Open Forum: A School of Collective Learning Records, 1973-1997, bulk 1989-1995

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Summary

Title:
Open Forum: A School of Collective Learning Records
Dates:
1973-1997, bulk 1989-1995
Creators:
Open Forum: A School of Collective Learning
Abstract:
Open Forum was a collective learning project based on the philosophy that an informed community is best able to guide its own future. The hierarchical academic tradition of teacher and students was replaced with a collective discussion group model applied in workshops and classroom settings. The idea was to transform education away from academics and popular culture. The project continued for 10 years with no paid staff, completely run by volunteers.
Extent:
2 cartons (2 Cubic Feet)
Language:
Collection materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Open Forum: A School of Collective Learning Records (SFH 602), San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains administrative papers: including bylaws, annual reports for one year, meeting minutes, brochures, and a statement of purpose. The collection also contains workshop/course materials, VHS and audio tapes, two Open Forum address stamps, and nine photographs.

Custodial history:

Donated by Open Forum September, 2015.

Processing information:

During processing, parts of the collection were re-foldered and re-housed in acid-free folders and boxes. Some metal staples remain.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged in 5 series: Series 1: Administrative, Series 2: Workshop/Course Materials, Series 3: Media, Series 4: Artifacts, Series 5: Photographs.

Physical location:
Open for research. The collection is offsite and advance notice is required for retrieval. Material must be requested at least 4 business days in advance of visit.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Bibliography:

The mission of Open Forum was based on the philosophy that an informed community is best able to guide its own future. The idea was to transform education away from the academic and away from popular culture. The discussion groups were based upon learning and teaching each other rather than the model of a "teacher" and consuming students. Which is why the name included, a "School of Collective Learning."

The project was a non-profit and continued just short of ten years. There was no paid staff; all work was performed by volunteers.

Some of the topics covered included: Brechtian Studies; Capitalism; Censorship; Civil Rights; Criminal Law; Cultural Theory; Democracy; Economics; Education; Fascism; Housing; The Internet; Marxism; NAFTA; Politics; Pornography; Public Speaking; Race and Racism; Sexism; Violence and Resistance; White Supremacy; Women; and Writing.

Single events included: Abortion: Then and Now; Building a Women's Community; Community Forums on Injustice (Police Brutality) held in San Francisco and Oakland; Israel Palestinians and American Progressives; and What Next After Earth Day.

A teach-in leading up to the first Gulf War in 1991 included twenty five educational events within a one month period (February 4th to March 8th, 1991). Topics included: Art and Culture; Communities of Color; Direct Action; Economics; Effects at Home; Environmental Youth; History of the Region; Jewish Responses; Labor; Lesbian/Gay; Martial Law; Media; Racism; Veterans; and Women.

Open Forum attempted to develop a progressive/activist/leftist library and archive. Lack of resources terminated the project.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid compiled by Katherine Ets-Hokin
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2019-12-03 19:51:07 +0000 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research and available for use during San Francisco History Center hours. Photographs are available during Photo Desk hours. This collection must be requested at least 4 business days in advance of visit.

Terms of access:

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Open Forum: A School of Collective Learning Records (SFH 602), San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library.

Location of this collection:
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102, US
Contact:
(415) 557-4567
sfhistory@sfpl.org
Website