National Issues Forums (NIFs) were conducted for adult basic education (ABE) students in a Pennsylvania adult education and job training center. The forums provide a process of sharing thoughts and opinions about areas of pressing national concerns in an open exchange of everyone's opinion. After instructors participated in NIFs, they developed a curriculum and organized two forums aimed at including at least 10 ABE students. The two forums covered the boundaries of free speech and the United States' role in the world. Seventeen ABE students participated in the forums along with nonstudents. The activity increased the higher-level thinking skills of the ABE students and enhanced their self-esteem and empowerment. Student reactions were positive. (The document includes 12 appendixes of project materials that contain the following: a summary of NIF activities for ABE students, suggested resources, pre- and post-forum ballot, news article, student questionnaire, publicity, NIF materials, including a sample moderator guide, a list of 1991-92 NIF issues, and a NIF order form.) (KC)