2022-2023

Goals and Priorities

  1. Development of Athena Council

    • Inspired by the work of sister commissions in Metrowest who have established youth advisory councils, the youngest member of our Commission, Christina Li, will guide us in establishing our own youth council this year.

    • The Athena Council represents a select group of some of the Upper Middlesex region’s younger women’s advocates and activists. Named for the Greek goddess of war, wisdom, law & justice and inspiration, the Athena Council is the next line of defense in the ongoing battle for gender equity and justice in all areas of society. Under the mentorship of the Upper Middlesex Commission on the Status of Women, the council is tasked with supporting commissioners in providing a permanent, effective voice for youth living and working in the region so that we may better advance equity and opportunity to all those who identify as women, regardless of their age, race, color, creed, abilities, socio-economic status, immigration status, sexual orientation, or gender identity at birth.

    • To advance intergenerational dialogue and mutual support and learning, commissioners have agreed to engage in youth-developed modules from the Feminist Action Lab. Athena Council members will also use this site for ideas and action.

  2. Focus on eldercare - for elders and caretakers

    • Based on feedback from our June townhall, personal experiences and those in our community, the Commission will focus on issues of concern for elders as well as their caretakers, as the majority of them identify as women. These issues include but are not limited to social isolation, access to technology, access to planning resources and mental health needs. We seek to connect resources with elders and their caretakers, especially family members, and to work with partners to examine and address systemic barriers and seek solutions to address them.

  3. Continue to grow Friends list of people and organizations.

    • We understand we are only as effective as the community we are able to connect with and represent, and rely on the knowledge and networks of those who have been doing this work as advocates and on the ground. We will continue to reach out and act in solidarity with those most affected. Please reach out and invite us to your events and actions, to join our meetings, and to let us know your concerns.

  4. We will update our legislative priorities once available.