Off the sidelines
In the fight against apathy, a 'civic summit' gathers 400 activists and neighborhood leaders
Form a neighborhood group, vote, and please go to meetings at City Hall.
Those were some of the messages delivered to about 400 activists and neighborhood leaders who gathered yesterday for a conference intended to encourage the public to be more involved in their communities.
"This should have been done a long time ago," said Harry Nesdekidis, a 53-year-old mechanic from Brighton. "We need to get young people involved. We have to get people united in this city. Don't cry on the sidelines and expect things are going to change."
The unusual event, billed as a "civic summit," was pushed largely by City Council President Maureen Feeney, who wanted to combat the voter apathy displayed in the most recent council election and address a decrease in the number of active community leaders. She has denied speculation that she sponsored the summit - despite an initially lukewarm reception from Mayor Thomas M. Menino - to raise her political profile.
"I am so inspired!" Feeney shouted into the microphone in a meeting hall at the cavernous Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. "Our city is crying out for people just like you."
Throughout the eight-hour summit, Feeney's aides walked around, clipboards in hand, walkie-talkies on hips, and Secret Service-like earphones in ears. Participants - wearing name badges that identified them as "delegates" - were issued three-ring binders and tote bags.
Chilled orange juice, s'mores, and roast beef sandwiches were served at various points during the day.
"Raw almonds!" said City Councilor Michael Ross. "They have raw almonds here. Now that's how you elevate an event."
Participants took courses with heady titles like "Managing Community Development," "Raising Resources for Your Organization," and "Political Awareness, Action, and Voter Education." They talked about forming online neighborhood networks, beginning a campaign for office, and raising funds for new organizations.
Barely 1 in 10 voters showed up at the polls in the last election, when most city councilors ran unopposed, and there hasn't been a serious fight for mayor in nearly two decades.
When Feeney first announced the idea in January, Menino said it might not be practical to accomplish much in such a large setting with so many people. The mayor later credited organizers with pulling together a plan with value, and decided to attend.
"Voice your concerns, ask tough questions," Menino told the crowd in a brief address. "But don't just say what's wrong. Work with us to make it right. . . . If we work together, there's nothing we can't accomplish."
Sponsors of the event said they hoped people would form new connections, and figure out ways to improve city services and encourage young residents to get involved.
"If one woman from Charlestown and one man from Dorchester collaborate, that's success," said James Rooney, who cochaired the event. "We're not going to have 13 city councilors give speeches. We could be here until Tuesday." Still, the legislative delegation from Boston and nearly every city councilor attended the event.
"I think I can pretty much cancel my office hours for the next two months," said City Councilor John Tobin.
Rooney, who is executive director of the convention center, provided space for the event for free. Other related expenses are expected to reach $70,000, which will be paid for by sponsors including
Several participants said the topics were too abstract, and didn't allow for enough discussion of real troubles facing the city, such as crime and problems in the school system.
"They didn't even have education as a topic," said Julio Henriquez, president of Dudley Neighbors Inc., a community group. "That's a third rail for these politicians. This could have been more useful had it been less of a protective, Pollyannaish celebration of the work we do in the city."
Samuel Hurtado, a 37-year-old representing South Boston En Accion, said there was no translation for participants who don't speak English.
"Many of the people in the room have already been engaged," Hurtado said. "If we are talking about reviving the city, we have to talk to new immigrant groups."
Feeney plans to reconvene group members next month to focus on four key areas, including creating an after-school mentoring and tutoring program; expanding city programs for summer employment for at-risk youth; and organizing annual civic summits.
"Somebody has to do this," said Ron Bell, a former voting rights advocate who is director of the state's Office of Civic Engagement. "It's better than sitting idly by and waiting for something to happen."
Matt Viser can be reached at maviser@globe.com
