The public is invited to participate in two of eight public forums to be videotaped in Davis by KVIE-Channel 6 of Sacramento for a new MacNeil/Lehrer national initiative called "By the People: America in the World."

UC Davis faculty and staff members have participated in planning these forums, which will focus on the role of the United States in meeting global food needs.

The first forum, open to the Davis community, will be held from 7-9 p.m. Monday, May 19, in International House at 10 College Park Drive.

The second forum, open to UC Davis students, faculty and staff, will be held on campus from noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, in the Mee Room of the Memorial Union.

KVIE's forum series, titled "America's Role in Feeding the World -- A Conversation about Hearts, Minds & Hunger," will focus on the connection between local and global concerns.

Anyone interested in participating in the forums should register by calling KVIE-Channel 6 at (916) 641-3508.

KVIE is one of 15 public television stations nationwide selected to develop local community events in conjunction with a national By the People forum that will be broadcast from 10-11 p.m. Thursday, May 22, on KVIE.