Leadership SouthCoast Government Day Excursion

by Jim Butler
May 25, 2007

"Each year, Leadership SouthCoast selects a diverse group of acknowledged and aspiring leaders to participate in a thought-provoking, 10 month community leadership program consisting of a 2-day retreat, 9 monthly full-day sessions, and a series of structured small group team-building activities. Participants are challenged by a variety of SouthCoast issues presented by leaders and experts in their field. The program includes on-site visits, readings, discussion groups, simulations, and other developmental activities. The purpose of the program is to transform a highly motivated group of individuals into a network of leaders with knowledge and commitment that benefits their community," says Dr. Antone Vieira the group's coordinator and UmassD Programs & Partnership Executive Director.

As a critical component to the groups appreciation for the workings of State Government the group made an extensive tour of the Beacon Hill Statehouse conducted by various members of our regional legislative delegation. Taking the train from Middleboro the group traveled as one with a sense of excitement and purposefulness. An entire day had been meticulously prepared and included a guided tour through the historic and cavernous marvel that is our Beacon Hill government complex. Upon arrival the group was met by members of the staff of State Senator Joan Menard, and was made to feel like VIP's as they were whisked passed the security threshold and into the ornate and august halls of the Senate and House Chambers. Sitting in the very seats occupied by our elected officials that deliberate on the major issues of the Commonwealth, the group sat a rapt attention as the history of each chamber was brought to life by veteran statehouse staff. What unfolded was a majestic look back over time as to how our state government was formed and painstakingly maintained through all manner of tumultuous challenge.

Various members of our local delegation including State Representatives Tony Cabral and Bob Koczera as well as Governor's Council Member Carol Fiola joined the group intermittingly. Councilperson Fiola and Senator Menard assumed the role of chaperone and tour guide as the entourage snaked its way through the maze of corridors rivaled only by Washington DC for its majestic and spellbinding awe. Senator Therese Murray joined us and gave a spirited talk that enlightened many on the myriad of duties and responsibilities she enjoys as the first woman President of the Massachusetts State Senate. Every citizen and student of the Commonwealth should make it an essential part of their life’s itinerary to undertake this pilgrimage, especially if they want to truly appreciate the history of America and the unique role played by the people of Massachusetts in this nations’ foundational development. A very special note of thank you to Representative Michael Rodriques, who gave so generously of his time, hospitality and knowledge to make this a memorable undertaking.

The highlight of day (in this writer's estimation) was a private meeting with the first African American Governor of the State of Massachusetts, Deval Patrick. The governor actually invited the group into his historic conference chamber and spent several quality minutes in light-hearted banter before sitting for photos and candid question and answer period with the group, which (I am sure) will be cherished by one and all forever. The group was then assembled for lunch in the House Wing where quite to their surprise they were joined by New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang. He happened to be on Beacon Hill testifying before a House Committee chaired by one of our local legislators to secure New Bedford's fair share of Public Safety funds essential for first response capability and quality of life infrastructure. We were pleasantly surprised and pleased to see other New Bedford citizens in the buildings including Yvonne Drayton recently retired YWCA executive director, who was receiving an award for outstanding community service and Unsung Heroine 2007.

The corridors were a beehive of upbeat activity and everywhere you looked there was a precious sense of historic continuity, as colorful groups of young and old meandered throughout with smiling faces and a refreshing glow of shared pride. For the group, this was a captivating day, but in retrospect just another aspect of the awesome reward that being a part of this year’s SouthCoast Leadership Team represents.

This brings near the culmination of the 2007 SouthCoast Leadership groups exploratory phase. Next will come the final triumphant conclusion to a year well invested in acquiring focused and rounded knowledge of essential community components. The group now readies for its commencement. Salome Thomas-El, internationally known educator and author of I Choose to Stay: A Teacher's Fight for America's Inner City Schools and The Immortality of Influence, will deliver the keynote address at the 2007 commencement of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth's Leadership SouthCoast on Wednesday, June 20, 2007. The ceremony begins at 5pm in the Woodland Common Hall on the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth campus. The event is free and open to the public. It is an experience you won't want to miss.