What is the Fort Worth Forum?
The Fort Worth Forum is a collective of engaged and enthusiastic leaders working across Fort Worth’s business, civic and non-profit sectors. The mission is to foster connections and fellowship among leaders in a vibrant and growing city through educational programs, social events, and domestic and international enrichment experiences. Our goal is a flourishing city.
What does the Fort Worth Forum do?
The Forum’s primary agenda is to bring together a diverse membership with the aim of strengthening our community by:
Is this an initiative of Rainwater Charitable Foundation or City of Fort Worth?
The idea for the Forum initially came from a conversation between Jeremy Smith (Rainwater) and Mayor Mattie Parker (City of Fort Worth). They were exploring ways to further connect long-time Fort Worthians and recent residents in their mutual passion for building a thriving welcoming city for all, today and in the future. While both entities have been important in the launch of the organization, the Fort Worth Forum is a stand-alone nonprofit organization.
Who oversees the Fort Worth Forum?
The Fort Worth Forum is run by a volunteer board of directors. The board of directors can choose to hire a staff person or contract with a management organization to help operationalize the board’s mandates.
The Forum has a board of sponsors made up of established Fort Worth community leaders. These leaders help to hold the Forum accountable to its mission and values and serve as a thought partner to the board of directors.
Who is the “ideal” Fort Worth Forum member?
Members of the Forum love Fort Worth. They have a demonstrated track record of leadership and dedication to creating a better Fort Worth for all its current and future residents. Forum members may feel passionate about key issues, but they are open to learning about other points of view and can disagree without being disagreeable. Members do not need to live in Fort Worth, they may work or invest in the city. Forum leaders are not all high-level executives but they do need to have sufficient professional or personal leadership history of affecting change.
The membership of the Fort Worth Forum represents the demographic, professional and ideological diversity of the city of Fort Worth. The minimum age for participation is 21 and there is no maximum age.
How does someone become a member?
The inaugural membership class was nominated and voted on by the board of directors. Subsequently, members will nominate individuals for the membership committee to consider for acceptance. The committee will take into consideration individual backgrounds as well as the needs of the overall group in terms of diversity of experience, demographics, and voice.
Do I need to pay to be a member?
As of Fall 2024, membership dues are $500 a year. These help cover costs associated with luncheon programs and operations. These dues do not include costs associated with special programs, domestic and international trips or if a member would like to invite a guest to a luncheon. There are scholarship options available to ensure that cost is not a hindrance to membership.
If I leave my current job, do I lose my membership in the Forum?
Membership to the Forum is tied to an individual, not a company. If you change jobs, you maintain your membership. If your company has been paying your dues, then you will need to arrange for alternative payment options or make use of available scholarship funds.
Is there a maximum number of members?
The Board of Directors will set the maximum number of active members. Members who are not interested in or able to participate in a portion of the monthly luncheons will be encouraged to move into inactive status. Inactive members pay a decreased membership fee and will pay for any luncheons they would like to attend. If there is a need to increase membership size, the Forum board (with approval from membership) can choose to make this change in the bylaws.