More than 200 years after its founding, the U.S. government continues to thrive on argument, dispute, and debate. For citizens to be fully engaged in the political process, they must continue to participate in the tradition of public discourse exemplified by the ratification debate of 1787-88. College-Community Forums are designed to further discussion of the constitutional issues that shape the nation's government. The Forums are based on traditional town meetings where citizens voice their opinions on matters of local concern. This handbook was written as part of a Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution program to fund a limited number of Forums. It is intended to serve as a guide for organizers of Commission-funded programs and as a valuable resource for organizers of other public forums on the Constitution. The guide discusses the several aspects of organizing a Forum: purpose, format, meeting space, selecting panelists, audience, media coverage, finances and fundraising, topics and content, and evaluation. Three appendices also are included: a sample letter to prospective panelists, a sample text for advertisement, and a sample press release. (DB)