Forums can take between two and five class periods, depending on the complexity of the issues, the amount of additional research the students might want to do to prepare for the discussion, and the amount of time needed for discussion

Procedure.

1. The class selects five students to serve as the forum panel.  The teacher might also select the panelists.  Assign and prepare for roles as follows:

      a.   One student will serve as the chairperson of the forum. 

       b.  Other panelists should be assigned to present the issues for discussion, providing brief history of the issues, why they were selected, suggesting some guiding questions, etc. 

2. Other students prepare for the discussion by studying the issues.  They may also be assigned to role-play the community-member roles if roles are provided in the lesson.  They may also adapt the roles or create their own.

3.  Teachers and students might identify community members to invite to participate in the forum.  Community members may represent themselves or be assigned roles to play.

4. After students have had time to prepare, conduct the youth forum.  The forum can involve students from one class, several classes, a grade level, or the entire school.  As inclusive a discussion as possible is encouraged.

5. Comments made during the forum may be recorded and shared with others. If this is desired, a student should be asked to write down comments and summarize and report them.