The Initiative for Public Deliberation currently consists of a network of 20-30 trained associates. Each spring, 15 students are brought into the program. These students are introduced to the underlying democratic theories and participation processes that serve as a foundation for IPD's work. They are trained in facilitation techniques and they practice all of the different aspects of the deliberative process. Alumni of the program are asked to return as "Senior Research Associates" who participate in training, research and public events as mentors to incoming facilitators.
