Letter from the President
….PUT VERY SIMPLY, I BELIEVE THAT IT IS BETTER TO TELL THE TRUTH THAN TO LIE. I BELIEVE THAT IT IS BETTER TO BE FREE THAN TO BE A SLAVE. AND I BELIEVE THAT IT IS BETTER TO KNOW THAN TO BE IGNORANT”
_H.L Mencken
January 2025
Dear Friends of the Public Policy of Forum,
As we enjoy these cold days of our snowy (let it snow!) winter, the long warm days of summer seem a distant memory; however, the discussions we had during the 2024 season of the Public Policy Forum have stayed with me. Every year I am amazed by the speakers whom the Public Policy Forum brings to Crested Butte. These eight weeks offer us the opportunity to explore and understand important topical issues from differing perspectives - all in our mountain paradise.
This past summer was no exception: thought leaders on space exploration, American Foreign Policy, free speech on college campuses, climate change, humanitarian aid in Gaza and the future of mountain resort towns. If you missed any of them, you can listen to the recordings by clicking on ‘past speakers’ above.
We are currently working on the 2025 season, which promises to be another summer of critical thought exploration in Artificial Intelligence, the Colorado River, the Afghan Women’s Soccer Team, the U.S. Congress, the Supreme Court, as well as other topics.
The Forum’s ability to bring distinguished speakers on contemporary issues of national, global and local significance to Crested Butte, free to the community, relies entirely on the support of our amazing donors. We would like to send each of you a huge thank you. If you are on the website for the first time- welcome, and we hope you will be intrigued enough to become part of the community who make this amazing program possible.
As you look at your new year’s resolutions, why not make the CB Public Policy Forum your first donation of the year and resolve to join us for our exciting speaker series in the summer of ’25. We look forward to seeing all of you in CB next summer, on the trails and at the Forum.
Thank you again for your civic engagement and continued support.
Happy New Year.
Gabi Prochaska
a forum for civic engagement
Promoting civic dialogue, debate and community engagement with distinguished expert speakers on issues of international, national, and local significance in the Gunnison Valley since 2003.
Friends of the Forum, Our Sponsors
We are a not-for-profit organization supported by sponsorships and donations from our local community.
The Forum is broad and inclusive
The Crested Butte Public Policy Forum is an avenue for information, not advocacy. The speakers reflect a wide range of ideologies, beliefs, and political affiliations.
The Forum is not associated with a particular political party nor does it espouse a particular political ideology.