Join Us as an Observer - Close Up Foundation

Join us to observe the power and promise of deliberative gatherings.

Here at Close Up, we know that the experience of NextGen Roundtable: Decision 2026 will have profound effects on our student participants. But this event can also serve as an inspiring example for observers—of how capable young Americans are of engaging in civil discourse and of the vast potential for fostering deliberative dialogue in communities and on campuses nationwide.

Whether you’re an educator or simply interested in learning more about deliberative democracy, please consider joining us as an observer at NextGen Roundtable: Decision 2026.

Learn strategies for supporting civil discourse among young people.

Observers will join us for the first two days of NextGen Roundtable: Decision 2026, to hear from experts in the field about how to develop opportunities for deliberative dialogue among young Americans. Observers will:

Attend the welcome dinner and keynote address on July 8;
Witness small-group deliberation among students representing all backgrounds and communities on Thursday, July 9;
Hear directly from experts at Close Up, the Stanford University Deliberative Democracy Lab, and the Hoover Institution about best practices for deliberative dialogue;
Learn about the Civil Discourse Credential and how Close Up is helping schools measure competencies in meaningful communication; and
Take part in a lunch and discussion with thought leaders in deliberation about the role young people can play in extending the reach of deliberative dialogue.

SAMPLE SCHEDULE >

Dates: Wednesday, July 8, through Thursday, July 9, 2026 

Location: Crystal Gateway Marriott, 1700 Richmond Highway, Arlington, VA  22202  

Intended Audience: We encourage anyone who is interested in the work of deliberative dialogue and civil discourse to attend as an observer, especially those who work in secondary and higher education who want to develop opportunities to support civil discourse among young people.  

Conference Fee: $450 per person. Hotel rooms are available onsite and can be arranged through Close Up for an additional fee of $250 per night.

Student Registration

Will you be 18 and a first-time voter in 2026? Learn how you can participate! Learn More >

Civil Discourse Lab for Educators

Attend our PD institute to gain the training, skills, and tools to foster civil discourse at school. Learn More >

Support Us

Help make sure students from your community have the chance to attend! Learn More >

Become a Moderator

We’re seeking current university students to help moderate participants’ deliberations in July! Learn More >

NextGen Roundtable: Decision 2026

Participate in a historic deliberation of pressing national issues ahead of the midterm elections.  Learn More >

Media

Interested in covering NextGen Roundtable: Decision 2026? Learn More >

Observe NextGen Roundtable: Decision 2026