How do Civic Forums work?

How can community colleges and universities use civic forums?

Higher education can use forums in a number of ways. Forums can assist a college or university to bridge the gap with surrounding communities by finding new initiatives and connections. Forums can strengthen internship and service learning opportunities for students. They can also connect faculty to the needs of surrounding business.

How can libraries use civic forums?

Libraries provide a safe space within which civic forums can take place. At the same time, libraries represent "the People's University", and they foster a spirit of inquiry and engagement. By offering civic forums, libraries find a new way to connect with the public they serve.

How can economic and workforce development organizations use civic forums?

Civic forums provide new ways to build networks for economic and workforce development organizations. These organizations need to connect the suppliers of brainpower -- students, colleges and universities -- with the consumers of brainpower -- both nonprofit organizations and the business community.

Civic forums can be the first step in building cluster-based organizations that accelerate open innovation within a regional economy.

How can community foundations use civic forums?

For years, we've heard about the decline of "social capital" in our communities. The ending of community over the past several decades -- often accelerated by geographic sprawl -- has been silent and deceptive.

Virtually every community is facing the same challenge of creating new ways to facilitate renewed civic engagement. Civic forums offer a practical, convenient answer.