Louisville Forum: Different viewpoints aren’t a problem, they’re the point.
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Polarization has dug deep into almost every aspect of our lives as more and more of our neighbors are living entirely within their own echo chambers. Social media algorithms and cable news certainly aren’t helping expose us to different perspectives. Sticking our heads in the sand may make us feel good, but it leaves the public square noticeably empty. The challenges facing Louisville Metro are too great to live that way.
Luckily, open and respectful discussion hasn’t disappeared entirely from our City. It’s still alive and well at the monthly meetings of the Louisville Forum. Since 1984, our nonpartisan and independent organization has provided an arena for thought leaders to discuss timely and often controversial public policy issues in a serious and fair environment.
Don’t believe civil discourse is possible in 2023? Consider this your invitation to join us and find out.
In last year alone, the Louisville Forum hosted candidate debates for Congress and Louisville Mayor. We brought pro-life and pro-choice leaders to present on Amendment No. 2 after the dramatic overturn of Roe v. Wade. We've heard from opposing sides of horseracing’s hottest topics and views about the future of the West End and Downtown.
At the Louisville Forum, fervent disagreement and well-articulated perspectives aren’t the problem. They’re the point. We work hard to bring the most prominent voices on both sides of an issue outside of their respective camps to present their arguments, invoke critical thinking and perhaps drive engagement and action among our fellow citizens.
There are plenty of differences among those who attend the Louisville Forum. But everyone is united in a sincere commitment to improving the City of Louisville today and for the future. Even if you leave with the same point of view, you’ll probably also receive a greater understanding of the other side and our community as a whole.
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There’s clearly a hunger for this type of conversation.
Our memberships—which are open to everyone in the greater Louisville community—grew again last year. People of all ages, professions and backgrounds are eager to attend these monthly civil conversations. And we’ve got an open seat just for you.
The next Louisville Forum will consider the future of University of Louisville Football with Head Coach Jeff Brohm on March 8th at noon at Vincenzo’s downtown. Longtime sports broadcaster Doug Ormay will moderate the conversation and ask questions from members of the audience. You won’t want to miss this important dialogue with impacts on the field and throughout our community.
The best way to guarantee a seat and the ability to ask questions for Coach Brohm and our other speakers this year is to become a Louisville Forum member. Visit LouisvilleForum.org to claim your one-year membership and all-included access to the full roster of events through February 2024.
For our city to thrive and overcome the challenges of today, we need to keep the conversations alive and embrace our diverse perspectives. Neither side has the monopoly on good ideas and compromise can be a roadmap to real solutions. Step out of the echo chamber and engage with us as we work to improve the community we are proud to call home.
Iris Wilbur Glick is the president of the Louisville Forum. She is also a principal at McCarthy Strategic Solutions.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Different viewpoints aren’t a problem at the Louisville Forum: opinion
