The Connecticut Forum FAQs
1. What is The Connecticut Forum?
The Connecticut Forum is a nonprofit organization founded in 1992 whose mission is to encourage the free and active exchange of ideas in The Connecticut Forums which inform, challenge, entertain, inspire and build bridges among all people and organizations in our community. The Connecticut Forum fulfills its mission through high-profile, live panel discussions and through outreach programs of our Forum Community Institute, most notably, the Connecticut YOUTH Forum.
2. Where and when are the Forums held?
Forums are held four times each season in Mortensen Hall at the historic Bushnell Theater, 166 Capitol Avenue in Hartford, CT. Forums begin at 8:00 p.m.; doors open at 7:15 p.m. At times, The Forum offers simulcasts of popular Forums at the Belding Theater at The Bushnell, as well as at other venues.
3. Who decides what the Forum topics will be and who determines the panelists?
Planning The Connecticut Forum seasons begins 10 months prior to the start of each season. Connecticut Forum volunteers and members of the Advisory Board meet and brainstorm potential issues. Their suggested list of over 30 potential issues is reviewed and, through discussion with Volunteers, staff brings the issue list down to 8-12 topics. Forum audiences are able to mark “ballots” on Forum evenings, choosing their top four issues. Six to eight finalist issues are considered with an eye to putting together a varied, attractive, exciting season. By early Spring, four issues surface as the best season line-up and The Connecticut Forum season is announced.
4. How do you get the panelists?
Once the four Forum issues are announced (see above), Volunteers, the Advisory Board, our Sponsors and Subscribers are asked to suggest potential panelists for each issue. Our goal is to represent issues with experts/celebrities who, as a group, bring a varied, balanced perspective to the issues. We seek diverse viewpoints and diverse panelists who can best articulate the full range of thinking on each issue.
5. What do panelists say about their experience here after the Forums?
Overwhelmingly, panelists are surprised and delighted with their Forum experience. Their surprise extends to the warm hospitality and travel arrangements provided by The Connecticut Forum, the beauty of the theater and the sold-out audiences who are engaged and attentive throughout the evening. Panelists remark that they have never shared a stage in a live format with fellow experts, that they themselves learn and consider new aspects to the issues. They are impressed by the breadth of The Forum, especially our outreach to teenagers in the CT YOUTH Forum program. Panelists get to meet YOUTH Forum participants at the press conference and Forum Volunteers throughout the event.
6. What is the format of Forums and what time do they begin and end?
Forum evenings begin at The Bushnell at 8:00 p.m.; doors open and often there are activities in the lobby starting at 7:15 p.m. At 8:00 p.m. the audience is welcomed and panelists are introduced. The first half of the evening consists of questions posed to the panel by our moderator. During Intermission, approximately 9:10p.m., the audience is able to submit written questions for the moderator to ask during the second half. Volunteers collect audience questions and from 9:25 – 10:15 panelists respond to audience questions.
7. Are there any discounts available to Forums?
The best value is to subscribe to all four Forums; subscribers enjoy the lowest per-Forum ticket price, never pay handling fees and enjoy a variety of dining discounts and special subscriber opportunities. Employees of Forum sponsoring organizations take advantage of a 10% discount on season subscriptions. Ticket prices are discounted for groups of 10 or more. High school students interested in attending Forums should inquire at their high schools or directly with The Connecticut Forum about the Ticket Outreach Program.
8. Where do I park when I attend Forum events?
Parking is available at no charge in open lots along Capitol Avenue. On street and paid lot parking is also available.
9. Can I bring my children to the Forums?
The Forums are always appropriate for high school age youth and, depending on the topic, middle school youth often enjoy and benefit from experiencing Forum evenings. It is important to know that the Forums are issue-driven, live and unscripted. The more youth are familiar with the evenings’ issues and panelists, the greater they will enjoy their Forum experience.
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10. How can I obtain a video of a Forum event?
The Forums are taped for archival and educational purposes. Videos/DVDs are loaned to groups for educational purposes; contact The Connecticut Forum, 860-509-0909 to inquire on availability and to make loan requests. Videos/DVD’s are not for sale.
11. Are the Forums shown on TV?
Occasionally, Connecticut Public Television is permitted to broadcast Forum discussions.
12. Are there Volunteer opportunities available at The Connecticut Forum?
Absolutely yes, there are wonderful and varied Volunteer opportunities with The Connecticut Forum. From 1992-1996 we were an ALL Volunteer organization and today we continue to value and rely on Volunteers in many ways. Contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Sandy, at 860-509-0909 ext. 11 for information.
13. How can my organization become a Sponsor?
Businesses, corporations, schools and others are invited to sponsor The Connecticut Forum. Depending on Sponsor’s level of support, they enjoy Forum tickets, invitations to pre-Forum Sponsor/panelist dinners, prominence on our website, exclusive access to placing ads in Forum playbills, subscriber discounts for their employees, prominence in signage and Forum materials throughout the year. The Connecticut Forum offers outstanding marketing recognition and benefits to its Sponsors. Please contact The Connecticut Forum for Sponsor information, 860-509-0909, ext. 14.
14. What is the Forum Community Institute?
The Forum Community Institute (FCI) is the umbrella under which The Connecticut Forum’s outreach programs are coordinated. Current FCI programs include: Connecticut YOUTH Forum, including the Student Exchange Event and Hartford Children’s Holiday Party; the Ticket Outreach Program, Forum Conversations, and Facilitation and Consultation.
15. What is the Connecticut YOUTH Forum?
The award-winning Connecticut YOUTH Forum brings over 750 teenagers from 40 high schools and youth organizations together for activities and meetings each year. With average attendance of 200 diverse teens, monthly meetings of the YOUTH Forum take place in participating high schools where issues of importance to members are discussed in an atmosphere of respect, civility and honesty. The extensive networks developed around these monthly meetings and additional initiatives of Leadership, Community Service, and Technology special interest groups help develop important life skills.
16. How can I join the Connecticut YOUTH Forum and what does it cost?
YOUTH Forum membership is open to all interested teenagers. There are no academic criteria or recommendations necessary and participation is free to participants. Interested teenagers, teachers, parents and schools should contact Program Manager, Patrick Rossiter (ext. 25) or Team Associate, Ebone Lockett (ext. 13) at The Connecticut Forum, 860-509-0909.