Vision:
To promote the principles of American liberty.
Mission Statement:
The mission of The
Conservative Forum of Silicon Valley is to promote the principles of American
liberty through education. As the recognized conservative non-partisan
umbrella organization in the Bay Area, we are the place for conservatives from
President's Message:
Welcome to The Conservative Forum of Silicon Valley, a gathering place for conservatives in Santa Clara Valley since 2004. Yes, there really are other conservatives in Silicon Valley; so many in fact that we have outgrown two venues since 2004 and now have almost 600 paid members.
In addition to the leadership of the founders Richard Geno and Jack Mallory we have enjoyed the strength that cannot be bought; talented and dedicated volunteers that make this all happen.
As I took over the presidency in January of 2012 I was very aware of the responsibility, challenges and opportunities. We all want the Forum to be successful, but how do we measure success? 1) paid membership, 2) attendance in meetings, 3) the quality of speakers, 4) financial stability, or 5) contributions to society?
1. Our paid membership continues to grow, especially during election years but even during off years.
2. Our meeting attendance continues to be strong and grow, year to year. As Richard Geno recently observed not a single meeting in 2011 would have fit into our previous venue.
3. The quality of our speakers has been our strongest attraction. With well recognized speakers like David Horowitz, Brian Sussman, Sally Pipes, Ward Connerly, Melanie Morgan, John Lott, Brian Kennedy, Aryeh Green, Debra Saunders, Jeff Katz, Star Parker, Daniel Pipes, Andrew Breitbart, Victor Davis Hanson, Burt Folsom, and Dr. John Yoo we never have a problem drawing a good crowd which provides an opportunity for members to bring friends and neighbors to help educate them in conservative principles, a core part of our mission. It also brings in new members.
4. The large audiences these special speakers attract also bring in more revenue enabling us to continue our mission. It is important that we maintain a reasonable reserve to afford good speakers and to weather bad times.
5. We offer free tables at our meetings for grass roots or other groups to promote their conservative causes at our meetings. In 2012 we will be awarding our first annual scholarship based on a constitutional essay contest, conducted by our Constitutional Discussion Group.
It is important for the Conservative Forum do everything we can to accomplish our mission. Some things we can do directly and some by supporting other organizations that are directly involved.
What the founding president of The Conservative Forum said is still as valid and accurate as it ever was:
Most of all, we provide a sanctuary for conservatives in a sea of liberalism. Each month we get the facts and insight of thought-provoking experts in areas such as economic freedom, immigration reform, the war on terrorism, global warming, media bias, the collectivization of America and election fraud. As one of our members has said, “The people are friendly, and there is excitement in the air”.
Join us at our next meeting.
Or better yet, join the Forum and attend them all.
The year 2012 will be a critical election year and we need to get and remain active.
Howard Myers
President