This episode aired on 10/23/24 on WICN 90.5FM

Hey Worcester! Public Hearing is back, and I’m excited to dive back into conversations that matter to our city. I’m your host, Joshua Croke, a queer and nonbinary designer, artist, and community advocate with a deep care for driving positive, equity-centered change. In this first return episode, I’m joined by my friend and community powerhouse, Julie Bowditch, Executive Director of the CASA Project Worcester County, as we talk about what’s been happening in Worcester and how we can all get involved—whether you’re just starting to pay attention or you’re already deep into local activism.

We’ll chat about everything from how to make sense of local elections, to staying engaged in our overwhelming political climate, to how relationships are the foundation of meaningful community work. Public Hearing is here to give you the inside scoop on what’s shaping life in Worcester in ways that are approachable, digestible, and—most importantly—relevant to you.

Tune in Wednesdays at 6 PM on WICN 90.5 FM or wherever you listen to podcasts. We’re here to keep you informed and part of the conversation!

Key Topics:

• Reintroducing Public Hearing and its mission
• The importance of local elections and civic engagement
• Challenges of staying informed and involved in community issues
• Building meaningful relationships to create positive change in Worcester
• What it means to be a part of Worcester’s growth and transformation

Chapter Markers:

• 00:00 – Welcome and reintroduction to Public Hearing
• 03:38 – Conversation with Julie Bowditch begins
• 07:00 – Discussing Worcester’s community and how to get involved
• 12:22 – Local elections and civic participation
• 20:00 – Reflections on recent election outcomes and what’s next for Worcester
• 25:35 – Wrapping up: The importance of relationships and what’s ahead

Learn more and follow at QueerForCities.com/PublicHearing

Created & Hosted by Joshua Croke, founder of Queer For Cities.
Our Audio Producer is Giuliano D'Orazio.

Available anywhere you listen to podcasts.