THe Forum For Community Understanding
what is the forum and Who is it For?
What do we owe to our community members?
The Forum for Community Understanding is a new type of community gathering designed to help us collaboratively answer that question. Everyone’s voice is needed in this conversation. We welcome all – including artists, business owners, community leaders, elected officials, educators, parents, students and neighbors – to join us for a day of creative connection, deep conversation and playful problem solving.
The Forum for Community Understanding is a project of The Arts & Justice Collective - a collaboration between Amplify POC Cape Cod, Belonging Books, and The Cordial Eye.
Thursday, September 10, 2026
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Lunch Included
438 Main Street, Hyannis
Why are we doing the Forum?
Disconnection. Polarization. Dehumanization. Fear.
These are the everyday conditions that community members are living in. A different future, one rooted in collective care, is possible. The pathway is understanding our neighbors, our world, and most importantly, ourselves.
We need to invest ourselves in a process of mutual understanding.
The Forum for Community Understanding engages the power of creativity, playfulness, and deep listening. We invite attendees to honestly encounter one another to move us towards fulfillment, connection and collective healing.
schedule of events
9:00-9:15 Welcome
9:15-10:45 Funeral for the Cape Cod of the Past
10:45-11:00 Break
11:00-12:00 Breakout Sessions:
1) Share Your Playlist, 2) Personal Story Zine-Making
12:00-1:00 Lunch with a Show
1:15-3:00 Baby Shower for the Cape Cod of Tomorrow
Tickets and Registration
Forum tickets are available via a tiered pricing system for equity and accessibility. We trust you to select the option that best suits your family’s needs.
Tier 1: $15, Tier 2: $30, Tier 3: $50
Learn more about ticket options and purchase your tickets below.
With Our Sincere Thanks
We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of the Barr Foundation's Catalyzing Vitality Program, the Town of Barnstable Mini-Tourism Grant Program, the Harwich Cultural Council, and the Dennis Cultural Council.
The Harwich and Dennis Cultural Councils are local agencies supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. Their commitment to fostering arts and culture helps make programs like this Forum possible.
