The National Issues Forums Institute Welcomes Dawn Harfmann as Program Coordinator to Support Its National Deliberation Network

The National Issues Forums Institute has appointed Dawn Harfmann as Program Coordinator, bringing more than a decade of experience in nonpartisan deliberation, civic learning, and community-centered problem solving to support NIFI’s national network. Having previously served as a Program Associate, Harfmann brings deep familiarity with NIFI’s programs and partners, along with a background that spans research, education, facilitation, and curriculum design across community, higher education, and K–12 settings. In her new role, she will coordinate program logistics and partnerships, support the planning and delivery of initiatives, and contribute to the development of deliberative resources that help communities engage complex public issues collaboratively. Her work in bridge-building, including co-founding a Braver Angels alliance and completing formal moderator training, reflects NIFI’s commitment to strengthening civic infrastructure through practitioners who combine analytical rigor with relational skill.

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The National Issues Forums Institute has welcomed Dawn Harfmann to the role of Program Coordinator, bringing her expertise in nonpartisan deliberation, civic learning, and community-centered problem solving to support NIFI's national network. Harfmann arrives with over a decade of experience spanning research, program coordination, education, and facilitation across community, higher education, and K–12 contexts. Her background combines systems thinking with hands-on practice, reflecting a commitment to helping communities navigate complex public questions through structured dialogue. Previously serving as a Program Associate at NIFI, Harfmann supported workshop planning and evaluation, contributed to materials development, enhanced program communications, and helped build a more comprehensive resource library for practitioners.

In her new role, Harfmann will coordinate program logistics and partner engagement, support the planning and delivery of NIFI initiatives, contribute to deliberative resource development, and ensure that communities, campuses, and classrooms have access to effective tools for collaborative decision-making. Her work extends beyond administrative coordination to include curriculum design, place-based education, and multi-state research projects that strengthen the evidence base for deliberative practice. Harfmann also co-founded a Braver Angels alliance in Central Oregon and has completed formal moderator training, demonstrating her dedication to bridge-building across political and social divides. This combination of analytical rigor and relational skill positions her to support NIFI's work during a period of organizational growth and programmatic experimentation.
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Harfmann's appointment reflects NIFI's commitment to strengthening civic infrastructure through experienced practitioners who understand deliberation from multiple perspectives. Her familiarity with NIFI's programs, partners, and values enables her to steward existing initiatives while exploring new approaches to supporting public dialogue on polarized issues. For practitioners working to expand deliberative democracy in their own communities or institutions, Harfmann's role represents the kind of coordinated support that helps local efforts connect to national networks and shared learning. Connect with Dawn Harfmann and learn more about NIFI's work at https://nifi.org/nifi-welcomes-dawn-harfmann-to-the-team/.