(August 2012 - Phoenix, AZ)  For nearly 50 years, the Arizona Town Hall has convened individuals of diverse perspectives to deal with the important issues of the state's viability and livability.  As part of its 50th Anniversary celebration and 100th Town Hall on the topic of Civic Engagement, the organization is showcasing the recommendations that came out of that gathering to inspire Arizonans to consider how they can play a role in shaping the state's future. 

The effort kicks off with the FORUM ON CIVIC ENGAGEMENT set for Thursday, September 13th in Phoenix.  Arizona Town Hall is inviting the broader community to participate in the Forum and in spreading the messages of civic engagement.  A special partnership has been developed with the Arizona Department of Education for a concerted focus on integrating the ideas of civic engagement and civics in preK-12 education.  More than 20 community organizations have signed on to participate in the Forum including Valley Leadership, the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, political parties, Arizona Latino Research Enterprise, One Community, Center for the Future of Arizona and many others.  Partnering organizations will be involved in the kick off Expo to invite, engage and otherwise inspire attendees to play big and small roles in the shaping of their communities and state.

The Forum is set up to be an action-inspired community conversation with the following issue areas in focus: Education; Political Systems; Civil Discourse; and Individual Action.

WHO: Arizona Town Hall and partnering organizations

WHAT: Forum on Civic Engagement including an action Expo featuring a variety of organizations and resources to help residents make an impact - from registering to vote to training on civil discourse and beyond.  Students/schools invited to participate as well.

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 13;  Expo 5 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.; Program 6:15 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.

WHERE: Central High School, Auditorium, 4525 N Central Ave., Phoenix (Central Ave and Campbell light rail stop)

COST: Free, Registration encouraged at www.aztownhall.org/Forum

PARTNERS: Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, Arizona Association of University Women, American Indian Chamber of Commerce, Arizona Citizens for the Arts, Arizona Department of Education, Arizona Democratic Party, Arizona Humanities Council, Arizona Latino Research Enterprise, Arizona Libertarian Party, Arizona Students' Association, ASU School of Public Affairs, Center for Civic Participation, Mesa Public Schools/Maricopa Community Colleges, Center for the Future of Arizona, Citizenship Counts, League of Arizona Cities and Towns, League of Women Voters of Arizona, One Community Media, LLC, Phoenix Union School District, Real Arizona Coalition, The O'Connor House, Valle del Sol, and Valley Leadership  (As of 8/13/12  many other organizations have been invited, some were unable to participate.)

SPONSORING PARTNERS: APS, Arizona Diamondbacks, DMB, Cox Communications

MEDIA: Rhonda Bannard at 602.370.3560 or  rhonda@inspiredconnections.net 

About the Arizona Town Hall

Arizona Town Hall is a private, statewide nonprofit organization that has been a catalyst for civic action and the advancement of issues important to Arizonans.  2012 marks the organization's Golden Anniversary of convening diverse Arizonans to and using civil discourse to develop solutions to the state's most pressing issues.  The organization's signature events include large, statewide Town Halls held in the spring and fall, while multiple smaller Community Outreach Programs add diverse perspectives to the solutions each Town Hall develops.  The organization also works with government and business entities interested in using the Town Hall system to find common ground and bring solutions to challenges they may be facing.

The Arizona Town Hall is a membership organization with individual, corporate and professional members from all across the state, spanning the five decades of the organization's existence.  Additional information regarding Arizona Town Hall can be found online at http://www.aztownhall.org.