Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Dr. Bob Scarfo, Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture, WSU
“The Writing is On The Wall: Coming Changes to Downtown & Daily Life”
Forty years ago, Bob Dylan sang “the times they are a changin’” as urban residents fled cities for greener suburban pastures. Forty years later, Dylan could sing about change again as downtowns are experiencing a new influx of aging Baby Boomers looking for the denser and more diverse opportunities that urban areas provide. Dr. Scarfo will discuss the health, demographic, ecological and economic trends driving these changes and what it means for Spokane.

2005-2006

Annual Fundraiser Event Featuring Carol Coletta
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Nationally Syndicated Radio Show “Smart City” Host
“How Can Spokane Become a Smart City?”
Carol Coletta has been pioneering innovative strategies to improve cities for more than 30 years. Her weekly radio show, (airing on Spokane Public Radio station KSFC), takes an in-depth look at the people, places, ideas, and trends shaping America’s cities. Carol will share her insights on what makes some cities shine and how Spokane can capitalize on these trends. Funds raised from the luncheon will support Spokane City Forum’s 2005-2006 series and mission of bringing a variety of voices to our area to discuss community issues.

Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Sam Reed
Secretary of State
“Election Reform and What It Means to the Spokane Community”
Secretary of State Sam Reed is preparing Washington for significant changes to the way we vote. Washington citizens must present ID at the polls in November. Old voting equipment will be replaced. People with disabilities can vote a secret ballot for the first time. Every county will be reviewed by the Secretary of State once every three years to ensure excellence in the voting process. And, most significantly, most counties will vote by mail. Find out how these changes, including the transition as early as this spring to vote-by-mail, will impact schools, cities, and the variety of voting districts in our state.

Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Debbie M. Bird
Business Development Director Safeco Jackson Street Community Center - Seattle
“Diversity - A Practical Approach”
How can Spokane embrace diversity and use it as a positive spur to economic development? As Business Development Director for Safeco’s Jackson Street Community Center, located in the heart of Seattle’s inner city, Bird works to promote partnerships between companies and neighborhoods. In 2005, her work was recognized by City Year King County with their prestigious Moccasin Award for Community Service and again with a nomination from the Greater Seattle Business Association for their 2005 Community Service Award. Bird will share stories of how promoting diversity and reaching out to our various ethnic groups has been and can be a positive force for business communities.

Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Steven A. Smith
Editor of The Spokesman-Review
“A Question of Values: Why Healthy Communities Require a Healthy Press”
Newspapers are an endangered species. Across the country, readership and circulation have been declining steadily for more than 20 years. The business model that has sustained mass market dailies and their sizable newsrooms is undergoing convulsive change. And, increasingly, Americans are retreating from mass media to personalized media, if they’re interested in news at all. Steve Smith, editor of The Spokesman-Review, will discuss why the loss of a vigorous press and mass media, particularly the loss of community newspapers, deprive communities of the one institution capable of generating the conversations that must occur if citizens are to confront and solve pressing problems of the day.

Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Theresa Sanders
Executive VP- Business Development Spokane Area Economic Development Council
“Spokane’s Economic Development Succeeds With Leaps Of Faith”
While outlining a sustainable growth model for Spokane’s future, Theresa Sanders of the Spokane Area Economic Development Council provides an overview of Spokane’s unique business development assets, difficulties and emerging style. The vision of the Spokane area as an economically prosperous place to do business includes the reality of how it will change the face of our community to benefit its members. Sanders will discuss the steps of digging in to create possibilities and vital community. Those steps include expanding regional economic attitudes to a more global outlook, crucial collaboration between public and private sectors, and developing specific partnerships that create needed assets.

Thursday, March 9, 2006
Dr. Edith Eva Eger
Psychologist, Author and International Speaker
“Creating Advantage out of Adversity”
Dr. Edith Eva Eger will discuss ways to bring about civil, public dialogue where all may be heard. She was 16 when her family was sent to Auschwitz where her parents lost their lives. Now a licensed psychologist in California, Dr. Eger has helped facilitate communication between the children of Nazi families and the children of concentration camp survivors. An ambassador of good will, she has lectured around the world on how to move beyond those things that separate us and focus on those that unite us. Dr. Eger’s belief that “We can’t always control our circumstances but we can control how we respond” will resonate with Spokane area residents.

Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Dr. Toby Schwartz, National Health and Fitness Speaker
Dori Robertson, Mead Hight School Track Coach
Brady Crook, Director of Hoopfest
“National Health and Fitness Speakers Panel”
How does personal health affect the overall environment and well-being of city life? Spokane is healthy in many ways: economically, socially, politically, and spiritually, to name a few. The health of Spokane can easily be linked to the health of its residents. It is systemic. Join Dr. Toby Schwartz, professor of kinesiology at Whitworth College, award-winning coach, and national speaker on health and fitness, as he leads a panel discussion on the benefits to individuals and the community of an active, healthy lifestyle. Dori Robertson, Mead High School girl’s track coach who is also involved with Bloomsday and Master’s-level sports programs, and Brady Crook, the new director of Hoopfest, will join Dr. Schwartz to discuss the significance of Spokane’s unique sports opportunities for children and adults in contributing to the vibrancy of our community.

Speaker and Dates: 2004-2005 Wednesday, September 29, 2004 Dr. Wesley Stafford, President of Compassion International “Children-A Second Rate Mandate” Raised by missionary parents and the villagers of a West African hamlet, Dr. Stafford has been a leader in the “war on poverty” since 1977 when he headed a consortium of relief and development agencies in Haiti. He will share a lifetime of insights into the strategic importance of children, speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, and challenge the Spokane community to make children our first priority.   Wednesday, October 20, 2004 5th District Congressional Debate The two finalists from the September primary will debate issues and share their plans and visions for improving Eastern Washington. Come meet the candidates and hear their comments. A question and answer period will follow the debate. (Counties in the 5th District are Adams, Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Walla Walla and Whitman). The candidates will speak about their beliefs and vision for the future and answer your questions. Learn how they feel about the most important issues facing our country, including health care, the economy, education, and the environment.   Wednesday, November 17, 2004 Leonard Pitts, Jr., Syndicated Newspaper Columnist “Pop Culture, Society and Families” Leonard Pitts, Jr. is an award-winning newspaper columnist and author. His nationally syndicated newspaper column, providing commentary on pop culture, social issues and family, appears twice weekly in newspapers across the country. Pitts recently won the Pulitzer Prize for commentary, journalism’s highest award. One of his best known columns, “We’ll Go Forward from This Moment, ” an angry and defiant open letter to terrorists written in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks, circulated the globe, generated nearly 30,000 emails, and has since been set to music and reprinted in poster form. The father of five’s most recent book, Becoming Dad: Black Men and the Journey to Fatherhood, was released in May 1999. Wednesday, January 19, 2005 Anthony D. Bonanzino, Ph.D., Incoming Chair, Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce “Navigating the Collaborative Sea: Enhancing Community Wellness” Everyone believes they live in an historical period, a time when the lasting effects of decisions provide exciting and continuous inroads for the future. As human species we all desire to leave our mark for the appreciation of future generations, but are challenged by our inability to compromise for fear of diluting our ideas. This presentation tackles that obstacle and explores ways for community leaders to successfully navigate “the Collaborative Sea.” Community wellness means achieving the collective goal is ultimately more important than individual success. Wednesday, February 16, 2005 Raymond Bakke, Founder & Executive Director of International Urban Associates (IUA) “The City on a Hill Revisited 2005” According to Raymond Bakke, we’re shifting from a world of some 200 nations, to one of over 400 world-class international cities creating unprecedented demands and expectations. There are challenges but there are also signs of hope. Bakke, Founder & Executive Director of IUA – a network of over 100 urban-based church and mission leaders – will share insights gleaned from 45 years of experience in inner-city ministries and how they can shape Spokane.   Wednesday, March 16, 2005 The Rev. Al Miles, The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu Coordinator of the Hospital Ministry Department and Hospital Chaplain "Ending Domestic Violence: Why the Entire Community Must be Involved" Domestic violence is the number one public health problem for women in the United States. According to the United States Surgeon General, domestic violence is the greatest single cause of injury among U.S. women, accounting for more emergency room visits than traffic accidents, muggings, and rape combined. Domestic violence occurs in all cultures, geographic areas, races, religious and spiritual traditions, and in all socio-economic groups.   This talk will focus on the need for a coordinated community response in an effort to end domestic violence. The emotional, financial, psychological, and spiritual impact domestic violence has upon a family and an entire community will also discussed. In addition, a number dos and don'ts will be highlighted for attendees to consider when responding to a survivor or perpetrator of domestic violence. Wednesday, April 20, 2005 Roger Bragdon, Spokane Chief of Police “Community Oriented Policing- How We Can Get Involved in Reducing Crime” Spokane has been recognized nationally and internationally for its unique community partnerships and programs to reduce crime. Chief Bragdon will address the topic of community oriented policing, its history, why it works and how it has evolved into one of the most successful policing strategies for Spokane – one that other communities are trying to adopt. Wednesday, May 18, 2005 Dr. Terry Bergeson, State Superintendent of Public Instruction “Roadmap for Success: What’s Next for Washington Schools” For more than 35 years, Terry Bergeson has worked to ensure public school students achieve an education that truly prepares them for life beyond the classroom. Dr. Bergeson will present the current and future challenges and progress made in implementing new state graduation requirements for 2008. She will show how these reforms impact the community and how we as parents and citizens can help.   2003-2004 Speaker Series Wed., Sept. 10, 2003 Dr. Ron Sider, Founder and CEO of ESA, Philadelphia "Should the Richest Nation in Human History Also Tolerate the Highest Domestic Poverty Level?" Professor of Theology, Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, PA. Dr. Sider is a nationally recognized speaker on the realities of and successful solutions to poverty. His process involves a coalition of business, government, community and faith based organizations that could be the answer for our community! A positive approach to a tough issue in Spokane. Wed., Oct. 15, 2003 Strong Mayor Candidates Debate "Spokane Local Government in Transition: Mayoral Debates" Each of the Strong Mayor Candidates will have a chance to expand upon the vision and changes they see as priorities for Spokane. Note: The debate will be the candidates for the President of City Council if the Strong Mayor initiative is defeated in September. Wed., Nov. 19, 2003 Dr. James Waller, Author and Professor of Psychology, Whitworth College "Becoming Evil: How Ordinary People Commit Extraordinary Evil" This presentation examines ways ordinary people, like you and me, can be less likely to be unwitting contributors to evil and how we may be better equipped to forestall it. This awareness may be the best safeguard we have against the harmful effects of fearing strangers or foreigners, or the cultural exclusiveness that can infect ordinary communities like ours.   Wed., January 21, 2004 Scott Morris, Incoming Chair, Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce "Leadership is a Process, Not an Event" Scott Morris, President of Avista Utilities, has been "practicing" leadership for more than 20 years at Avista. Come hear how he has applied this collaborative leadership style at the local, regional and state levels.   Wed., Feb. 18, 2004 Dr. Robert Lupton, Author, Urban Planner & Redevelopment through FCS Urban Ministries, Atlanta, GA "Rebirth of the City: Gentrification, A Blessing or Curse?" Dr. Lupton’s successful efforts in rebuilding the inner-city of Atlanta into healthy neighborhoods is based on a coalition of commitments by business, the community and government agencies led by faith based organizations. Working together, these formerly blighted areas have turned into self-sustaining contributors to the local economy. A good road map for Spokane.   Wed., March 17, 2004 Dr. Stephen Jordan, President of EWU "Higher Education’s Role as a Community Catalyst" Dr. Jordan’s leadership has turned around an institution struggling with enrollments to experiencing their highest enrollments ever. He will demonstrate how university-business collaborations and Eastern’s technology initiative have and will continue to strengthen development of the community’s economy. Thurs., April 15, 2004 Daniel Kemmis, Author, Director, Center for the Rocky Mountain West, Missoula, Montana "Cities and Their Regions: Expanding Our Sense of Community" Nationally recognized for his contribution to the field of humanities, Mr. Kemmis, former mayor of Missoula, argues that a strong sense of community is essential to a livable city. The most successful cities are those that also recognize and cultivate a community of interest with the smaller communities in their surrounding region. A new way to look at Spokane’s relationship to its surroundings, "all the way to Missoula".   2002-2003 Speaker Series Wed., Sept. 18, 2002  Bruce Eldredge, Exec. Director, NW Museum of Arts and Culture “Creative Opportunities: The Museum for Your Future.” From a dream to reality, the museum is now a “world class” institution. Bruce address’s how Spokane can  realize it’s dreams, one dream at a time, through community effort. A successful leader calls on others to lead through example as he outlines the museum’s plans for an evolving role in our community.       Wed., Oct. 16, 2002 Monica Walters, Executive Director, YWCA “Peace, Justice, Freedom & Dignity for all people” A strong, popular community leader, her role and influence in the YWCA and with social service organizations to create needed changes in social justice have strengthened our community. She will demonstrate how creating advocacy has and will bring great opportunities in the struggle to overcome poverty and abuse.     Wed., Nov. 13, 2002 Tony Campolo, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Sociology, Director of Urban Studies, Eastern College, St. Davids, PA “America as a City on a Hill” Nationally recognized media commentator on social, political and religious matters. Author of 28 books, former co-host of highly acclaimed TV editorial series; advocate for “at risk” children. This highly sought after global speaker will bring new insight into the important role of the faith community in the continual, positive development of our city.     Weds, January 15, 2003 George Nethercutt, U.S. House of Representatives “How important is Washington in Spokane’s Future?” Do we need to look within for the help needed in establishing the framework for positive growth and improvement? Is there anything Washington can pass along with a magic cure? How important is it that we find a way to have political discourse without fracturing the system? An insiders view of Spokane’s uniqueness from a national perspective.   Wed., Feb. 19, 2003 Chris Marr - Chair, Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce “Whatever Happened to Business Leadership?” Has avoiding “political flak” deprived the community of some of its best leaders? Community activist and successful businessman, Chris is recognized locally and on the state level for his tireless efforts on local issues and state commissions. “Pushing on the wagon helps, but someone has to drive!”     Wed., March 19, 2003 General “Bill” Essex, USAF, Pentagon, Wash. “A Pathway to Sustained Freedom” Former Wing Commander at Fairchild; current Director of the Air Force Global Reach Programs in Washington DC. Defending liberty and democracy begins in Spokane’s backyard! The General discusses our communities successful involvement both past and future in the war on terrorism.     Wed., April 16, 2003 Tom Fritz, CEO, Inland NW Health Services “Affordable Access to Quality Healthcare: Collaboration at Work" We are all painfully aware of the spiraling healthcare costs in our society and our community…and in our own pocketbook. What are the issues driving these increases?  How are these issues affecting access to quality healthcare for all of us?  Tom Fritz will address these issues and share solutions that have helped improve both the quality and access of healthcare in the greater Spokane area.  Come join us!   2001-2002 Speaker Series Wed., Sept. 26, 2001 Bill Starr - President, The Collaboration "Collaboration for a New Century." Creator of The Collaboration, Phoenix, AZ., an organization dedicated to solving social problems; Former Pres. of Young Life; Pres. of National Center for Youth & Families; national speaker on the problems of segmented thinking; seeks solutions to community concerns by finding the ways to "get things done!" Wed., Oct. 17, 2001 Kent Hoffman - Psychotherapist/Educator "Capitalism on Steroids" "Child Advocate of the Year 2000" for Spokane Head Start; Governor’s Award for "Innovations in Prevention"; this nationally recognized psychotherapist/educator critiques our current cultural dilemma of defining happiness and well-being in material and economic terms and the subsequent effect on the community. Abuse creates a social impact on the entire city. Wed., Nov. 14, 2001 Ambassador David Rawson (ret) ""Peacemaking in a Violent Age" Professor of Political Economy at Spring Arbor University; former Ambassador to Republic of Mali and Rwanda; distinguished career with the State Department; writer and lecturer; will address dimensions and causes of violent conflict and the challenges confronting peacemakers. Weds, January 16, 2002 Brian Benzel - Superintendent, District 81 "The Future of Education in Spokane" No stranger to Spokane, Dr. Benzel, the newly named Superintendent for District 81 Schools, brings to his assignment a wealth of insight and enthusiasm from his experience in the field of public education. He will explore the unique potential for the schools of our city. Wed., Feb. 20, 2002 Don Barbieri - Chair, Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce "The Case for Converting Poverty to Jobs - Collaboration at the Highest Levels" Chairman, Pres. & CEO of Westcoast Hospitality Corporation; former member of State of WA. Economic Development Board and Chair of the Quality of Life Task Force. A concerned community activist, Don is focusing his energy on campaigning for a successful resolution to the high poverty levels in our area and loss of jobs from traditional areas.     Wednesday, March 20, 2002 Cathy McGinty - Coordinator of "Voices" "System Savvy: How We Make it Happen" “Voices” is a highly successful low income advocacy organization started in 1997.  The presentation will cover what the City, County and State of Washington are doing with welfare reform and other low income issues.  Come and find out how welfare and services reform is really working.  You will hear from the “Voices” leaders as well as those who have lived or are living below the poverty level and about the changes that have impacted their lives and the greater community. Wednesday, April 17, 2002 Julia Stronks, JD/Ph.D., Professor "Faith-Based Initiatives in the Public Square" Dr. Stronks, a professor of political studies at Whitworth College, leads a discussion that assesses both majority-rule and pluralism as tools in a democracy. She will highlight the developments of President Bush’s faith-based initiatives as they relate to the upcoming poverty summit in Spokane. May 28 & 29 Mayor’s Summit on Poverty The Spokane City Forum strongly endorses the conference on Poverty and encourages community support and your involvement in this event. Contact the Mayor's office for more information.