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DEI Council pitches "Simsbury Civic Forum" to foster structured community dialogue
Summary
A DEI Council representative proposed a recurring, neutral "Simsbury Civic Forum" using structured dialogue (citing Braver Angels) to bridge polarization; the proposal was presented to the board but there was no formal discussion or motion at the meeting.
Rick Brush, speaking on behalf of the DEI Council with co-chair Cheryl Cook and vice-chair Marla Madison present, proposed creating a Simsbury Civic Forum to facilitate respectful, structured conversations across community differences.
Brush described the forum as an ongoing process with four initial goals and emphasized the need for neutral facilitation and clear structures; he said the DEI Council identified Braver Angels, a national nonpartisan group, as a potential facilitator and indicated Braver Angels could provide assistance at no cost. Brush said the council will provide informational materials to the Board and, after piloting a few forums, will return with recommended next steps.
The DEI Civic Forum item later appeared on the Selectmen's agenda for discussion but the minutes record that there was no further discussion or motion at this meeting.
