Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend
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townmoderator.bsky.social
Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend
@townmoderator.bsky.social
47 followers 60 following 48 posts
Moderator, Town of Longmeadow, Massachusetts. Elected in 2015, 1st woman elected to preside over Longmeadow's open Town Meeting. Advocate for local democracy.
Fun fact: shortest town meeting was conducted under my watch. Personal: @rmtownsend.bsky.social
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townmoderator.bsky.social
Town Meeting 101 - Richard Salter Storrs Library
Longmeadow #TownMeeting
12/3
6pm

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Town Meeting 101
Longmeadow is a wonderful community due to the decisions citizens have arrived at together through deliberation and participation. Local, participatory democracy relies upon the...
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November 20, 2025 at 4:24 PM
townmoderator.bsky.social
Longmeoadow Special #TownMeeting Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 7:00 pm in the High School

Warrant here:
www.longmeadowma.gov/283/Town-Mee...
Town Meeting | Longmeadow, MA
Read Town Meeting minutes and warrants.
www.longmeadowma.gov
November 4, 2025 at 1:44 AM
townmoderator.bsky.social
Happy Town Meeting Day!

With appreciation to @massgovernor.bsky.social
For the proclamation!
A Proclamation Whereas French diplomat, historian, and philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville stated, “Town meetings are to liberty what primary schools are to science; they bring it within the people’s reach” emphasizing the significant role of town meetings within society; and Whereas, Town meetings have served residents both for routine matters and in times of crisis by coming to public judgement on matters of self-governance; and Whereas, The notion of participatory democracy was a foundational rationale for the American Revolution; and Whereas Revolutionaries learned to engage in deliberation with each other to further their communities’ causes and pledged their lives and liberties to the principles of self-governance in their efforts for freedom; and Whereas, The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were crafted by town meeting members who sought to bring the precepts of participatory self-determination and democracy to the scripture of our founding documents; and Whereas, The town meeting legislature and the principles it embodies are as vital and relevant today as they were amidst the founding of our nation, Now, Therefore, I, Maura T. Healey, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim October 8th, 2025, to be, TOWN MEETING DAY And urge all the residents of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance. Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston, this first day of October, in the year two thousand and twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and forty-ninth. By Her Excellency Maura T. Healey Governor of the Commonwealth Kimberley Driscoll Lt. Governor of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin Secretary of the Commonwealth God Save the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
October 8, 2025 at 11:59 AM
townmoderator.bsky.social
September 9 Special Town Meeting news from @reminderpublishing.bsky.social
thereminder.com/local-news/p...
thereminder.com
September 4, 2025 at 2:42 PM
townmoderator.bsky.social
Town Meeting is community-spirited local democracy.
townmoderator.bsky.social Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend @townmoderator.bsky.social · Aug 24
Local democracy at work in Longmeadow, Massachusetts: a Special #TownMeeting on September 9, 2025 will decide whether thr Middle School Builidng Project proceeds to the next stage.
Screenshot Special Town Meeting Tuesday, September 9, 2025 7:00P Longmeadow High School Gymnasium Visit www.longmeadowma.govTownMeeting to view theWarrant
August 25, 2025 at 12:55 AM
townmoderator.bsky.social
Local democracy at work in Longmeadow, Massachusetts: a Special #TownMeeting on September 9, 2025 will decide whether thr Middle School Builidng Project proceeds to the next stage.
Screenshot Special Town Meeting Tuesday, September 9, 2025 7:00P Longmeadow High School Gymnasium Visit www.longmeadowma.govTownMeeting to view theWarrant
August 24, 2025 at 4:19 PM
townmoderator.bsky.social
"Town Meeting helped provide the spark for Revolution, DiSalvo said, as the defense of a free, local government became part of the provincial response, which also became absorbed in the broader Colonial debate."

#MA250 #Revolution250

www.bostonglobe.com/2025/07/04/m...
George Washington spoke in Massachusetts in 1775 about unity and an American purpose. His words resonate today. - The Boston Globe
When George Washington, from Virginia, arrived in Cambridge 250 years ago, one of the first things he did was talk to his Massachusetts soldiers about the need for a unified American effort.
www.bostonglobe.com
July 9, 2025 at 1:01 AM
townmoderator.bsky.social
In Congress, July 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, ...

#IndependenceDay
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Declaration of Independence: A Transcription
Note: The following text is a transcription of the Stone Engraving of the parchment Declaration of Independence (the document on display in the Rotunda at the National Archives Museum.) The spelling a...
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July 4, 2025 at 3:23 PM
townmoderator.bsky.social
Today
townmoderator.bsky.social Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend @townmoderator.bsky.social · Jun 5
FRIDAY 6/6 @ Noon!
Town Meeting ensures
citizen's voices are heard in Longmeadow, MA.
Jesse Cummings joins me in a Stories Change PowerPoint webinar to discuss how he advocated for change.
#CivicEngagement #CitizenPower #TownMeeting #CivicMuscle
#Advocacy #Massachusetts #MakeADifference
Poster with photos of 2 people, Jesse Cummings, Owner Titan Fence Rebecca M. Townsend, Ph.D., Moderator Town of Longmeadow, MA CITIZEN POWER: Advocacy in Action in Longmeadow, MA June's Monthly Webinar 06.06.2025 12 PM ET/9AM PT Stories Change Power
June 6, 2025 at 12:33 PM
townmoderator.bsky.social
FRIDAY 6/6 @ Noon!
Town Meeting ensures
citizen's voices are heard in Longmeadow, MA.
Jesse Cummings joins me in a Stories Change PowerPoint webinar to discuss how he advocated for change.
#CivicEngagement #CitizenPower #TownMeeting #CivicMuscle
#Advocacy #Massachusetts #MakeADifference
Poster with photos of 2 people, Jesse Cummings, Owner Titan Fence Rebecca M. Townsend, Ph.D., Moderator Town of Longmeadow, MA CITIZEN POWER: Advocacy in Action in Longmeadow, MA June's Monthly Webinar 06.06.2025 12 PM ET/9AM PT Stories Change Power
June 5, 2025 at 11:52 AM
townmoderator.bsky.social
Longmeadow #TownMeeting honored 98-year old Saul Finestone as Citizen of the Year!
Man in a Veterans hat at a microphone behind a lectern speaks while 4 men and 1 woman look on smiling. The woman is taking a photo. One man in a blue jacket shakes the hand of a man in a hat and pats him on the back. Audience claps. Man in Veterans hat and woman in green dress with a Gavel smile together
May 14, 2025 at 11:22 AM
townmoderator.bsky.social
Among the wonderful events at Longmeadow's Storrs Library next week is #TownMeeting 101!
4/15
6:00pm
longmeadowlibrary.libcal.com/event/14112460
Posters on a wall
April 10, 2025 at 1:43 AM
townmoderator.bsky.social
TONIGHT: Speaking at Longmeadow's Select Board meeting tonight about Annual #TownMeeting on May 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM in the High School.

Sharing info on TM prep, on participating, our new rulebook, & how we will commemorate TM & Longmeadow's role in the American Revolution.
#Revolution250 #MA250
TOWN MEETING HOW LJBEAEAISSA TE I N LEGISLATURE Longmeadow's Town Meeting voters determine the budget and bylaws for our community through delilberation and voting on motions shaped during the meeting. Citizens have the power to decide what kind of Town they want by participating: Longmeadow is a wonderful community due to the decisions Town Meeting makes. 1. REGISTER TO VOTE Citizens must be registered to vote in Longmeadow at least 10 days before Town Meeting to participate If you are already registered to vote you are all set! 2. SHOW UP Arrive at Longmeadow High School Gymnasium by 7:00 PM. The Annual Town Meeting is always the 2"d Tuesday in May A Special Town Meeting is usually in October or November. 3. SIGN IN Give your name and address to the Clerk's Office staff member or volunteer who greets you as you enter. They will give you anything you need to participate TAKE A SEAT Choose a seat on a bleacher or chair on the main floor. Adult non-voter visitors may sit in the Visitor's Section. Children may sit with parents or guardians. The Moderator will run the meeting. Rules are printed on the back of the agenda (called the "warrant"). 5. ONCE THE MEETING BEGINS Each topic Article" " willl need to be 'moved" and seconded" before talking about it. Motions may be slightly different than what is printed in the warrant. Motions may also be amended. 7 6. EVERY VOTER HAS THE RIGHT.. to speak (or not), suggest changes to the motion (or not) and vote or not). 7. TO SPEAK: Go to a mic in the center of the Gym. They are marked green (in favor), yellow (ask questions/make motions), or red (opposed). Wait for the Moderator to recognize you, State your name and address. Stay on topic and within time. 8. TO VOTE: The Moderator will tell everyone when it is time to vote. Voting is done by use of an electronic clicker. The Moderator wil declare the outcome of each vote.
April 7, 2025 at 11:19 PM
townmoderator.bsky.social
Rebellion declared in Massachusetts (1775)

“On February 2nd, after two weeks of intense debate, Parliament voted to officially declare Massachusetts to be in a state of rebellion.

1/7
#Revolution250 #MA250
February 19, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Reposted by Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend
rmtownsend.bsky.social
This was a lot of fun.

The 250th anniversary of the American Revolution is a good opportunity to reflect on the power of #democracy and the deliberative and decision-making power of citizens in #TownMeeting.

#MA250 #Massachusetts250
townmoderator.bsky.social Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend @townmoderator.bsky.social · Jan 11
Yesterday I was delighted to speak with Longmeadow's Girl Scout Troop about local #Democracy, the power of people in #TownMeeting, and the skills we need to participate in a deliberative legislative body.

We also talked about women in government.
1/
January 11, 2025 at 4:35 PM
townmoderator.bsky.social
Longmeadow Annual #TownMeeting has been set for Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the Longmeadow High School Gymnasium.
Town Meeting | Longmeadow, MAArrow LeftArrow RightSlideshow Left ArrowSlideshow Right Arrow
Read Town Meeting minutes and warrants.
www.longmeadowma.gov
January 16, 2025 at 1:33 AM
Reposted by Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend
beccarausch.bsky.social
#DailyDemocracy Day 52: what is your local legislative branch? Is it a city or town council? Town Meeting? If it's Town Meeting, is it representative (with elected members) or open (meaning any voter in town can go)? #democracy #TheMoreYouKnow #politics #mapoli #civics #DemocracyInAction #localgov
January 8, 2025 at 12:25 PM
Reposted by Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend
beccarausch.bsky.social
#DailyDemocracy Day 54: local legislative operations. Who manages the legislative body in your municipality? Is it a city or town council president? A town moderator? How is that person elected to their role? #democracy #TheMoreYouKnow #politics #mapoli #civics #DemocracyInAction #localgov
January 10, 2025 at 6:31 PM
townmoderator.bsky.social
Yesterday I was delighted to speak with Longmeadow's Girl Scout Troop about local #Democracy, the power of people in #TownMeeting, and the skills we need to participate in a deliberative legislative body.

We also talked about women in government.
1/
January 11, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Reposted by Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend
beccarausch.bsky.social
#DailyDemocracy Day 37: local government form. Do you live in a town or a city? What kind of municipal government structure do you have? Mayor + city council? Town council? Select Board + Town Meeting? #democracy #TheMoreYouKnow #politics #mapoli #civics #DemocracyInAction #localgov
December 24, 2024 at 4:59 PM
townmoderator.bsky.social
And who leads the municipal legislature? :)

Most Massachusetts communities have a Moderator who regulates the legislative body, known as #TownMeeting or #RepresentativeTownMeeting
Regular citizens are legislators, w/ proposal, deliberative, & decision-making power in Open TMs. #civics #democracy
beccarausch.bsky.social Becca Rausch @beccarausch.bsky.social · Jan 6
#DailyDemocracy Day 50: what is your town or city government executive body? Do you have a mayor? A town council? A select board? Who serves in the executive body? #democracy #TheMoreYouKnow #politics #mapoli #civics #DemocracyInAction #localgov
January 6, 2025 at 9:19 PM
townmoderator.bsky.social
Thank you, President Carter,
Governor Carter,
State Senator Carter,
Lieutenant Carter
Board of Education Member (and Chair) Carter,
Citizen Carter.
State of Georgia Secretary Executive Department By His Excellency GEO OP Marvin Griffin 1776 Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy of this State and of the Militia thereof. To J. E. CARTER, JR. Esq., Greeting: By Virtue of the Power and Authority in me Vested by the Constitution and Laws of this State, and in pursuance of your election, I do hereby commission you as a MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION of the County of SUMTER for the term beginning. December 6, 1955 and ending June 15, 1959. MY THE GOVERNOR: Bou J. Wiggin YOU ARE, therefore, hereby authorized and required to do and perform all and singular the duties incumbent on you as a MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION of the County aforesaid, according to law and the trust reposed in you. This Commission to con- tinue in force for and during the term pointed out by the Constitution and Laws of the State aforesaid, and above expressed, or until removed in accordance with the same. Given under my hand and seal of the Executive Department at the Capitol, in the City of Atlanta, the twenty-ninth day of December in the year of our Lord One Thousand Nine Hundred and Fifty-five. State Superintendent of Schools Governor
December 30, 2024 at 12:21 AM
Reposted by Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend
adamchapdelaine.bsky.social
www.mma.org/mma-opens-an...
MMA opens Annual Meeting registration
Registration is now open for the 45th MMA Annual Meeting & Trade Show, which will be held in person on Jan. 19 and 20, 2024, at the Hynes Convention Center and Sheraton Hotel in Boston. The largest co...
www.mma.org
October 11, 2023 at 9:51 AM
Reposted by Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend
adamchapdelaine.bsky.social
A work in progress starter pack for local government voices in Massachusetts
go.bsky.app/9Jx35DQ
November 16, 2024 at 10:33 PM
Reposted by Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend
rmtownsend.bsky.social
Lights on the evergreen tree on Longmeadow's Town Green!
Lights on an evergreen tree
December 1, 2024 at 10:38 PM