Forum (9:45 a.m.)
The 9:45 Forum — a Sunday morning program of speakers, films, and discussions on topics, such as social, political, family, community, or economic importance — exists to help provide information to visitors and members and to challenge ethical thinking and decision making. Why 9:45? So that attendees can enjoy a full hour of discussion and still have time to mingle in the Assembly Hall before Platform at 11:00 a.m.
Programs at the 9:45 Forum typically address controversial or provocative topics; time is dedicated for audience feedback and open discussion. Often members speak, using the time to relate personal experiences, raise ethical dilemmas, or call attention to ballot issues. Speakers are also invited from the St. Louis community. Past forum topics have included the following:
- Anil Belvali, a Society member and graduate student in education at Washington University, who discussed Buddhism and atheism.
- Dr. Robert Blaine, a sociology professor at Southern Illinois University. Blaine gives several talks each year on topics that have ranged from economic fairness to population growth to historical personalities.
- William Freivogel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, who discussed the ethics of reporting and journalism.
- Dr. John Sislin, a Lentz Peace Research Fellow from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, who spoke on the development and implementation of non-lethal weapons.
- Dave Busse, a water control manager with the Army Corps of Engineers, who gave a presentation on environmental pool management on the Mississippi River.
- Phillip Behm, a professional translator of novels, who described his profession in a talk titled, "Subject to Interpretation."
See the recent Power Point Presentations by Barbara Frederick. They are all Power Point slides converted to jpeg format.
Committee members help assist in lining up a diverse group of speakers for the year and answering needs as they arise.
For the topics of upcoming 9:45 Forums, see the Home page or call the office at 314-991-0955.
Everyone is welcome to attend the 9:45 Forum.