting you agree to thoughtfully share your views, respectfully listen to others, and fully engage in dialogue to find common ground and shared priorities.  The recommendations that come from your participation will help the country and our leaders move forward on these difficult and critical issues.

Since the National Town Meeting must begin so early in Portland, we will give out $25 gift cards to the first 200 people to arrive! 

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