For our second episode, we get into the weeds with the term “grassroots.” It’s a word that gets thrown around casually, but what does it really mean? And how is a grassroots campaign like Sheila’s different from a grassroots advocacy group? What can they learn from one another?

With the help of special guest, Karen Buck from Friends of the Malden River (FoMR), we sift through the similarities and differences between these distinct groups and discuss opportunities for better coordination. For more opportunities to get involved, reach out to FoMR at [email protected]. This volunteer organization meets at 6:30PM every second Monday of the month via Zoom, and their email distribution will keep you apprised of Malden River updates and upcoming events. For more information on their parent organization Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA), visit www.mysticriver.org.

For background on the National Grid issue, read MyRWA’s statement from May 23, 2022. As of this year, National Grid’s motion to appeal their Chapter 91 license was denied by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, so they are obligated to provide a public riverwalk along the Malden River (OADR Docket No. 2018-018).

Interested in learning more about Malden’s plans for a new climate-resilient park? Check out www.maldenriverworks.org for more information on the Malden River Works project.

We also revisit Sheila’s campaign dream of a Ward 2 Block Club, and how it can help lay the foundations of stronger, more resilient communities in the balancing act of interests and priorities at play in the wider ecosystem of volunteer organizations, advocacy groups, charities, and municipal bodies. Check out these block club resources from Detroit, Chicago, and St. Paul to see how these organizations can help address neighborhood needs. Chicago and St. Paul police departments also provide tips for block clubs and registration opportunities to make these organizations an officially recognized part of their cities. Closer to home, the City of Medford has their Community Liaison Team, which serves to address similar issues as block clubs.

Still unsure how to navigate the skills and tasks needed to create a successful community organization? Kansas University has developed a variety of toolkits to provide guidance on how to develop leadership skills and tackle key activities in supporting community work.

“Sheila For Malden” is a product of people coming together and sharing their talents. Our show’s hosted and written by Sheila and Jacqueline. Additional scripting, producing, editing, and show art by David Riemer.

Visit SheilaForMalden.com for campaign news, updates, and to donate. Don’t forget to follow the show to be notified when our next episode airs in October.