We the People: Program Planning Guide for Community Forums on the Constitution.

Designed to assist organizations preparing to celebrate the Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution through community and school events, this guide provides educational ideas that can be useful in directing the public's attention to the Constitution and the values it represents. Information is included on selecting forum formats, such as mock legislative hearings, town hall meetings, mock trials, and debates and on how to handle scheduling, space requirements, topics, speakers, audiences, and public relations. How to organize successful planning groups and develop programs are described along with suggestions and potential resources for fund-raising efforts. Ideas are presented for developing local publicity including suggestions for working with local media sources. Educational programs that can be incorporated into local school curricula and sample community forum topics are highlighted. Alternative community activities, such as the use of speakers' bureaus or films, are described. Appendices include bibliographies of: (1) written resources about the U.S. Constitution (175 items); (2) Constitution-related audiovisual materials (228 items); and (3) organizations participating in "We the People" programs. (JHP)