To address issues affecting their community, New Mexico PBS has created the monthly public affairs program, PUBLIC SQUARE. PUBLIC SQUARE is a part of New Mexico PBS's commitment to community engagement through meaningful dialogue. The program allows for a substantive discussion between citizens and state and local leaders.
Each month, about 15 New Mexicans, from diverse backgrounds and cultures, will deliberate together, develop questions and engage with a panel of community leaders. This provides New Mexicans with direct access to media, a conversation with leadership and a voice in shaping policy. The program gives voice to the public and empowers them to help solve the problems that they have identified in their own communities.
PUBLIC SQUARE includes a background report, citizens deliberating, followed by citizen dialog with leadership. Each program begins with participants expectations, and ends with an evaluation and plans for taking the discussion into the community.
For more information, visit the PUBLIC SQUARE website here.
Check out a preview of PUBLIC SQUARE episode "Ladders out of Poverty."
To view full length episodes click here.