***First Come, First in!***Doors open at 5:00PM*** Thousands of Coloradans having been trying for weeks to get the attention of Senator Gardner in a good-faith effort to encourage him to set up a face-to-face town hall, especially during February recess week. The senator has declined so far, and so we're going to make it as easy as possible for him, we're organizing the town hall. We will ask our questions in a civil forum among our community neighbors with or without the senator's presence. He has, however, been invited in good faith and encouraged to attend. ****WHAT THIS EVENT IS NOT**** - Not a demonstration, protest, march, or rally. - Not a venue for negative, hyper-partisan, or polemical remarks - Not a completely open forum; a call for questions was posted to group members and we will have selected participants ask those in order to lend structure to the proceedings. The questions will seek to cover each issue area where Coloradans have expressed deep concern. ****WHAT DO WE WANT OUT OF THIS EVENT?**** To openly share our deepest concerns through civil, constructive, and respectful dialogue, and to send a message to Senator Gardner that talking to his constituents is an essential part of his public service job. While it is very UNLIKELY the Senator will attend this event, the best outcome would be for him to do so, and as such, the peaceful tone and manner of the town hall will demonstrate that he had no reason not to attend. If the story that results is that he didn’t show up, the only question everyone should be asking is - why not? ****FAQS**** Will Senator Gardner be there? It is highly UNLIKELY, but an invite will be extended to him in good faith. What is the format? In the first half of the program, we will share pre-selected questions directed at Senator Gardner (whether he attends or not). The second half will feature a guest speaker on the topic of citizens can be most effective in influencing their members of congress. Will the press be there? Yes, press will most likely attend. By attending this event, you may end up on camera. Can I bring a sign? You may bring signs as long as they do not display anything that you wouldn’t want an 8-year child to see (e.g., no curse words, nothing mean) Will I get to ask questions? We have gathered questions from the public in advance, so that there is some structure to the program. At the event itself, we will provide paper for everyone to write down their questions, and hand deliver those to Gardner's office the following Monday. Will other politicians (Senator Bennet, Congresswoman DeGette) be invited to attend? No. This town hall is by and for Colorado citizens. The goal is to have a dialogue with (or without) Senator Gardner regarding our concerns about his willingness to connect with us.