In 1988, June and Aaron
Gillespie were honored by the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of
Poughkeepsie with the establishments of a forum, named in their honor, whose
mission was "to inform and engage the community by presenting
viewpoints, programs and speakers on significant issues." Since then,
the June and Aaron Gillespie Forum, in cooperation with local colleges and
organizations, has brought many speakers to the Poughkeepsie area to discuss
diverse issues, ranging from the Roosevelts to terrorism, social security to
human rights, and the bonds that bring us together as citizens of Dutchess
County, New York, the United States, and the world.
June, prominent in many
facets of community life, explored the best use of the Fund. "We live in
an era of change and invention," she observed, "a time of constantly-emerging
new technologies. We find, however, scant recognition or discussion of the
problems raised by these new discoveries and inventions. We seem in a rage to
invent items the significance and implications of which we do not fathom. Our
ability to live and cope with scientific advancements lags far, far behind
our findings; we sorely need to take time to reflect, learn how to be masters
of our technologies rather than overwhelmed by them..."
With this in mind, she
suggested that creation of "a forum where major subjects that affect our
quality of living might be an exemplary use of such funds."
To attract diverse members
of the community, arrangements were initiated to alternate co-sponsorship
with Vassar, Dutchess Community, and Marist Colleges, ensuring that
viewpoints will be varied and discussion lively. Several local businesses
have joined with the Gillespie Forum to further increase the resources
available.
