Examples to Follow: What Might Work For Me?

Pilot Project Blueprints

After a nationwide call for proposals, in December 2018 six public engagement pilot projects were chosen from an exciting and diverse group of proposals. Over the next two years, the pilot projects received resources and support from the NCSC in partnership with the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center to work both individually and collaboratively to engage their communities, while also advancing understanding of how courts can best engage the public to overcome social inequities and bias and build trust. The activities and resulting tools of the six pilots provide possible varied blueprints for other courts who wish to embark upon similar journeys.

Franklin County, Ohio

Franklin County convened informal small group discussions similar to Livingroom Conversations with the African American faith community to identify potential barriers to access and participation in Specialized Dockets.

Kansas City, Missouri

During the small and large group discussions used as part of their engagements, Kansas City, Missouri focused on identifying issues with their court practices and policies which negatively affect underserved and low-income populations.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts coordinated the engagement efforts of three district courts, each which employed locally-specific approaches to involving stakeholders around substance abuse challenges. They utilized panel discussions, town halls, and more intimate roundtable discussions.

Nebraska

Nebraska carefully crafted and convened culturally sensitive town halls which addressed disparity and access issues faced by Native American communities in tribal, state, and federal courts.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico used World Cafés to facilitate youth and adult discussion focused on how the courts might assist and empower communities to address community conflicts.

Texas

Texas engaged the public by using small group structured discussions similar to focus groups, concentrating on specific findings from their prior engagement efforts and related public surveys. They also explored novel recruitment strategies involving jury pools.