Help us revitalize democracy in Medford

Many people I know are worried about the state of democracy in America.  For decades our national government has let working people down, and many no longer trust the government at all.  

Locally, it is standard that 95% of the residents of any city never reach out to their city council, and probably half don’t think their city council has any bearing on their lives. This leads to city councilors only hearing from a very small group, and not representing the needs of most residents.

We can revitalize democracy right here in Medford.  Join our Democracy Team – a group of volunteers that helps set up listening sessions all across our city.  These events bring together residents who normally don’t engage with the city council, and I facilitate the conversation to learn about what their lives are like, what their concerns are, and how the city council can best help. 

Often at these meetings someone already has a great idea – I love connecting residents who have a solution in mind with others who have similar ideas, and with the resources they need to make things happen.  Projects already in the works include the Canopy Crew, volunteers who will re-tree our most barren blocks, and Home Sharing, which will help our seniors age in place.  

These projects allow residents to be active participants in creating the world we want.  And when residents see that their own city council helps them actively create their own chosen solutions, belief in democracy is restored.  And our city is a better place!