Ghost of Midnight

Best of FPF: Town Meeting = Happiness

Porter shared the following call-to-action in the Bristol Forum. We thought it was well worth a share:

“Believe it or not, I study happiness for a living, and teach clients how to be more happy. So, I can tell you with confidence that the research illustrates several reasons why participation in Town Meeting will boost your happiness.

“Here’s one reason why: When you attend Town Meeting, you have the opportunity to mingle with neighbors. You’ll catch up, connect, smile. Especially if you come early for dinner, you can enjoy conversation with old friends, or make new ones. Statistics show that the more neighbors you know, the happier you’ll be. That is one of the reasons people in small communities tend to be happier. Big cities produce a sense of anonymity, which can cause people to feel less safe, less connected, and more isolated (read: less happy). Town Meeting is a great time and place to bolster your connection, and thus your happiness.

“Here’s another reason why: When you attend Town Meeting, you get a chance to participate in our local government. Running a small town takes a lot of effort (huge thank you to our Selectboard members and Town staff!) At Town Meeting, you can be a part of it. You can CONTRIBUTE to the discussion and to the future of our town. This boosts your connection, which increases happiness (see above). But it is more than that. Research indicates that when people feel participatory, when they show up and ENGAGE, they literally feel happier.

“Town Meeting is unique to Vermont, and it is truly special. There aren’t a lot of places in the country where you can participate this directly in democracy. And it MATTERS, people! It really does. You have the opportunity to learn and share. To deepen your understanding and engagement with this community that supports us, and that we are co-creating together.

“I know you’re busy. Its totally understandable if you’re tired after a long day of work, family, life. I get it if you’re not someone who likes to speak out in public. Maybe you don’t think you have anything to add or offer. I know it can feel a little intimidating, but we’re trying to make it less so! But, please come anyway.

“It is only a couple of hours once a year. You can learn and share. You can listen. But most importantly, you are a PART of this community. We value you. We want you there. You are us.”