Notes:

1. RSVP: Dear recipients of this announcement: if you can, please let us know the likelihood of your attending the upcoming First Thursday by emailing us at <RSVP@marinefm.org>. Rather than necessarily implying a firm commitment on your part to attend or not, your response will help us decide (1) whether to adjust the intensity of our outreach, and (2) how many chairs to set up at our venue (usually the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership, 555 Northgate Drive, San Rafael).

2. The Environmental Forum of Marin is committed to promoting a sustainable world through environmental education. In keeping with our mission, Forum Conversations conversations on the environment are intended to provide opportunities for members and guests of our community to present information, knowledge, and experience; to share and discuss points of view that deepen our understanding and enhance our preparedness to act wisely – rather than to advocate for a particular position or course of action.

Overview

The Issues Development Committee facilitates a monthly member discussion forum. See schedule for location and topic. Forum Conversations provides an opportunity for members and guests to exchange information and ideas about environmental issues and activities. It is also a way to help keep the IDC and the EFM Board informed of current environmental issues and events. Informal presentations and conversations about current environmental issues and advocacy, led by volunteer or invited discussants, are our emphasis. On occasion, we may show a film, design a series of Forum Conversationss around issues calling for extended focused inquiry, or adopt some other innovation to foster lively dialogue and education.

Format

The Environmental Forum's Forum Conversations conversations are growing. To simplify organization, and to make it easier for people to plan which Forum Conversations they might want to attend, we're developing a schedule of conversation leaders. When known, we will list topics. Please be aware, however, that both conversation leaders and topics may change. One purpose of Forum Conversations is that those who lead conversations talk about what they feel like talking about in the moment. So put it on your calendar when you see a person and topic that interests you, and then check back beforehand to be sure its still happening.

Approach

Another point of Forum Conversations is that leading a conversation does NOT mean that preparation of a formal presentation is required. Informality is key, so that leaders can share their current interests, participants can ask questions and express opinions, and the conversation can go where it will. That said, so far it seems that conversation leaders tend to talk for a while, after which questions and conversation ensue. Also, some leaders may prefer a more organized seminar-like approach. In those instances, the leader may recommend a book, article or other resource to peruse, and we will mention that in the Notes section of the schedule.

Logistics

Remember, YOU TOO may be a conversation leader, and/or you may request time to make an announcement or ask for support. Up to a week or so ahead of the monthly Forum Conversations, you may call or email the Issues Development Committee Chair (currently David Weckler, 415-457-3976, daweckler@earthlink.net) to reserve speaking time. Make contact for more information, to offer comments or suggestions, to ask for time to make an announcement, or to volunteer to lead a discussion.

This page last updated on 5/18/2009