The Salt Spring Forum is a non-profit charitable organization that brings prominent public figures - thinkers, scientists, writers, advocates and national leaders - to beautiful Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, for community discussions and democratic debate. A hallmark of the Forum is that guests do not present speeches or lectures but rather engage in audience-led exploration of themes and issues.
We pursue our commitment to examine ideas of national and global significance through our annual guest speaker series, through members-only salons, and through occasional workshops and short courses.
Our Mission
To inspire creative dialogue about a wide range of significant ideas and solutions to the major challenges of our times.
What We Have Achieved
Presented over 130 events over the past 14 years with diverse speakers & different points of view.
Enhanced Salt Spring Island’s engagement with current issues.
Provided a model for the world to tackle the big issues of our times through dialogue.
Fostered strong local partnerships to support important local and global initiatives.
Maintained a partnership with Gulf Islands Secondary School to Encourage student engagement both with our regular Forum Guests as well as with speakers on topics of specific student interest. On a number of occasions we have involved student leaders in planning and delivering speaker events. Did we succeed in bringing Greta Thunberg to GISS? No, but we tried.
Made our events accessible to students and low-income residents by offering complimentary tickets.
“We much appreciate that the Forum consistently fosters stimulating and informative conversations with truly outstanding guests as well as with fellow Islanders.”