FAQ - Broader Community list
This FAQ (frequently asked questions) is primarily designed for individuals considering being listed as experts on the Forum’s broader community resource page.
What is the purpose of the “broader community” resource page and program?
Forum on the Arms Trade-listed experts engage with and often rely on the knowledge of others within our broader community, including government and intergovernmental officials, experts in the military and the defense industries, journalists, and others. The purpose of the broader community program is recognize leaders within the wider community who address the humanitarian, economic and other implications of arms transfers, security assistance, and weapons use in their work.
Individuals listed on the broader community page have explicitly opted in to being listed, agreeing to serve as resources to Forum-listed experts. It is hoped that by publicly identifying broader community leaders, connections will be built across multiple issue areas that enable those listed as well as other stakeholders to better address issues of shared concern.
What are “broader community” experts expected to do as part of being listed and how might they benefit?
The notional expectation of "broader community" experts is that they will take occasional emails or phone calls from Forum-listed experts on topics of shared interest. It is not anticipated that such contact would be frequent, but that such contact would be welcome when it occurs.
If not already on the Forum’s newsletter list, broader community experts will begin to receive our newsletters and other communications to be kept informed of Forum events and updates from Forum members. Broader community experts may also be asked to advise or participate in events and other Forum efforts. As noted earlier, it is hoped that ultimately connections made via the broader community program will lead to progress and positive policy solutions on issues of joint concern.
Do individuals listed have to agree with each other?
Being listed is not an explicit endorsement by Forum-listed experts nor an indication that these community experts endorse each other or the Forum. Institutional affiliation is optional and, when indicated, for identification purposes only.
How are decisions made on who is included in the Forum's “broader community” list?
The Forum on the Arms Trade is a cooperative project of a growing number of experts, currently managed by Jeff Abramson. Inclusion within the broader community list is typically begun by referral from a Forum-listed expert. At present, Jeff Abramson manages the broader community list and takes responsibility for decisions on who to include. Forum-listed experts are at times consulted about potential new broader community listings and given an opportunity to provide insights on professional background and fit with the Forum's purpose.
What is the best way to indicate a desire to be listed?
Expressing an interest to be listed as an expert in the broader community is relatively easy. Please send an email with a short bit of biographical information and best way* you would like to be contacted by Forum-listed experts should they seek to reach you in the future. If you currently work regularly with any Forum-listed experts, please tell us who they are. Please also indicate how you would like to be listed, including a hyperlink to your online bio (or LinkedIn page, or other social media) and organizational affiliation, should you wish those included.
* Your personal contact information will not be publicly shared on the broader community page.
Is there a fee or other cost in being listed?
No. The Forum would welcome financial support for its work that is comfortably within a broader community member’s means, but no such support is required.
More questions?
Please contact:
Forum on the Arms Trade
[email protected]
(202) 780-6215
If contacting us by email, please put “Broader community” in the subject line.
What is the purpose of the “broader community” resource page and program?
Forum on the Arms Trade-listed experts engage with and often rely on the knowledge of others within our broader community, including government and intergovernmental officials, experts in the military and the defense industries, journalists, and others. The purpose of the broader community program is recognize leaders within the wider community who address the humanitarian, economic and other implications of arms transfers, security assistance, and weapons use in their work.
Individuals listed on the broader community page have explicitly opted in to being listed, agreeing to serve as resources to Forum-listed experts. It is hoped that by publicly identifying broader community leaders, connections will be built across multiple issue areas that enable those listed as well as other stakeholders to better address issues of shared concern.
What are “broader community” experts expected to do as part of being listed and how might they benefit?
The notional expectation of "broader community" experts is that they will take occasional emails or phone calls from Forum-listed experts on topics of shared interest. It is not anticipated that such contact would be frequent, but that such contact would be welcome when it occurs.
If not already on the Forum’s newsletter list, broader community experts will begin to receive our newsletters and other communications to be kept informed of Forum events and updates from Forum members. Broader community experts may also be asked to advise or participate in events and other Forum efforts. As noted earlier, it is hoped that ultimately connections made via the broader community program will lead to progress and positive policy solutions on issues of joint concern.
Do individuals listed have to agree with each other?
Being listed is not an explicit endorsement by Forum-listed experts nor an indication that these community experts endorse each other or the Forum. Institutional affiliation is optional and, when indicated, for identification purposes only.
How are decisions made on who is included in the Forum's “broader community” list?
The Forum on the Arms Trade is a cooperative project of a growing number of experts, currently managed by Jeff Abramson. Inclusion within the broader community list is typically begun by referral from a Forum-listed expert. At present, Jeff Abramson manages the broader community list and takes responsibility for decisions on who to include. Forum-listed experts are at times consulted about potential new broader community listings and given an opportunity to provide insights on professional background and fit with the Forum's purpose.
What is the best way to indicate a desire to be listed?
Expressing an interest to be listed as an expert in the broader community is relatively easy. Please send an email with a short bit of biographical information and best way* you would like to be contacted by Forum-listed experts should they seek to reach you in the future. If you currently work regularly with any Forum-listed experts, please tell us who they are. Please also indicate how you would like to be listed, including a hyperlink to your online bio (or LinkedIn page, or other social media) and organizational affiliation, should you wish those included.
* Your personal contact information will not be publicly shared on the broader community page.
Is there a fee or other cost in being listed?
No. The Forum would welcome financial support for its work that is comfortably within a broader community member’s means, but no such support is required.
More questions?
Please contact:
Forum on the Arms Trade
[email protected]
(202) 780-6215
If contacting us by email, please put “Broader community” in the subject line.