Forums seek Alaskans' thoughts on the new economy

March 30, 2015

Sarah Manriquez

Naomi Horne
907-474-6464
03/30/15

The University of Alaska Fairbanks will host four public discussions about work and the changing economy.

The sessions, which begin this week, aim to engage the public and solicit experiences, stories and opinions about the future of work and preparing for the new economy. They grew from concerns about the nation's competitive edge, stagnant wages and a sense that young people today will be worse off than previous generations. Participants will examine and discuss possible solutions.

The National Issues Forums Institute is coordinating similar sessions across the country. The nonprofit, nonpartisan institute works with groups to conduct deliberative forums and publishes issue guides on major problems facing the nation. It is based in Dayton, Ohio. The Fairbanks sessions are sponsored by the UAF sociology department, which is part of the College of Liberal Arts.

A description of the local discussions will be compiled and sent to the National Issues Forums Institute and potentially included in the published report alongside other forum notes.

Participants can take part in the four sessions, which will be held:


  • April 1, 6 p.m., in the Wood Center ballroom.



  • April 6, 6 p.m., at College Coffeehouse.



  • April 8, 6 p.m., in the Noel Wien Library.


ADDITIONAL CONTACTS: Assistant professor of sociology Kara Dillard, kndillard@alaska.edu

NH/3-30-15/231-15