Museums have the potential to play an important role as public forums, but there is a long history of one-way communication to live down first. We have to understand that if the conversation begins with seeking and getting approval for an existing script without first finding out what is important to different groups, audience constituencies will come to the table already feeling that their point of view is not being heard. Secretary Heyman stated that the Smithsonian erred in not listening to and understanding the need of veterans to have a commemorative rather than an analytical event. Had veterans' groups felt listened to from the outset, and that need been addressed, it is possible that a thoughtful exhibition representing multiple perspectives could have taken place. At Bank Street we use a useful little book called Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement without Giving In by Fisher and Ury with our Museum Education and Museum Leadership students. Fisher and Ury suggest addressing the underlying interests rather than stated positions in the practice of "principled negotiation." Perhaps others would find this approach useful as well. Nina Jensen, Director Museum Education Bank Street College