Get Involved: Town Meeting
2023 Here We Come
Photo Credit: Sarah Wheeler PhotographyCredit
Town Meeting is our legislative branch of government. Little is known or available about the tactical and strategical planning that is required to be an active participant in Town Meeting. It is daunting. 2021 Town Meeting was our first experience in bringing forth town legislation. We were over zealous in our ambition to bring about change and it was a painful lesson.
Our Articles were too wordy, too complicated. Town Counsel did not alert us to any issues until 5pm on Friday before Town Meeting - when offices were closed. Voters were coerced by the Select Board Chair to oppose policies that would have prioritized diverse hiring, transparency, accountability, gender inclusive language and equity.
HOWEVER it brought about a significant change: the removal of a racist name for a Conservation Area. We are proud to say that Joseph Brown, Revolutionary War Veteran and Black business owner is now properly recognized in our town - even though media did not cover it, the effort was not acknowledged and messaging to date erases the ugliness of the past and recent history. TM 2021 also set the stage for gender inclusive language to be officially sponsored by the Select Board in 2022.
2022 Town Meeting, now more experienced, we brought forward several Articles on Diversity, Equity, Transparency., Accessibility. AND our Gender Inclusive Language Article was brought forward by a Select Board Member. Yes it took until 2022 for a gender identity other than male to be reflected in our governing documents. Voters passed both the adoption of a Town Diversity Statement and Inclusive Language. Our Accessibility and Equity/Transparency themed Articles will be presented again until they pass.
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2023 Here We Come!
REFLECTIONS: OUR 2022 IMPACT
Town Meeting 2022 was certainly one for the books. Civic Engagement and the need for transparency, accountability and representation were themes both nights. We are proud of every single Voter who spoke, Who held elected officials accountable. Who challenged apathy and a false sense of urgency, by requesting a "secret ballot", a quorum count, adherence to Robert's Rules and the integrity of each Vote. Who stood despite the tactics employed to minimize and dismiss our Voices. The People ran TM 2022 and we are ready for 2023.
HOW ELSE DO I GET INVOLVED?
SPEAK UP AT TOWN MEETING
Show Your Support
Want to join our efforts but not sure where to start? Speak at Town Meeting.. We will be hosting several practice sessions between January and May. Subscribe to get notified!
If Public Speaking is a bit daunting, a) write to the Sponsors of the Articles and ask questions and feedback and b) help us Educate the Community about Town Warrant, Articles and weaving "why it matters" into your conversations.
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Here's free download for you: "Tips & Tricks to Public Speaking". Show support for our Sponsored Articles
PARTNER WITH US
Make an Impact
We always appreciates the generosity and involvement of people like you. By partnering with us, you share a vision that includes a higher voter turnout and civic engagement. Together we make an impact.
GET OUT THE VOTE
Amplify Your Power
