VANCOUVER, Wash. – A popular public issues series at the Vancouver Community Library is relaunching in March with a two-part program on affordable housing. Now called the Forum @ the Library, the series will feature greater emphasis on citizen engagement, with public discussions facilitated by Washington State University–Foley Institute’s Initiative for Public Deliberation and library staff.
The free program, “Affordable Housing: Personal Problem, Community Problem or Not My Problem?” takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. March 3 and 10 at the Vancouver Community Library, 901 C St., Vancouver. On March 3, a panel of community members will explore different viewpoints about the issue, providing background information for the next week’s event. On March 10, attendees will discuss prepared questions in small groups, led by Initiative for Public Deliberation members.
The Forum@ the Library serves as a catalyst for civic and community engagement in Clark County by providing a neutral environment for citizens to come together, learn about and discuss differing viewpoints on local issues in a spirit of respect and discovery. It renews a series at the old Vancouver Community Library that has been on hold since the new library opened in 2011. Events will be held approximately quarterly.
The Initiative for Public Deliberation seeks to provide the citizens of Southwest Washington with moderated public forums concerning important issues. The goal is to improve the quality of public discussion and public participation on these issues.
For more information or to register, go to .
About 91ԹϺ
As one of four campuses of the Washington State University system, 91ԹϺ offers big-school resources in a small-school environment. The university offers affordable baccalaureate- and graduate-level education to benefit the people and communities it serves. As the only four-year research university in Southwest Washington, 91ԹϺ helps drive economic growth through relationships with local businesses and industries, schools and nonprofit organizations.
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MEDIA CONTACT(S)
Brenda Alling, Office of Marketing and Communications, 360-546-9601, brenda_alling@vancouver.wsu.edu