Many thanks to the Bristol Historical and Preservation Society, and Dory Skemp, President, for hosting our February 27, 2002 Bristol Dialogue. The evening's discussion highlighted a key community issue: communication.

As we learned, Bristolians consider their city not only their hometown but also an historic place that requires preservation. Many citizens and friends of Bristol are involved in the numerous groups that over the years have promoted the thoughtful development of the city. With its 17th century town plan intact, downtown Bristol has broad tree-lined streets, a waterfront landscape, and many houses with information plaques that attest to nearly 400 years of Rhode Island and national history. Other attractions include the nationÕs oldest annual 4th of July Parade and more recent winter holiday traditions. The city also has strong mercantile zones, well-established ethnic neighborhoods, at least 10 museums, and numerous houses of religion. As a result, Bristol offers residents, students, faculty, and staff at Roger Williams University, and the city's many visitors much to see, do, and enjoy.

However, participants talked about the need for better communication among the groups involved in these activities. For instance: Roger Williams University, they felt, was not yet sufficiently part of the town stemming from its location, its campus-centered social life, and the nature of "student" as contrasted to "town" life. A spirited discussion ensued on whether Bristol considers itself a "college town" and what that description means for both sides of the "town/gown" equation. Participants also felt that, due to some management and policy changes, the local newspaper currently does not provide in-depth community news or serve as a community resource site. Participants suggested encouraging the paper to follow up on its recent meetings that asked readers how it could improve its services. They also pondered starting an alternative paper or web site about Bristol. The Dialogue offered these Bristol residents the opportunity to begin to think about how a $1000 Fund for Community Engagement grant would help support a project that would engage more Bristolians in "community communication-building."