Engaging Communities Through Issues Forums

An initial invitation should be sent by a recognized and respected leader who can indicate why and how addressing the issue with multiple sectors representation can create sustainable and impactful change. Inclusion of the list of planning committee members and affiliations in the letter of invitation will demonstrate this is a multidisciplinary effort. See Appendices 2-6 which offer sample correspondence . The Planning Committee and organizers can regularly evaluate the registration list, conduct outreach to bring the forum to the attention of invitees through multiple channels, and add more people to the list to ensure diverse representation of participants.

Maryland 2018 Forum Participants

Members of the Media

Whether members of your university communications office or representatives of print, audio, and video media, you may want to include representatives in your planning committee or as advisors. They can help with pre-forum publicity and post-forum reporting. Such advice and services are vital to the follow-up communications within a community.

Sponsors and Partners

Community sponsors and partners can help by offering personnel to serve on the planning committee, assist in funding and promoting the forum. As your forum planning and community capital engagement progresses, don’t be shy about asking for their formal involvement and be sure to acknowledge their participation. It adds credibility as well as resources to your project.

Sponsor List for Delaware Forum 2018

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