At a time when Americans so often look at public affairs with cynicism and detachment, dozens of organizations are working to fill the void and spur "public engagement" in the often-vexing and controversial issues of our time.

The WK Kellogg Foundation invited the Center for Michigan to join more than 100 other public engagement practitioners this week in Washington, D.C. We came to share our experiences in launching the Michigan's Defining Moment Public Engagement Campaign and to learn from others.

We're leaving Washington today convinced there is a budding science of public engagement – techniques and practitioners who can solidify our democracy at the local, state, and federal levels.

Consider the work of these organizations:

Everyday Democracy – This Connecticut-based organization helps communities work through the toughest of issues, including racial conflict, planning and zoning, and school reform.

The Consensus Building Institute – This Massachusetts-Based group works to negotiate community solutions to such problems as air pollution in Cleveland, threats of drinking water pollution in Cape Cod, off-road vehicle access in national parks, and reducing phosphorous contamination in the Florida Everglades.

The Center for Democracy – Based at the University of Minnesota, this group has created a "Warrior To Citizen" campaign to re-integrate thousands of Iraq War veterans into Minnesota civilian life by engaging those veterans in local organizations and community service work.

The Mikva Challenge – This Chicago group proclaims that “democracy is a verb” and trains young people to work on political campaigns and eventually run for office themselves.

Public Agenda – A 33-year-old public engagement firm based in New York, Public Agenda specializes in structured “citizen choicework” exercises in which stakeholders have come to common ground on dozens of issues.

The Center for Deliberative Democracy – Based at Stanford University, this center uses Internet technologies to create “deliberative polling,” and otherwise engage citizens on issues ranging from the skyrocketing cost of health care in Rome, campus reactions to bans on same-sex marriage in Pennsylvania, and future energy use in Vermont.