Symposium examining town meeting is March 11 at UMass Amherst

Rockport holds a special town meeting on April, 28, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Lauren Goldberg)

“Deliberation and Division: Making Change at the New England Town Meeting,” a free symposium focused on the history, operations, and contemporary challenges and innovations related to town meeting, will be held at the University of Massachusetts Amherst on March 11, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

MMA Executive Director Adam Chapdelaine will serve as a panelist at the event, which is hosted by the UMass Amherst Political Science Department and features keynote speaker Jane Mansbridge of Harvard University.

A number of panels will focus on all aspects of town meeting. The event will also feature interactive case studies to evaluate different town meeting scenarios, skill-building sessions, and networking opportunities.

Complete information about participants, panels and the schedule is available online. Attendees should RSVP in advance. Registration is free and open to the public, with an online attendance option for those unable to attend in person.