The Interactivity Foundation started in 1965 when Jay Stern, a businessman from West Virginia, wanted to help regular people discuss important topics. Jay was a banker who gave away his bank to protest government policies. The Foundation creates discussion guides - special books that help groups of people talk about big issues like education, water, and farming.
They've made over 50 guides that thousands of people have used in 40+ states. The Foundation runs three main programs: helping communities have conversations, teaching students how to discuss topics together, and training people to lead discussions. For almost 60 years, they've been helping everyday citizens learn how to work together on solving problems.
Their goal is to make democracy stronger by teaching people how to talk with each other, even when they disagree. The Foundation believes that when people come together to discuss issues calmly, they can find better solutions for their communities.