COEUR d'ALENE - A new parents group being formed in Coeur d'Alene is planning to hold its first public forum on Common Core next week.

Ruth Merrill and Brittney Bennett co-founded the United Parents Forum earlier this year in an effort to help young parents become more connected to the local community.

"We felt inspired to be more a part of what's going on locally, knowing that there was so much we should be supporting and understanding but really felt like it wasn't possible," Merrill said in an email to The Press. "We, like most moms, are pulled in every-which direction in the evenings when most community events and meetings take place."

The group holds monthly meetings and uses social media to report "CliffsNotes versions" of various community meetings and agenda line items. The UPF acts sort of like an information clearinghouse, she said.

"Our goal is to be aware of the actions and decisions being made at these meetings," Merrill said. "So, when needed and when numbers count, we can show our support for items that we are passionate about through participation and communication."

The UPF is hosting its first forum on the issue of Common Core curriculum in the public schools, from 3 to 5 p.m., Oct. 25, in the Community Room of the Coeur d'Alene Public Library.

The speaker is Stephanie Zimmerman, founder of Idahoans For Local Education. Merrill said Zimmerman is traveling from southern Idaho to provide local residents with detailed information on Common Core. The event is free to the public.

"We hear so much about Common Core all over the news and Facebook, and even from some schools," she said. "But with so many opinions and controversy, it's confusing and it feels like there is no one that can tell us exactly what it is."

The event is hosted by the United Parents Forum of Coeur d'Alene.