Between fall of 2003 and spring of 2005, the Consortium convened nine community forums around the state to discuss how citizens, grassroots organizations, or local leaders might use the results of the Civic Index to improve civic education and participation in their communities. Regional results of the Civic Index were released and discussed at the forums. The purpose of the forums was to engage the community in a process to develop more effective strategies to improve civic participation and education. Ideally, these strategies will lead to community specific solutions, such as youth advisory councils, youth and adult leadership programs, or school-neighborhood collaborations.

The Consortium was not able to reach all of North Carolina's municipalities through the community forums. However, to ensure that all communities benefit from discussion of the Civic Index results, the Consortium has published a Community Forum Tool Kit--a how to guide for communities to host their own community forums.

For more information on the Community Forums please contact Kelley O'Brien, Director, (919) 962-8273, obrien@sog.unc.edu.

Statewide Summary Report

For detailed information on each forum, click on the link below:
Western NC Community Forum in Cullowhee
Western NC Community Forum in Hendersonville
Western NC Community Forum in Asheville
Cape Fear Community Forum
Piedmont Triad Community Forum
Greater Mecklenburg Community Forum
Down East Community Forum
Greater Triangle Community Forum
Northeast Community Forum