"As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free..."

-Battle Hymn of the Republic

Friday, April 15, 2011

General Information

Mission
The mission of the Temecula Freedom Forum is to provide an environment for citizens of Temecula, and its surrounding areas, to educate themselves in the principles of freedom as taught and implemented by the founding fathers of this "one nation under God". 
We believe that as we increase education in the principles of freedom, the result will be:
  • Stronger principle-based individuals, who will influence the creation of
  • Stronger principle-based families, who will influence the creation of
  • Stronger principle-based communities, which will influence the creation of
  • A stronger principle-based state, which will influence the creation of
  • A stronger principle-based nation, which will ultimately influence the creation of
  • A stronger principle-based world! 

What's the big idea?
The idea behind the Temecula Freedom Forum is that there are many people of a like-mind in Temecula, and its surrounding areas, who would love to learn about the principles of freedom and implement them in their own lives, homes, and community.  However, these individuals are sometimes like islands unable to connect with each other to produce unified and dynamic change because there is no community structure in place to connect them.  The Temecula Freedom Forum provides this structure to connect like-minded individuals in the community who are seeking to learn the principles of freedom as found in the Constitution of the United States and as espoused by our founding fathers and God.

Where do you start?
It all starts with YOU! We believe the best way to accomplish this goal of creating a principle-based world is to start at the grassroots level -- with individual citizens.  As individuals begin to re-learn and implement the principles of freedom that have been largely lost in our society today, they will have the power to influence real change in themselves, their families, their communities, their state, their nation, and the world.  It all starts with you!

How do you start?
Listed to the right are suggested ideas for courses and colloquium groups which may be offered in our community in the future. 

Currently there are interest lists forming to assess the need and desire of community members with regard to the principles of freedom.  

After reviewing the courses/colloquiums, if you are interested in being part of any of them, please email us at: temeculafreedomforum@gmail.com

In your email, please include which courses/colloquiums you might be interested in attending and what day and time works best for you.

As enough interest accumulates, a mentor becomes available, and a location is secured for those particular courses/colloquiums, you will be notified.

***Note:  These courses/colloquiums are just suggestions and are subject to change depending on the mentor leading each course.  Additionally, we are open to new ideas for future courses/colloquiums if you would like to share your idea with us.

Constitution 101 - Basic Principles of Freedom

After many years of careful study, deliberation, debate, and compromise by those whom we respectfully esteem as our "founding fathers", there came forth the fruit we now know as the Constitution of the United States of America.  Most Americans profess support and love for this document, but do they even know what is says?  If they do know what it says, do they understand what it means?  This course is designed to give citizens a basic understanding of the principles contained in our founding documents.  We will discover and discuss these principles as we study the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution together. 

Materials: A Guide for Learning and Teaching the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution by Joseph Andrews.  Optional: The Making of America by Cleon Skousen

Meeting: Probably weekly for 8 weeks.

To be placed on the interest list, email: temeculafreedomforum@gmail.com

Constitution 201 - Federalist & Anti-Federalist Papers

If the Constitution is the fruit, then what are the branches and trunk from which this fruit sprang?  Or, in other words, what were the arguments that supported the formation of this great document?  In this course we will study The Federalist Papers and  The Anti-Federalist Papers in order to more fully understand the true intent and meaning behind the various articles and sections contained within the Constitution. 

Materials: The Federalist Papers and The Anti-Federalist Papers

Meeting: TBA

To be placed on the interest list, email: temeculafreedomforum@gmail.com

Constitution 301 - Founding "Grandfathers"

If the Constitution is the fruit, and the combined wisdom and knowledge of the founding fathers are the branches and trunk, what are the roots of this inspired document?  In this course we will study the "founding grandfathers" of the Constitution, or in other words, those whose wisdom and knowledge preceded our founding fathers and from whom our founding fathers gathered the data, knowledge, and information necessary to formulate the most dynamic and prosperous government form ever to be created and instituted by man on the earth.  In this course we will study the works of authors such as Montesquieu, Locke, Blackstone, Adam Smith, and even Moses, whose ideas of government and economics were so influential in the formation of our constitutional republic and free market system. 

Materials: TBA

Meeting: Probably monthly for 9 months.

To be placed on the interest list, email: temeculafreedomforum@gmail.com

Founding Fathers

We know the names and dates associated with our glorious U.S. history, but who really were the men and women behind the formation of this great nation under God?  In this colloquium group, we will delve into the lives and characters of our founding fathers (and mothers), by reading such books as The Real George Washington by Parry, Allison, and Skousen, The Real Thomas Jefferson by Allison, Maxfield, Cook, and Skousen, The Real Benjamin Franklin by Allison, Skousen, and Maxfield, and John Adams by McCullough.

Materials: TBA

Meeting: Probably monthly for 9 months.

To be placed on the interest list, email: temeculafreedomforum@gmail.com

Principles of Freedom Colloquium

This colloquium group will gather to discuss literature relating to the principles of freedom.  We will read and discuss such literature as the 5000 Year Leap by Skousen, The Proper Role of Government by Benson, The Law and That Which is Seen and That Which is Unseen by Bastiat, Democracy in America by de Tocqueville, and works by Thomas Paine.

Materials: TBA

Meeting: Probably twice per month for a few months.

To be placed on the interest list, email: temeculafreedomforum@gmail.com 

Key of Liberty (Youth)

This course is designed for youth ages 12-17 (or could be done with adults as well).  In this 9 month course, students will read literature relating to freedom such as The Red Scarf Girl by Jiang, The Making of George Washington, John Adams: The Reluctant Patriot, and others.  They will participate in book colloquiums, essay writing, simulations, and other engaging activities.  They will also memorize the Declaration of Independence and will leave the course having a working knowledge of the Constitution of the United States.

Materials: TBA

Meeting: Probably weekly for 9 months.

To be placed on the interest list, email: temeculafreedomforum@gmail.com

Constitution KIDS!

This course, designed for 8-11 year old children, exposes them to our founding fathers and the basic principles of freedom as contained in our founding documents.  It incorporates music, simulations (hands-on learning experiences), and art. 

Materials: TBA

Meeting: Probably weekly for 4-8 weeks.

To be placed on the interest list, email: temeculafreedomforum@gmail.com