“Act locally” is a mantra we will be hearing often. Some may ask, but how?
Wesleyan staff and students recently hosted an event to share the Middletown Government Participation Guide (available here in English and Spanish). This is an important “tool for our times” that offers a peek behind the curtain of our local government and explains the many ways we all can use our skills and voices to get involved.
Key Points:
1.) No experience required. Take a few moments to “flip” through the online guide to learn everything you need to know to get started…. from the basics of how Middletown government is set up to guidance on making a difference at a public meeting.
2.) Don’t let today’s news leave you feeling powerless. Everyone is welcome. There are many ways to participate. Use the guide to empower yourself.
3.) Every town is different. The guide is specific to Middletown’s unique structure. To participate in other towns, you will need to adapt general guidelines to your town’s unique structure and rules.
Call to action and resources:
Explore your town website, get familiar with your local governing structures, committees, and resources. Pick one topic area or department that interests you or that’s related to your day job or life experience. Take the first step to get involved by completing the City Government Volunteer Information Form online or in person at Middletown City Hall.
Listen to a conversation about the guide!
On Friday 4/11 from 1-1:30 PM, WESU 88.1’s new show Engage Radio will feature the Middletown Government Guide! Listen as host Laine Gorman ’25 interviews Wesleyan Sustainability Director Jen Kleindienst and Executive Director of The Jonah Center for Earth and Art John Hall about Middletown civic engagement around sustainability issues and beyond.
Can’t listen live? The recording will be at https://soundcloud.com/wesufm.
For our friends in surrounding towns, here are a few of surrounding town websites.
The “kickoff” event was cosponsored by City of Middletown; Russell Library; Wesleyan University: Bailey College of the Environment, Sustainability Office, Government Department, Jewett Center for Community Partnerships, Holding Hope Initiative.