Open Letter to the Community

February 29, 2008

Dear Friends:

This week, I announced my continued commitment to launching a city-wide dialogue on civic engagement in Boston on May 3rd at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.

The problem we face is real. Barely one out of ten voters in the last city election bothered to show up to the polls. Participation in community groups, civic associations and neighborhood watches is on the decline. That great “torch” of civic leadership that was passed to my generation is being kept aglow by hands that are too few and too tired.

With that in mind, we will host the 2008 Boston Civic Summit, an unprecedented gathering of community leaders, new and old, with two goals in mind: first, to offer those dedicated leaders better support and training to make their work more effective; and second, to begin a conversation—and truly just begin it—on strategies to increase civic participation throughout our neighborhoods.

We need people who recognize their role in making our city a better place and people who are ready to do something about it. This summit will be about solutions, not problems. We want people who are already involved in civic associations and in neighborhood watches, people who are engaged in friends of groups for our schools, libraries and parks, as well as other people who care passionately about our city. This event is most surely not about me or any politician; it is about the people we represent.

Many have expressed great excitement about this effort, but also some skepticism. I am so encouraged by all the feedback I have received, particularly the constructive criticism. Your ideas will help to make this event more successful and I hope that people continue to debate and discuss this summit as it takes shape.

I am so confident in the team of leaders that we have assembled thus far who will help to guide our efforts and set our agenda. The formation of an Advisory Committee is just our first step. Over the next several weeks, we will be reaching out to an even greater number of people to help fill vital roles as presenters and volunteers and on an outreach team to ensure that all of our city’s voices are represented.

But all of that is yet to come. For now, please share your thoughts and ideas with me, and send me your contact information so we can keep you informed as this event moves forward. Visit www.bostoncivicsummit.org and email at info@bostoncivicsummit.org. I look forward to hearing from you.

Let’s build a better city together.

Maureen Feeney

President

Boston City Council