As the co-chairs of the Public Disputes and Consensus Building Committee, we are excited to introduce this issue of Just Resolutions. In 2024 the PD&CB Committee hosted a successful speaker series, "Navigating the Path to 2024," which has highlighted the need to build consensus around important policy issues including climate change, access to affordable housing, and workplace justice as the United States heads toward the 2024 election.
A prominent theme that emerged throughout the speaker series is the increasing level of mistrust citizens have in our public institutions. Research indicates that trust in public institutions has been on a downward trajectory for decades. For instance, the Pew Research Center found that about 76% of Americans believe trust in the federal government has declined over the past 20 years, with many attributing this erosion to perceived government inefficacy and the influence of special interests. Furthermore, Gallup's recent findings show an average confidence level of only 27% across major U.S. institutions, marking a historic low.
This newsletter will be published after the 2024 election. However, the need for public institutions to address these trust deficits remains. The article in this issue highlights and illustrates how dispute resolution practitioners can galvanize transparency, accountability, and community engagement, facilitating the potential to rebuild the essential bonds between citizens and their governing bodies.
Our committee will soon announce the dates for our remaining 2025 committee meetings that, in addition to featured speakers, will offer information-sharing and knowledge-building opportunities among members. In addition, we are planning for 2025 and 2026 webinars and invite communication from members and other Section committees that may see potential for joint programming.
Loraine Della Porta and Tina Patterson
Co-Chairs, Public Disputes and Consensus Building Committee
