Forward Together As One

A Collaborative Community-Based Vodcast Series

In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s commitment to community service, The Forward Together Forum is dedicated to open discussions and presentations by Wisconsin community workers and leaders, educators and authors, historians, artists and activists who will share their insights on how "we can" help make Dr. King's dream a reality, not just for some but for all. Each Vodcast episode will be followed by an online Q&A session for those listening and viewing.

In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s commitment to community service, The Forward Together Forum Series aims to foster a greater understanding of diverse groups, and its presentations hope to inspire both action and change that has a positive long-term impact. While guest speakers help participants learn about the essential issues that shape and drive Wisconsin's varied communities, they will be encouraged to connect with the real challenges that some groups face personally. By doing so, those who take part may collectively reach a turning point that moves beyond talk to active engagement and support in the spirit of sustaining a 'good community’ for all.

What inspired the name for the Forward Together Forum?

It was inspired by Wisconsin's State motto "Forward' adopted as the official state motto in 1851. It reflects Wisconsin's continuous drive to be a national leader. The state adopted "Forward" as the official state motto in 1851 to represent the diversity, wealth, and abundance of resources in Wisconsin.

What does the Forum crest on the logo represent?

The crest, also inspired by the State of Wisconsin's motto, uses four quadrants to represent the principles of the Forum with symbols representing empathy, inclusion, and conversation as three of the cornerstones to sustaining a healthy society. Hospitality, the forth quadrant, is a tribute to every major religious and sacred tradition that morally obligates their followers to treat the 'stranger' among you with goodness, dignity, and generosity.

What is the difference between a podcast and vodcast?

A podcast is an audio program produced on a regular basis, delivered over the internet in a compressed digital format and designed for playback on computers or portable digital audio players. Using the same platforms, a vodcast is a podcast consisting of video recordings, instead of merely audio.

Production Staff

Rachael Romaniak, Technical Director

Erin McConnell, Senior Producer/Content Editor

Amy Overby, Managing Director

Dr. Jonathan Overby, Executive Producer/Host

Forward Together theme song is a commissioned work composed, performed and recorded by by Becca May Grant, 2021

Applications being accepted for:

Social Media Coordinator - position open

Statewide Youth Reporter - position open

Publicity Coordinator - position open

Music by Highway To Heaven Big Band, “Softly And Tenderly”, “Poor Wayfaring Stranger”, and “Ballad On Duke Street” from their 2003 album “Are We There Yet?”, An Africasong Release.

With Gratitude To Our Sponsors

Alliant Energy

American Family Insurance

Capital City Hues

CUNA Mutual Group

Dane Arts

Madison Community Foundation

National Guardian Life Insurance

Shepherd Express

Summit Credit Union

United Way of Dane County

UW Health/Quartz

Wisconsin Public Radio

With thanks to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

To become a sponsor of The Forward Together Forum,
email: africasong@icloud.com

Disclaimer: Africasong provides this vodcast as a public service. However, it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of Africasong policy. Reference to any specific issue, person, product, or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Africasong, its board members, sponsors, partners, or contributors. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on The Forward Together Forum does not explicitly imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. The views and opinions are those of the forum participants. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact Africasong Communications.