How to Hold a Forum
About Forums
What is a Forum?
A forum is an informative session hosted by any group or organization that desires to discuss different ideas or theories on an important topic. A forum usually consists of a panel of speakers that can include professors, professionals, community leaders, or other individuals knowledgeable about the topic. Each speaker is allowed time to address the issue which is often followed by a discussion section amongst the speakers or questions from the audience.
What is the difference between a Forum and a Teach-in?
A forum usually consists of a panel of prominent or knowledgeable speakers that address a group of people. These speakers may often discuss or debate amongst themselves in front of the audience. Although questions are acceptable, it is assumed that attendees are already familiar with the topic. On the other hand, teach-ins are intended to educate people about current events that they may not fully understand from news sources alone.
Organize Your Forum Event
Pick a Location
Reserve a neutral location to host your event. If your group plans to have the forum on a campus, make sure a room is reserved through the proper channels. Community areas such as libraries or recreation center meeting rooms are also a possibility but always make sure you have permission to use the facility before hand.
Decide on Program Content
- Once you have secured a time and a place, decide what subject or aspect you would like your speakers to address.
- Set a time limit for each speaker and choose what kind of discussion, if any, should follow.
- Decide who will be facilitating and/or speaking at the event.
- Ask your speakers to notify you what they plan on discussing so that you can decide the order of speakers and can better publicize the event.
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Also ask if the speakers will need any technical support such as a TV, VCR, overhead projector, or slide projector. Secure these items as soon as possible. If you do not have these resources, be sure to notify the speakers so that they can modify their presentation.
Publicize Your Event
Invite community members and other students, faculty, and teachers to your forum.
- Advertisements can be posted on community boards in some grocery stores or around schools.
- Word of mouth is an especially good way to promote your event.
- Create quarter page flyers and have group members carry some with them at all times to pass out to fellow employees or classmates.
- A personal invitation is more likely to entice a person to come than just looking at an ad.
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Mass emails are also an easy way to get the word out.
Sign People In
As with all your group events, a sign-in sheet should be passed around to all attendees. This will make it possible for your group to follow up with these individuals later and also provide a possible pool of future members.
Include an Action
Plan on ending your forum with ways that participants can become involved. Bring copies of petitions and sample letters for them to sign or take with them. It is also a good idea to provide sources where they can get more information on the issue such as websites, alternative news sources, books, and newsletters.
Solicit Feedback
Pass out an evaluation form so you can learn from your audience how to do an even better job next time. Also, report to your Regional Office about the success of your event.
Follow-up with Participants
Follow-up is an important way to make sure that participants stay involved. Hosting an event or action within two weeks of the forum is great way to tap into the energy generated from the forum. Consider a rally or a letter writing drive related to the issue. If a follow-up event is not feasible, at least make sure to contact the attendees from the forum to thank them and extend an invitation to work with your Amnesty group in the future.
Forum Check List
Secure time and place for forum
Arrange for chairs or other seating
Invite and confirm people who will facilitate or speak at the event
Publicize
Make and post flyers
Send out Emails
Ask organizers/friends to commit to bringing a number of people
Finalize program content and format
Arrange for multimedia facilities (TV, VCR, overhead projector, etc)
Send email reminders to members, friends, co-workers, classmates, etc.
Bring sign-in sheet (PDF)
Bring copies of sample letters to hand out
Bring copies of petitions to hand out
Bring evaluation forms to hand out at the end
Send thank you cards to speakers
Follow up with attendees
Host follow-up action event
Report out about the success of your event to your regional office
