Simsbury Event Aims To Cut Through Political Divisions

SIMSBURY, CT — Simsbury residents with different viewpoints are being invited to sit down together Wednesday evening for a new community forum focused on civic engagement and respectful dialogue.

The inaugural Simsbury Civic Forum will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, in the Friends of the Library Program Room at the Simsbury Public Library.

The nonpartisan, community-led event will explore questions including what it means to be an engaged citizen, whether civic participation extends beyond voting, and how people with differing perspectives can discuss those issues constructively.

The evening will begin with brief perspectives from residents before participants break into guided small-group conversations designed to encourage listening, discussion, and the search for common ground.

“This is not a debate — it’s a space for respectful dialogue and shared learning,” organizers said.

The conversations will use methods developed by Braver Angels, an organization that promotes dialogue across political differences.

The program is presented by the Simsbury Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council in partnership with the Simsbury Public Library.

Organizers said the forum is intended for adults regardless of how involved they currently are in civic affairs, from highly engaged residents to those who are simply interested in the discussion.

Space is limited, and advance registration is required. Registration closes at 3 p.m. Wednesday, three hours before the program begins.

What To Know

• What: Inaugural Simsbury Civic Forum
• When: Wednesday, Sept. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m.
• Where: Friends of the Library Program Room, Simsbury Public Library
• Who: Adults
• Cost: No fee is listed
• Registration: Required; closes at 3 p.m. Sept. 16
• Presented by: Simsbury Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council and Simsbury Public Library

For more information and to register for the event, click on this link.