Civic Engagement & the Candidates Forum
Empowering Communities to Shape Their Future
Since 2018, the Channel A TV Foundation, in partnership with community organizations such as the Kent Black Action Commission (KBAC) and other King County stakeholders, has proudly led the way in producing and broadcasting the Candidates Forum as part of its broader Civic Engagement Initiative.
This signature event is held annually during election cycles and serves as a community-powered civic platform where voters get the opportunity to meet, hear from, and directly engage with political candidates, all within an inclusive, respectful, and media-accessible setting.
Creating Access and Representation Through Media
Channel A TV Foundation uses its powerful and far-reaching media platforms—including live forums, televised debates, digital streams, and social media engagement—to ensure that every community member, regardless of background, can be informed and included in the democratic process.
From gubernatorial races to city council elections, the Candidates Forum features elected officials and hopefuls at all levels, including:
- Governors and Lieutenant Governors
- U.S. and State Senators
- U.S. House and State Representatives
- County Executives
- Mayors and Deputy Mayors
- School Board Members
- Superior and District Court Judges
- Port Commissioners and more
These open-access forums are often the first or only direct interface some voters have with candidates, and that matters deeply in communities that are often overlooked or underserved in the political process.
The Deeper Purpose of Civic Engagement
At the heart of the Candidates Forum is our belief that an informed citizenry is the cornerstone of a thriving democracy.
Civic engagement is more than casting a ballot, it’s:
- Participating in community-centered conversations
- Understanding the implications of new laws and ballot initiatives
- Holding leaders accountable for their promises and policies
- Creating a culture of political literacy among youth and first-time voters
- Encouraging community members to become leaders themselves
Our forums emphasize inclusion, equity, and empowerment—ensuring that youth, immigrants, women, elders, and historically marginalized populations have the tools, knowledge, and opportunity to fully engage in civic life.
Youth Engagement and Leadership Pipeline
A unique and powerful feature of Channel A TV Foundation’s civic programs is our intentional inclusion of young people. Students and emerging leaders from across Washington State are invited to:
- Attend candidate forums
- Join our civic education workshops
- Travel to the State Capitol for Black Legislative Day
- Ask questions during live panels
- Volunteer in media production and event logistics
Through this, we cultivate a pipeline of next-generation leaders who understand the power of their voice and civic responsibility early on.
A Fair and Balanced Platform for All Candidates
As a nonpartisan media organization, Channel A TV Foundation takes pride in providing a neutral, equitable platform for all candidates. Each forum is structured to:
- Provide equal speaking time
- Include moderated Q&A sessions
- Cover a range of community-relevant topics: healthcare, education, policing, housing, economic development, and more
- Foster dialogue in a respectful, solution-oriented environment
We do not endorse any political party or individual, our commitment is to the voter and the public interest.
Why This Matters – Now More Than Ever
In an era of disinformation, division, and digital overwhelm, it is critical that communities have trusted spaces to engage in civil, fact-based discussions. The Candidates Forum fosters that space.
Through these civic engagements, we’ve seen real impacts:
- Increased voter turnout in communities of color
- Informed voting decisions made with clarity and confidence
- Greater accountability from elected officials
- Strengthened trust between local government and constituents
Join the Movement
Whether you’re a candidate, a voter, a student, or a partner organization—you have a place at the Candidates Forum.
Ways to Get Involved:
- Attend or tune into upcoming forums
- Are you a candidate? Apply to participate
- Bring your youth group or class to learn and volunteer
- Partner with us to co-host or sponsor future forums
- Help us spread the word in your community
📩 Contact us: info@channelatvfoundation.org
🌐 Visit: www.channelatvfoundation.org
Because real change begins with real conversations and every voice matters.
Would you like a matching flyer, newsletter insert, or downloadable event packet for this year’s Candidates Forum? I can also help you create social media promos or a recap article post-event.
