FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — Broward College has partnered with The Village Square, a non-partisan public educational forum, to provide Broward County with a safe environment for civic engagement, allowing the community to come together to learn about a variety of topics on matters of local, state and national importance.

The College plans to host three dinners, “Dinner at the Square,” which will include guest speakers on pre-selected topics. The events are intended to be educational, providing spirited but fact-based debate. They are open to the public; however, seating is limited, and registration is required to attend. The cost is $50 the day of the event.

“We are thrilled that Broward College is one of five chapters nationwide that is partnering with the Village Square,” said Broward College President J. David Armstrong Jr. “We look forward to the convening of great minds to learn about the issues plaguing our county, state and country.”

The first event, which will focus on the “Stand Your Ground” law, will take place 6 to 7:30 p.m. today at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Huizenga Pavilion, 201 SW 5th Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Florida Sen. Chris Smith and former Sen. Carey Baker will explore the question: “Is there a middle ground on Stand Your Ground?” by examining the law, its consequences and future.

The Village Square was founded in 2006 when Allan Katz, former-Tallahassee city commissioner, and his friend Bill Law, president of Tallahassee Community College, were on opposing sides of a divisive local issue. In their disagreement, they decided to create a shared civic space for conversations for people with different viewpoints to discuss important problems.

All events are planned by the advisory board members, a group of community leaders, including city and county commissioners, educators, business owners, and religion and non-profit leaders from across Broward County, representing all political affiliations.

For more information or to register, visit http://www.broward.edu/villagesquare.