Collection Guide
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Finding aid to the Open Forum Records
1973-1997
SFH 602
SFH 602
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Table of contents
Title: Open Forum: A School of Collective Learning Records
Date (inclusive): 1973-1997
Date (bulk): 1989-1995
Identifier/Call Number: SFH 602
Creator:
Open Forum: A School of Collective Learning
Physical Description:
2 cartons
(2 Cubic Feet)
Contributing Institution:
San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 557-4567
info@sfpl.org
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.
Language of Materials: Collection materials are in
English.
The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours, with photographs available during Photo Desk
hours. Collections that are stored offsite should be requested 48 hours in advance.
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.
[Identification of item], Open Forum: A School of Collective Learning Records (SFH 602), San Francisco History Center, San
Francisco Public Library.
Donated by Open Forum September, 2015.
Researchers are encouraged to see also: SFH 459, Bay Area Radical Teachers' Organizing Collective Records.
During processing, parts of the collection were re-foldered and re-housed in acid-free folders and boxes. Some metal staples
remain.
Photographs have been transferred to the San Francisco Historical Photograph Collection.
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.
The collection is arranged in 5 series: Series 1: Administrative, Series 2: Workshop/Course Materials, Series 3: Media, Series
4: Artifacts, Series 5: Photographs.
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.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Education -- California -- San Francisco.
Education -- Curricula.
Alternative schools.