The Old School * New School * Reform School Event Experience

Philadelphia Forward awarded the first "FORWARD THINKER" awards at its Old School * New School * Reform School event.  On June 8, 2006, Philadelphia reformers and members of Philadelphia Forward's growing constituency for change helped celebrate and cultivate the push for reform in Philadelphia.  If you missed it, or want to relive the event, we present the Old School * New School * Reform School event experience where you can view photos of the event, read a transcript of the evening's proceedings, and watch a video of highlights from the night.

Old School * New School * Reform School Panel Discussion Transcript

 Coming Soon

Old School * New School * Reform School Video

Click here to view a short video of event highlights.  If the movie doesn't play, please download the free QuickTime Player.

Old School * New School * Reform School Images 

Philadelphia Forward Board Member Della Clark welcomes reformers to the Enterprise Center

Philadelphia Forward Executive Director Brett Mandel talks about the state of reform in Philadelphia

Philadelphia Forward Board Member John Chin Presents Robert Butera with a Forward Thinker Award

Philadelphia Forward Board Member Priscilla Cohen Presents Ed Goppelt with a Forward Thinker Award

Philadelphia Forward Board Member Ahmeenah Young Presents William Miller with a Forward Thinker Award

Philadelphia Forward Board Member Colleen Puckett accepts the Forward Thinker Award on behalf of Cecilia Yep

Daily News reporter Dave Davies moderates a discussion on the state of reform in Philadelphia

Panelists covered topics from pressures to compromise to whether city political parties can be a positive force for change

A standing-room only crowd enjoyed the discussion as Butera, Goppelt, and Miller respond to Davies' questions

William R. Miller, IV:  "If we're going to move Philadelphia forward, we cannot continue to give an inordinate amount of the blame to elected officials; we cannot wait for a corporate community who's profit-driven to provide resources for endeavors that we think need to be done."

Edmund Goppelt:  "Maybe it is not possible for old-guard Philadelphia to reform the city...what it takes is young people with a lot or energy who don't have any existing  relationships and aren't already a part of the system."

Robert Butera:  "This community right now should be in outrage...because we have a picture painted in front of us...how government is happening in Philadelphia."

The diverse constituency for change in Philadelphia includes representatives from every corner of the city

At the reception, reformers young and old socialized and commented on the state of reform in Philadelphia 

The group enjoyed food and drinks and lively discussions, connecting with reformers across the political spectrum

The newest of new school reformers, Sidney Weinbaum Mandel poses with dad, Brett Mandel and mom, Laura Weinbaum

State Representative Dwight Evans happily accepts an opportunity to meet a young reformer

Awardees Robert Butera and William Miller catch up with State Representative Dwight Evans at the reception

Thank you for enjoying our virtual Old School * New School * Reform School event.  While admission to the virtual event was free, you can use the button below to make a real contribution to support the push for change in Philadelphia.

 Click here to Donate!

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