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The Civic Forum is a newly formed organization seeking to draw people together from all backgrounds and perspectives to address issues present within the Franklin community and to find positive ways to resolve those issues.

“It’s something that we’re trying to get started to where we can have a positive landing space for dialogue to try to just figure out how to make Franklin the most amazing place ever,” Civic Forum Secretary Brenda Peterson said.

She noted in a Friday, July 15, interview that the organization — which had just passed its bylaws two weeks prior — was born out of conversations that had been taking place for a while between people wanting to address things like apathy, voter registration and getting people involved in the community.

However, people had been trying to address these things on their own, she stated.

“We need to bring this all together in some form and try to tackle issues together, because you’re greater in numbers than by yourself,” she said.

“My favorite quote is, ‘If you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re on the menu,’” she said. “And I don’t think people realize that if you don’t get out there … you get eaten alive and then just have to take whatever’s given to you.”

She highlighted the importance of having one’s voice heard, regardless of whether it translates into won or lost elections.

The Civic Forum meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Wydia’s Bistro.

“Anyone that would like to come is more than welcome to come,” Peterson said.

The forum’s Tuesday, July 19, meeting will feature the induction of the organization’s inaugural executive board by Del. Clinton Jenkins.

The board features Rev. Purlie Banks, chairperson; Wydia Bailey, vice chair; Peterson, secretary; Lokette Wiggins Myrick, treasurer; and Audrey Lee, parliamentarian.

The July 19 meeting will feature a welcome; a brief prayer; an acknowledgement of guests and designated visitors, like Jenkins; the induction ceremony; a brief conversation about where the group would like to see future endeavors focused within the community; and the serving of refreshments.