The mission of Philosophy in the Public Interest is to create opportunities for deliberation and reflection that benefit the people and communities of Northern Arizona. Deliberation, done as a community activity, makes democracy work. Philosophy—which is the intellectual discipline of careful and creative thought—makes community deliberation work. Philosophy in the Public Interest helps Arizonans achieve what they desire: To "empower citizens and increase civic involvement," and to "foster citizens’ well-being and sense of connection."* Philosophy in the Public Interest creates opportunities for guided community conversations about topics as timeless as friendship, and as pressing as U.S. immigration policy. These programs create opportunities to gather together, listen with care, speak thoughtfully and respectfully, and learn more about our world, about each other and about ourselves.