Civic Forum

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Malmesbury Civic Forum Charter

  1. Purpose

Civic Forum exists to strengthen civic life by bringing people together for thoughtful discussion, shared learning and practical problem-solving.

We believe that democracy depends not only on elections and institutions, but on the habits of citizenship: listening carefully, speaking truthfully, weighing evidence, respecting disagreement and acting responsibly in the common interest.

  1. Local beginning, wider purpose

Civic Forum begins in Malmesbury, but it is not only about Malmesbury. It is intended as a local expression of a wider need: to renew civic confidence, competence and participation across Britain.

Each Civic Forum should be rooted in its own locality, shaped by its own people and attentive to its own circumstances.

  1. Non-party character

Civic Forum is strictly non-party.

It does not exist to promote any political party, candidate or faction. People of all political views and none are welcome, provided they are willing to engage in good faith, listen to others and contribute constructively.

  1. Principles

Civic Forum is guided by the following principles:

We seek truth before advantage.

We value evidence, experience and judgement.

We prefer careful thought to slogans.

We welcome disagreement when it is honest and civil.

We distinguish between party politics and civic responsibility.

We believe local communities should have greater influence over decisions that affect them.

We aim to turn complaint into contribution.

  1. Method

Civic Forum will host meetings, discussions and working groups on matters of civic, local and national importance.

Its role is to help people understand issues, hear different perspectives, identify practical options and, where appropriate, develop constructive proposals.

It may produce notes, summaries, recommendations or public statements, but only where these reflect careful discussion rather than partisan campaigning.

  1. Conduct

Those taking part in Civic Forum are expected to:

speak honestly and respectfully;

listen with patience;

avoid personal attacks;

declare relevant interests where appropriate;

be willing to revise their views in light of evidence;

treat opponents as fellow subjects and citizens, not enemies.

  1. Independence

Civic Forum should remain independent of parties, commercial interests and ideological capture.

It may work with councils, charities, churches, schools, businesses, public bodies and community groups where this supports its civic purpose, but it should not become the instrument of any of them.

  1. Aim

The aim of Civic Forum is not merely to discuss public life, but to improve it.

We seek to rebuild trust, increase civic competence, strengthen local influence and encourage practical responsibility.

We begin where we are, with the people around us, in the belief that significant change often starts locally.