Just as it’s important to know what deliberation is, it helps to know what it isn’t.

Deliberation is not just a discussion.
You’re not here to share your feelings and then go home. 

On the other hand, deliberation is not a debate. 
There’s no opponent to defeat and no prize for winning.

In this Civic Assembly, you’ll disagree. 
You’ll challenge ideas. 
You’ll argue over which ideas are good and which aren’t. 

But the goal isn’t to beat anyone, get likes, or score points. 

You’re all on one team, with a Shared Goal: 

For Akron residents to have greater access to safe, well-maintained, and affordable housing.

Your strong opinions are welcome, as long as you’re willing to reconsider them. 

Be open to stories and arguments that change your mind and make you smarter. When it comes time to vote on recommendations, you want the Assembly’s decisions to reflect its best thinking.

Deliberation isn’t fighting, and it’s not just chatting.

Deliberation is working together, through conversation, building your Collective Wisdom to make big progress toward a Shared Goal.