The Jefferson Center works to improve democracy by improving the quality of public dialogue. Established in 1974, it is, to the best of our knowledge, the world's longest-in-existence organization working on governmental reforms while not taking stands on political issues.

The mission of the Jefferson Center is to model and promote in-depth deliberative  methods which educate and engage citizens in an informed, respectful and powerful way in public policy making.

The major achievement of the Center is the invention and development of the Citizens Jury process. This is one of the most commonly used in-depth deliberative methods. Its use has spread around the world, especially in Britain, but also in Japan and Australia.

The Center's emphasis lies in testing and improving deliberative methods rather than running these on a regular basis. See Current Activities.

PLEASE NOTE:  This Web site is evolving; updated 12/23/09.

Free Web Counter