Issues Forums

Citizens focus on the issues

Throughout the year, Great Expectations has held several forums based on issues that attendees of the neighborhood forums identified as important to the city's future.

Education:
Great Expectations held a public forum April 5 on the state of the city schools. Participants listened to a panel discussion, took part in small-group talks, and questioned members of the School Reform Commission. Learn more.

Poverty:
On April 10, people interested in the issue of poverty gathered at the Enterprise Center in West Philadelphia. Participants heard from a speaker on New York City's anti-poverty efforts, participated in a panel discussion on how those efforts might translate to Philadelphia, and in small groups discussed what should be on the next mayor's agenda on this issue. Read the live blog from the event to get the details.

Civic Leadership:
Nearly 75 leaders of civic associations and neighborhood groups met Oct. 13 in the Mayfair section of Philadelphia to talk about how they could better work together and to start building a network they could use to support one another. Get the details on our civic leaders page. 

Violence and Stop and Frisk:
Great Expectations is considering holding a forum after the election about violence in the city and Michael Nutter's proposed "stop and frisk" initiative. Would you be interested in attending such an event? What specific issues should be on the agenda? Let us know at great-expectations@sas.upenn.edu.