The Monroe County Democratic Party announced the start of a listening tour to hear the concerns of citizens beginning June 10.
With no elections this year, the party is seeking volunteers to canvass neighborhoods as part of their “Your Voice Matters” campaign. Their main question is “What do you want from your government?”
“It’s clear that people feel disconnected from the decisions made by people in political office,” said Mark Fraley, chairman of the Monroe County Democratic Party, in a press release. “We don’t claim to have all the answers, but we want to listen to our neighbors’ concerns.”
Canvassing will be on the second Saturday of every month, according to the press release. Volunteers will assemble from 1-3 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. at the Henderson Shelter in Bryan Park. Before hitting the neighborhoods, volunteers will be trained on how to engage with voters and receive a walk packet.
Volunteers with the campaign will help register voters and communicate what people say to local leaders and policy makers.
After the day of canvassing, they will return to debrief. No canvassing experience is required, but beginners will be paired with an experienced canvasser.
Julie Thomas, Monroe County Commissioner and one of the project’s organizers said in the release that volunteers can take concerns like sidewalks, street repairs and other local issues to city and county representatives.
“It’s really about restoring trust,” said Penny Githens, an organizer for the campaign, in the press release. “We need to rebuild our shared sense of civic responsibility. That is only going to happen if we engage our local communities and listen effectively.”
Those interested in volunteering with the campaign can get learn more at monroedems.org/your_voice_matters.
Alison Graham
