Our Community

Community Conversations

On January 20, 2009, the citizens of Middletown came together to engage the
entire community in local discussions to address problems and challenges facing
individuals, organizations, government and our society today. The focus of this
initiative was to learn what problems have common themes in our community and to
determine if solutions can be identified. It was especially important to foster
“ownership” to help solve problems we are now facing. The concept for a local day
of conversations originated from President-Elect Barack Obama’s call for action by
individuals and communities to help determine “What comes next?” following the
results of the November, 2009 election. Many supporters of the Obama campaign
wanted to continue with their goals of creating change in our country to solve the
pressing and critically important problems facing our country.

  • Final Report of the Middletown Community Conversations Released
    On Wednesday, January 20, 2010, Middletown residents received the Final Report of the extraordinary, non-partisan Middletown Community Conversations held one year ago on Inauguration Day in 2009. 
  • The report is now available for borrowing at Russell Library.  Copies have also been placed in Middlesex Community College and Wesleyan University libraries. It is for sale for $20.00, payable to Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown CT 06457.  In addition, a cablecast discussion of the conversations last March may be checked out from the Library.
  • A diverse group of 17 organizations hosted 21 conversations throughout the city on Inauguration Day.  Two general community-wide viewings and discussions took place at noon and 6:00 pm at Russell Library and in City Council Chambers at City Hall.  Among the other locations where conversations were held include Heritage Commons, an adult residential community, the Eddy Shelter, congregations, restaurants, and several school and senior sites.
  • Depending on the location, the conversations took place after a live viewing of President Obamas Inaugural Address at noon, as well as in the evening through recorded viewings of the address but with on-site discussion afterwards.  Another three dozen organizations encouraged their members to participate in the conversations at the various venues where they were held.
  • The Middletown Community Conversations were not a political event, but rather a grassroots initiative to identify the needs of the community at this critical time in our country.  In order to ensure the widest possible dissemination of the report, copies are being sent to the U.S. Senators and Representatives and the President.  With the publication of the report, the planners and facilitators are now turning to the question of Whats Next?
  • The unedited comments of the public residents speaking from diverse backgrounds and interests and lessons learned and other outcomes are included in the report.  The report concludes with all of the ideas and planning materials that shaped the forum for the free unfettered expression of community opinion.

This is a downloadable, viewable and printable version of the entire, 76 page document. Click on the link below to access. Please Note: Adobe Reader is required to view document. If you do not have Adobe Reader, you may download this free software from the link below.

pdf Community Converstions PDF

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