NARA's Presidential Libraries to Host National Issues Forums This Fall

WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In collaboration with the
National Issues Forums Institute (NIFI), Presidential Libraries of the
National Archives and Records Administration will host a series of discussions
on public policy issues this fall. All forums will be free and open to the
public.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080925/DC35252LOGO )

Building on the successes of the Presidential Libraries' National Issues
Forums series last year, each participating Library will host at least two
forums focusing on current issues of national concern -- the economy, health
care, immigration, education, and energy. The forums will reflect the
interests of the community that supports the Libraries. In some communities,
other locations such as local community centers, public libraries, and
university campuses will also host these forums.

"Presidential Libraries are not only places for visitors to experience
fascinating museums and conduct research," commented Sharon Fawcett, Assistant
Archivist for Presidential Libraries. "They are also much like public squares
in which the public is encouraged to engage with each other on a variety of
issues important to both local and national communities. Hosting National
Issues Forums is consistent with our goal of supporting these civil and
constructive discussions."

"Forums are public deliberation in action," NIFI President William Muse said.
"The case for public deliberation can be put simply: For democracy to work as
it should, the public has to act. It is not enough to vote, not enough to
merely have opinions or keep up with current affairs. Before citizens can act
as a public, however, they first have to decide how. Public deliberation is
one name for the way citizens go about deciding how to act."

The Presidential Libraries of the National Archives are not libraries in the
usual sense. They are archives and museums, bringing together in one place the
documents and artifacts of a President and his administration and presenting
them to the public for study and discussion without regard for political
considerations or affiliations. Presidential Libraries and Museums, like their
holdings, belong to the American people. They promote understanding of the
presidency and the American experience, preserving and providing access to
historical materials, support research, and create interactive programs and
exhibits that educate and inspire.

NIFI is a 25-year-old nonpartisan, nationwide network of locally sponsored
forums for the consideration of public policy issues. Forums are rooted in the
simple notion that citizens need to come together to reason and talk - to
deliberate about common problems.

Visit the NIFI website for the most updated National Issues Forums schedule:
http://www.nifi.org/calendar/event_detail.aspx?itemID=15314&catID=21

For press information, contact the National Archives staff at 202-357-5300.
For information about Presidential Libraries, visit:
http://www.archives.gov/presidential-libraries/.

For information about NIFI, contact Bob Daley at (937) 434-7300 or email at
daley@kettering.org. Or, you can visit the National Issues Forum Institute
web site www.nifi.org.

SOURCE National Archives

National Archives staff, +1-202-357-5300; or Bob Daley, +1-937-434-7300,
daley@kettering.org, for NIFI