Finding aid to the Open Forum Records
1973-1997
SFH 602
Finding aid compiled by Katherine Ets-Hokin
San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library
2019
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
sfhistory@sfpl.org
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.
Physical Location: The collection is stored off-site.
Language of Materials: Collection materials are in
English.
Conditions Governing Access
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.
Publication Rights
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.
Provenance
Donated by Open Forum September, 2015.
Related Materials
Researchers are encouraged to see also: SFH 459, Bay Area Radical Teachers' Organizing Collective Records.
Conservation Note
During processing, parts of the collection were re-foldered and re-housed in acid-free folders and boxes. Some metal staples
remain.
Materials Transferred
Photographs have been transferred to the San Francisco Historical Photograph Collection.
Scope and Contents
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.
Arrangement Note
The collection is arranged in 5 series: Series 1: Administrative, Series 2: Workshop/Course Materials, Series 3: Media, Series
4: Artifacts, Series 5: Photographs.
Administrative History
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.
box 1, folder 2
Agendas, Timetables, etc.
1989-1993
box 1, folder 3
Alternative Information Network
1993
box 1, folder 8
Articles of Incorporation
1993
box 1, folder 15
Chicano Moratorium
1991-1992
box 1, folder 17
Convener Outreach
circa 1995
box 1, folder 21
Decennium Network
circa 1995
box 1, folder 22
Discussion Group Summaries
circa 1995
box 1, folder 25
Educational Organizations
1993
box 1, folder 27
Evaluation Forms (blank)
circa 1995
box 1, folder 29
Facilities for Classes
1990-1991
box 1, folder 30
Feedback, Comments, Notes
1989-1991
box 1, folder 35
International Council for Adult Education
1992-1993
box 1, folder 36
Informational Leaflet
1989-1992
box 1, folder 37
Introduction Packets
1989
box 1, folder 39
Liberation School
1973-1976
box 1, folder 42
Library, Gay & Lesbian Historical Society
1991-1994
box 1, folder 43
Mail, Complaints, Threats
1991-1992
box 1, folder 47-48
Meeting Minutes
1991-1997
box 1, folder 52
New York Marxist School
1990-1992
box 1, folder 56
Open University of the Left (Chicago)
1991
box 1, folder 57
Popular Education Conference
1990-1993
box 1, folder 64
Statement of Purpose
1991-1997
Series 2
Workshop/Course Materials
box 2, folder 2-3
Capital Resources
1981-1994
box 2, folder 6
Facilitation Workshop
1991
box 2, folder 7
From Lenin to Lorax
circa 1990
box 2, folder 8
Government Repression CONINTELPRO
1990
box 2, folder 10
Injustice in Our Communities
1992
box 2, folder 11
Contract With America
1995
box 2, folder 12
Introduction to Marxism
circa 1990
box 2, folder 13
Israel, the Palestinians, and American Progressives
1977-1990
box 2, folder 14
Israel, Palestinians and the Persian Gulf Crisis
1990
box 2, folder 15
Politics of Sexuality
circa 1990
box 2, folder 18
Public Secrets
circa 1990
box 2, folder 23
Towards a Progressive Agenda
1995
box 2, folder 25-26
White Supremacy
1991-1993
box 2
VHS
1992
Scope and Contents
1 VHS tape. Labeled: Open Forum - Injustice in Our Commmunities, Hunters Point Opera House
box 2
Audio Cassettes
1985-1986
Scope and Contents
3 audio cassettes. Labeled: Nicaragua Libre (2), Managus - Gary's Barrio Metagalapa Xmas Eve; "Conference on the Family"
(1)
Table at Anti War Demonstration (1 photo)
1990-1991
Demonstration March (1 photo)
1990-1991
2940 16th Street (7 photos)
circa 1995