Photo Gallery: North Reading EarlyAct Practices Civic Engagement

The North Reading Community EarlyAct Club recently completed its learning module on civic engagement. The club, for grades 3-5, meets every other Thursday in Town Hall. Youth Services Director Amy Luckiewicz explained, “Each time we start a new year, I take the kids on a tour of Town Hall after hours. Every year, they are fascinated by the Selectmen’s room. We talk a little about what that room is for and how citizens can petition to make community improvements or voice their opinion. This year, the kids had a ton of questions, and that gave me an idea.” Following the students lead, Luckiewicz set up a date in January for the kids to do a mock Selectmen’s meeting. The students were invited to prepare an idea and suggestion and think of possible questions that may arise in opposition. “Before our ‘hearings’ we learned about the roles of our elected officials, how to vote, the job of the Chairperson, and when and where to speak. We practiced manners, speaking clearly, and using eye contact.” In late January, the students were ready and the group headed to the Selectmen’s room. The children played the parts of Selectmen, people in the audience, Chairperson and Luckiewicz served as a guide for the conversation. “I was so impressed with their ideas,” Luckiewicz commented. “They were really thoughtful and were with the best interests of North Reading at heart. We let the scope of what would be considered at a Selectmen’s hearing be a little loose.” Among the “approved unanimously” ideas were Jennifer Buscemi’s idea for a larger food pantry and Jane Weaver’s idea to improve the Senior Center. Weaver argued, “We just put so much money into our schools, we need to take care of the seniors too. It would be pretty nice to help them and we should think more about our future.” Amelia Lynch’s idea for requiring all babysitters in town to be CPR and First Aid certified was tabled for more discussion. Also participating in the event were Jakob Cloney, Sofia Naulivou, Jake Garniss, Maddie Littleford, David Wyatt, and Sam Marques.

About the North Reading Community EarlyAct Club
The club is designed for students grades 3-5, representing all schools in North Reading. Based on a Rotary International model, the projects and meetings focus on the values of gratitude, community, leadership, commitment, and inclusion. The club meets twice per month to plan and implement a local or international humanitarian project. Initiated just this past March, the group was formed by 4 parent volunteers: Sandy Garniss, Samantha Miller, Karen Buscemi, and Leslie Schultz in partnership with North Reading Rotary Club’s Peter Majane and Director of Youth Services Amy Luckiewicz. For more information on the North Reading Community EarlyAct Club or its sister club at North Reading Middle School, email youthservices@northreadingma.gov or call Amy at 978.357.5281.