‘Tools for Change’ Creates Important Public Policy Dialogue

In what has come to be an unprecedented political and social time in our world, thinking about how members of the community can create change could not have come at a better time. In a panel discussion, local leaders, joined by members of the community discussed strategies for making the most out of community engagement.

The panel discussion, moderated by Lea Ann Scales of Mount Wachusett Community College, featured State Representative Jen Benson, Fitchburg City Councilor Mike Kushmerek, Joana Dos Santos of the United Neighbors of Fitchburg and Charlie St. Amand of the Sentinel and Enterprise.

The discussion focused around the importance of being an active and involved member of your community, whether you are advocating for an issue, or thinking about running for office. Both the audience and panelists noted the need to get more youth involved in civic engagement.

“Technology has changed the way I interact with my constituents, and it has made me more accountable to them,” said Benson. St. Amand, editor of the Sentinel and Enterprise noted that the advent of technology has increased everyone’s ability to participate in government and the media.

As part of the Chamber’s public policy agenda, it will continue to create programming that builds consensus on community building, inclusion in the public process, and creating meaningful bonds between government and the business community.