The Bartlett Community Forum is a non-profit corporation and shall be operated exclusively for educational and charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or the corresponding section of any future Federal tax code.

The Bartlett Community Forum of Anchorage is named and created in honor of E.L. 'Bob' Bartlett. Bob was born on April 20, 1904, with the given name of Edward Lewis Bartlett. He later responded under the name ‘E.L. ‘Bob’ Bartlett, and, for 24 years, served the people of the state of Alaska as a public servant, in an exemplary manner that earned him the distinction and reference of ‘standing First in the hearts of Alaskans'.

Bob was first introduced to the world of politics 1939 via his pre-statehood appointment as 'Territorial Secretary of Alaska', a position that is today, that of the State’s Lieutenant Governor. His appointment was teamed up with that of Ernest Gruening, Alaska's Junior Senator in 1959.

In 1944, at the urging of Gruening, Bob Bartlett ran for the then 'voiceless' congressional delegate seat, which he won, and to which he was handily returned by Alaska's voters to serve again, and again, serving five terms. 

In 1959, upon Alaska's admission to the Union as our 49th State, Bartlett won election to a six-year term, together with Ernest Gruening, as one of Alaska's 2 U.S. Senators. Senator Bartlett worked dutifully on behalf of his state until his death, in December 1968, while still in office.

The Bartlett Community Forum began operating in January,1970. The Bartlett Community Forum was established as a means of honoring Bob Bartlett and for carrying out his wishes and goals, of unifying Alaska's people and serve as a visible example of the 'togetherness' of people, standing strong, as a unified and informed force against those factors (groups, individuals, etc.) that would assume control and hold office or positions of authority and power mainly to serve their own personal or selfish purposes, and not that of 'We the People' whom they had purpose to represent.

The organization is dedicated to working closely with members of the community, providing them with updated information on those social, financial and political factors impacting their daily lives and wellbeing. It is a membership organization, open to all without regard to race, gender, political affiliation, religion, etc., but who are interested in providing support and efforts for improving Anchorage and its various communities. 

The Bartlett Community Forum has become well known for its weekly luncheon meetings where interesting, topical and sometimes controversial topics are discussed by knowledgeable speakers and panels. Past topics have included human rights issues, as well as neighborhood problems with potholes, sidewalks and people in need of shelter. Like many other groups and organizations, worldwide, the Covid-19 pandemic created some changes in our scheduled plans and agenda, but as soon as it was possible to do so, the members, once again got together and resumed many of those activities needed for carrying out the original goals and purpose of the organization. 

As was done in the past, this organization continues to provide and promote open forums for candidates seeking public office, examining propositions, being receptive and responsive to various issues of interest and importance to the community, presenting individuals who can inform and educate and make available talks of interest by fellow citizens, school board members, etc. Group members conducted research and provided information regarding the appointment of candidates for the various non-partisan state and local boards, committees and commissions.

Examples of past and current organizational activities include annual fundraising auctions, hosting candidate forums for local state and federal candidates and speakers, reviewing ballot issues, examining government budgets and general election ballot issues. 

It is a long-held and ongoing belief by the Bartlett Community Forum membership that an informed and engaged public is a public that's better equipped, willing and able to work more effectively to improve and address their own community needs and that of their constituency. It is also a way to assist and help others achieve their goals and objectives. 

CONCLUSION:

We see the government as a vehicle, to be used to make the lives and wellbeing, better for all of the people of Alaska. Government should willingly assist in the orderly development and growth of our state, while being receptive and responsive to the needs of the people.

There continues to be the need for an organization that takes a particular interest in the education and inclusion of community members in developing and using their knowledge and awareness as an ongoing catalyst for change and growth. Our aim is to help empower the residents to improve their self-worth, validate their concerns and acknowledge their contributions to self-improvement and participation in their own plans and choices for the future. In this manner this organization will help both itself and others in learning how to attain, improve and/or live and maintain a rewarding quality of life.