The JXN Community Forum takes the summer off.  Although our congregation will no longer be a co-sponsor of the Forum, it will continue at the Carnegie Branch Library. It will start up again in September and we will keep you informed about topics

Patrick Burtch, Jackson City Manager, will give us an update on downtown Development, including new buildings and other changes. He will also talk about streamlining city government, how the city Is helping business, Jackson’s housing stock and current challenges. May 18th, at 6:30 pm …are free and open programs to encourage dialogue about the challenging … Continue reading “DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT REPORT” May 18th

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the United States entry in World War I, the JXN Community Forum will host a panel discussion on Woodrow Wilson and the continuing impact of his policies in foreign affairs and military engagements. “Woodrow Wilson was one of the most influential Presidents and thinkers in American history. Besides his … Continue reading World War I & America: America’s Place in the World ~ April 20th

March 16th, the 3rd Thursday How current state and federal actions may affect utilities affordability, Social Security, Medicare, Obamacare, Medicaid funding and more. Speaker: Lisa Dedden Cooper, Manager of Advocacy, AARP. Also sponsored by AARP and LWV, Jackson Unit     JXN Community Forums…are free and open programs to encourage dialogue about the challenging issues of our … Continue reading Legislative Update for Senior Citizens

“Restorative Justice/Restorative Community”  February 16th, the 3rd Thursday Restoring a sense of well-being is a challenge after crime. In addition to victims, the community is harmed when citizens feel less safe. Following a brief review of the evolution of our justice systems, panelists with experience with crime will describe restorative processes. Also sponsored by the Jackson … Continue reading “Restorative Justice/Restorative Community” February 16th

January 19th, the 3rd Thursday — Stasia Milligan, Child Welfare Director at Family Service and Children’s Aid, and a panel of foster parents, youth in foster care and case managers, will discuss the reality of what teens in foster care face, and what the community could do to make things better. JXN Community Forums…are free … Continue reading “Strengths and Challenges of Teens in the Foster Care System”

This is the 2nd Thursday — This is the Ken Burns documentary about Unitarian minister Waitstill Sharp and his wife Martha, who left their children behind and spent two dangerous years saving scores of imperiled dissidents and refugees fleeing the Nazis in Europe.  JXN Community Forums …are free and open programs to encourage dialogue about the … Continue reading “Defying the Nazis: The Sharp’s War” December 8th

JXN Community Forums – On the 2nd Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016 – Representatives from the Jackson Historic Commission and the Michigan Historic Preservation Network will discuss recent pending legislation in Michigan to change the rules regarding Historic Districts, and how districts would be affected should it pass …are free and open programs to encourage dialogue … Continue reading Issues with Historic Districts in Jackson and Michigan – Nov 10

The ballot is very long in a presidential election year, with little known candidates and issues. Speakers will address some of these, including the Jackson District Library millage renewal at the very end of the ballot. Sarah Tackett, the new library Director, will explain it.  …are free and open programs to encourage dialogue about the … Continue reading Vote the WHOLE Ballot: Thursday, Oct. 20

Sept. 15, 6:30: Local offices, including contested County Commission seats (Districts 3 and 9), Prosecuting Attorney and Treasurer. Sept. 29, 6:30: 7th Congressional District seat, State House 64th and 65th District seats”. Co-sponsored by: League of Women Voters; Guest Sponsors: NAACP, Women4Equity, Rally the Vote. Watch for Oct. 20: Vote the Whole Ballot! JXN Community … Continue reading September 15 & 29: Candidate Forums