Public Policy Institutes Research
The Council sponsors research in conjunction with public policy institutes that address National Issues Forums topics, theory and process. The intent is to stimulate reflection on the implications of deliberative democracy for education institutions and organizations and on the publics they serve. Recent research has been conducted by such institutions as Hofstra University, The Ohio State University, University of Hawaii, University of Delaware, Virginia Technical College, Montgomery College, MD, College of DuPage, IL, Gulf Coast Community College, FL, Kansas State University and Clemson University, SC.

For a list of public policy institutes in 2007, go to www.nifi.org; click on NIF Network Contacts, and Workshops.

International Research
The Council also sponsors research initiatives in other countries on the development of collaborative networks dedicated to convening public forums for public deliberation. Recent research has been conducted in Puerto Rico and Columbia by members of the Inter- American Democracy Network. Other international research on public forums has been conducted in South Africa, Macedonia, Romania and Hungary.

An initiative to study the deliberative process in ten Latin American communities has been conducted in collaboration with the Inter-American Foundation and the Inter-American Democracy Network of Partners of the Americas.

Conferences and Seminars
The Council convenes conferences and seminars on topics that fulfill its objectives, in collaboration with major education and community organizations. Partners have included American Association of Higher Education, American Council on Education, National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges, American Association of University Students, Dartmouth College, Barnard College, Wofford College, University of Richmond, The Exxon Education Foundation, The Ford Foundation, and the Kettering Foundation.

No CPPE workshops are scheduled at this time.

Clearinghouse Web Site
Throughout its history, the Council has informally provided a clearinghouse service for individuals and groups interested in civil society and deliberative democracy. With the launching of this web site, that service now formally links groups in this country and internationally, whose work furthers the development of an engaged, informed deliberative public.