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 bring to the community noted speakers presenting viewpoints on current significant issues
that will affect the quality of life." 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.
