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.

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
Register On-line NOW
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.

The City Forum’s expenses are met through sponsorship programs. We need your participation through your attendance and generous contributions. Please see details on the next page. Thank you.
 

2000-2001 Speaker Series

Our theme for this season was "Healing the City." Speakers have been chosen because of the strong leadership and success they have exhibited in their field. We feel that our goals of helping the community define "what makes a good city" will be amplified with their messages.

September 20, 2000
Forum of Mayor Candidates
A guided discussion of the issues by candidates running for Spokane City Mayor. We provide parameters re the good city through questions they can respond to. This Forum is the day after the Primary Election.

October 18, 2000
Al Brislain
Executive Director of Second Harvest Food Bank
"Faces of Hope: Effective Leaders make Great Communities!"
Mr. Brislain, teacher, award winning manager, and inspirational speaker discusses how communities prosper when they have the effective citizen leadership and volunteers. Citizen involvement will help "heal the city."

Mr. Brislain has been Executive Director of the SHFB (Formerly Spokane Food Bank) since May 1991. His community involvement includes serving on he Board of Directors for Leadership Spokane, Spokane Community Network and Second Harvest National Food Bank Network. He is a graduate of the University of California at Davis and holds a teaching credential from California State University in Sacramento.

In September 2000 The Second Harvest Food Bank of the Inland Northwest was named the National Food Bank of the Year.
 

November 15, 2000
Dr. Doris Pichon-Givens
"Education…your final answer"
Newly named President of Spokane Community College, she is a Southern California educator with 21 years experience in community college administration and teaching. She has demonstrated an outstanding ability to lead and listen. She has broad, diversified experience as chair of a Black Studies Department and developing a pilot retention program for disadvantaged students. Her experience in growth communities with a wide variety of educational needs will bring a timely message to Spokane.

January 25, 2001
Father Elias Chacour
"Community Peace comes with hard work!"
Peacemaker, school leader, founder of the Mar Elias Schools in Ibillin, Israel. Often mentioned candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize. Father Chacour’s work in integrating Palestinian and Jewish populace with differing political interests has been successful. He has demonstrated effective and persuasive leadership among historically opposed factions through the schools he founded. Here is a timely message for Spokane as well as an international opinion on an area affecting us all.

February 21, 2001
Bill Robinson
"Forgive, forget, flourish"
President of Whitworth College, President of the Board of the Spokane Chamber of Commerce, Community Leader. Active in all aspects of our area, he has a big interest in supporting and promoting diversity of the populace, thought, and economic base. Bill feels strongly that a community must serve all interests and there are successful ways to accomplish this.

March 21, 2001
Harvey White
"Let Spokane’s Entrepaneurs emerge"
One of the Founders of Qualcomm; President of Qualcomm from 5/92 to 6/98; current Chairman & CEO Leap Wireless Int’l, a company dedicated to providing wireless services to underserved areas. Qualcomm is a successful model to study among startup companies with one of the largest gains in stock price in 1999. Mr. White offers suggestions to Spokane on how to "get it going" and "keep it going."

April 18, 2001
Shaun Cross
"Build It and They Will Come"
Managing Partner of Paine, Hamblen, Coffin, Brooke & Miller LLP, the largest independent law firm between Seattle and Minneapolis; graduate of University of Washington. Currently on the Board of Directors for the Spokane Public Facilities District and the Downtown Spokane Partnership; former chair of the Facilities 2000 Working Group, a community service organization to serve and advise on the city and county facilities such as the Arena and Opera House. With a broad business background and a view of community direction, Shaun provides timely insight on developing our community’s social and economic base.

Sept. 22, 1999 
Betsy Cowles
“Downtown’s Rebirth, Turning Vision into Bricks and Concrete”
Cowles Publishing; Community activist; Riverpark Square and downtown development. Her presentation coincides with the opening of Spokane’s largest downtown redevelopment project and continued emphasis on a strong inner city.

Oct. 20, 1999
David Rusk
“Challenging Sprawl”
Described as the “hottest urban expert in the nation today.” He is the former Mayor of Albuquerque; former legislator, New Mexico; Author: Cities without Suburbs, (cited by the Congressional quarterly as “the Bible of the regionalism movement”); Inside Game, Outside Game; and Saving Urban America. He is an independent consultant on urban and suburban policy and a speaker and consultant to over ninety US Communities. His arguments to control urban sprawl with state mandated “rules of the game” to equalize opportunities for all is punctuated by recommendations for building effective regional coalitions.

Nov. 17, 1999
Tammie Schnitzer
“Not In My Town - The Power of One Voice;” getting good people to do good things.
Nationally recognized human rights activist from Billings, MT. Tammie successfully opposed hatred in a western city being targeted by white supremacists. Her and her families' lives were threatened while she inspired the community to act together to halt racist activity. Her actions inspired a new release movie and a PBS special. Her message is timely in our community.

Jan. 19, 2000 
Mari Clack
“Creating a Diverse Community Legacy”
Co-founder of Women Helping Women; Member of the state board of the Partnership for Learning; Board member of Casey Family Partners. Named by the Seattle Times as one of the 100 most influential people in Washington state. Past President of the University of Washington Board of Regents and serves as a Member of the Visiting Committee of U of WA School of Medicine.

February 18, 2000
Morris Dees is the co-founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center, a non-profit organization that combats hate, intolerance and discrimination through education and litigation. Since 1981, Dees and the Southern Poverty Law Center have won verdicts totaling over $57 million against such groups as Skinheads and the Klu klux Klan. A $37.8 million award in 1998 against the Christian Knights of the Klu Klux Klan for burning the Macedonia Baptist Church in South Carolina was the largest civil award ever won for damages in a verdict. 

March 15, 2000 
Fred Schrumpf
 “From Violence Prevention to Creating Peace: A School, Home, Community Connection for Youth.” 
Internationally recognized expert on School Violence and Peacemaking; national consultant to school districts and frequent speaker at international conferences; consultant and trainer for the National Center for Conflict Resolution Education in Illinois. He is currently Students Services Coordinator for Spokane Public Schools. Co-author of Peer Mediation: Conflict Resolution in School; Life Lessons for Young Adolescents; and Creating the Peaceable School. His message will touch anyone who worries about the dangers of random acts of violence in our schools.

Apr. 12, 2000
JoAnne Mathieson
“Regional Partnerships move forward.”

JoAnne is the incoming Chair of the Spokane Chamber of Commerce Board of Trustees and Executive Committee. A member of the Junior League Advisory Board of Spokane she has also served on Leadership Spokane, United Way, Momentum, Downtown Spokane Partnership and the Gonzage University Organizational Leadership Advisory committee. She is a brilliant woman with a vision and a love for Spokane. She deals daily with the pressures of doing business in Spokane while remaining extremely active in the community, sharing her insight and determination. JoAnne is a Vice President with Avista Corp.

May 17, 2000
Our Generation Panel
Discovering Gen Y
Spokane’s youth, tomorrow’s leaders – What are their concerns, fears, opinions, attitudes, perceptions, hopes and dreams. What is their impact on our community’s growth and future? Here is our chance to listen, learn and show our support for Spokane’s future leaders.

Don McCullough
Say Please, Say Thank you
President, San Francisco Theological Seminary; nationally recognized writer and lecturer on Civic and Community growth.

Father Spitzer
President, Gonzaga University

Joe Poss
Whitworth college Youth Leader, School Board member

Richard Hudnut
Former Mayor of Indianapolis; responsible for developing a widely acclaimed core city model resulting in a revitalization of his city.

Rich Hadley
President, Spokane Chamber of Commerce; recognized for his insight on developing balanced growth structure.

Johhny Cox - 
Dignity within the City
Moral Theologian, Sacred Heart Medical Center

Roberta Greene - 
A city...the sum of its Parts
Spokane business woman and City Council member

Ronald Wells -The Heavenly and Unheavenly City
Architect, developer, business man.