Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
The MMA has invited local leaders from across Massachusetts to participate in the fifth annual 6th Grade Essay Contest.
The contest encourages the future leaders of the state to reflect on the role of key elected officials and municipal activities. Sixth grade students will describe what they would do as an elected leader of their city or town to make their community a better place to live.
Contest materials will be sent to school principals in the first 100 communities that return the commitment form by Sept. 10.
The MMA has created additional contest materials this year to better support teachers and local officials in the classroom.
Municipal associations across America report that student participation is greater in communities where local officials have been in direct contact with schools. Winners usually come from classes where local officials have visited and discussed municipal government.
Local officials will judge essays based on creativity, clarity/sincerity of thought, proper use of grammar, and understanding of local government. Prizes will be awarded to winning essayists, and the first-place winner will be honored at the MMA Annual Meeting in January.
Essays must be no more than 300 words and begin with the statement: “If I were elected leader of my community, I would make a difference by …”
For more information, contact Ellen Stoolmacher or Kristi Williams at the MMA.
• Download Essay Contest Commitment Sheet (208K PDF)