Preparation

How can I prepare for serving as a delegate?

Delegates are expected to attend at least one of the two one-hour Zoom preparation sessions where we will:

• meet and get to know each other,

• become familiar with the Comhairle (pronounced Core-luh) platform, and

• have an introduction to the citizens' assembly model. 

What is involved in the learning process?

Engaging in shared learning with other delegates is a key part of any citizens' assembly. There are several steps, and we will walk through each of them together.  We plan to provide a variety of learning opportunities and modalities before and during the assembly to ensure delegates can appropriately engage in the learning process. If the way you learn best is not built into the process already, please let us know. 

Before the assembly you will be introduced to Comhairle, where you first completed the volunteer form. On Comhairle you will be able to access reports, briefs, and videos to give you a broad understanding of the education policy and problem landscape in Maine. Many of these materials have been created by us at the Maine Education Policy Research Institute (MEPRI) or the Center for Education Policy, Applied Research, and Evaluation (CEPARE). Others  have been created by community organizations such as Maine Development Foundation, Count ME In!, and Maine Education Association. These community organizations are MEPRI Steering Committee members plus a handful of other statewide education organizations we selected to bring breadth and depth to delegates' learning. We expect delegates will spend up to a few hours familiarizing themselves with materials before the assembly begins.

During the assembly the first day is dedicated to learning. Delegates will explore stories shared by Maine students, educators, and community members throught the Maine School Stories Portal; hear from former Education and Cultural Affairs Committee members and education experts on panels; receive briefings from MEPRI staff; and interact with community organization leaders in focused Q&A sessions. A variety of modalities will be available to ensure all delegates can access the appropriate knowledge base needed for deliberation. On days two and three, delegates can refer back at any time to learning materials on Comhairle.