A History of the Forums Institute for Public Policy

In 1992, health care reform was high on the national agenda. In response, the New Jersey League of Women Voters convened a nonpartisan, off-the-record gathering of policy makers from across the state to discuss the proposed federal health care reform changes and what they might mean to New Jersey. The meeting was a resounding success, prompting The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to provide financial support. Today Forums Institute serves the private and public sectors helping stakeholders address a wide variety of issues. The Institute's programs use the same methods that made New Jersey Policy Forums a vital resource for state policy makers.

1992	New Jersey League of Women Voters convenes a gathering of policy makers to discuss federal health care changes and the possible impact on New Jersey.
1993	The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funds what has become a series of nonpartisan policy forums about health care in New Jersey (New Jersey Policy Forums on Health and Medical Care).
1997	Forums Institute for Public Policy established as a 501(c)(3) organization to administer New Jersey Policy Forums on Health and Medical Care.
1998	Forums Institute Advisory Panel formed to support and promote the organization.
1999	New Jersey Policy Forums on Health and Medical Care Advisory Panel formed to consult on forum topics, speakers and development of related Policy Forum materials.
1999	State Forums Partnership Program launched as a national initiative of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation with three partners: Massachusetts Health Policy Forum at Brandeis University Texas Institute for Health Policy Research in Austin Kansas Health Institute in Topeka.
1999	National Advisory Committee of the State Forums Partnership Program established by the National Program Office.
1999	Leadership for the 21st Century created to provide leadership training for senior officials of the executive branch of state government.
2000	Informed Contemplative Dialogue codified by Forums Institute as a proprietary model for discussion and deliberation.
2003	Forums Institute holds Policy Conversations for small groups using the Informed Contemplative Dialogue model.
2004	Success of Policy Conversations leads Forums Institute to launch Conversations with Forums Institute, taking the forums model and Informed Contemplative Dialogue to businesses, school boards, local municipalities and other audiences.