To the editor:

We're approaching the beginning of a new summer, and the end of another state legislative session. So much of how we live life in our community is shaped by what happens in these legislative sessions: our access to housing, health care, environmental and privacy protections .... And yet for many regular Rhode Islanders, our local legislators remain relatively unknown. Who are they? How have their decisions been affecting our community? And most importantly, how can ordinary residents influence those decisions? 

Questions like these are why we have been working on a new project: Rhody Civics Club. There are a lot of people across the state interested in learning more about how our government works, while many others want to connect with community-oriented neighbors. Our goal is to provide both experiences: enjoy some food and drinks from local businesses, meet new people and learn a little bit from the experts about how our little state works. Our first event, 'Let's Get Fiscal,' was about how state and local budget processes work. Our second event will focus on the state legislature, providing a "who's who" of our Rhode Island lawmakers, how their decisions are impacting our community, and how we can have a voice in those decisions.

In the future we hope to meet in different communities across the state, discuss a wide range of topics, and sometimes just have a fun party. We invite you to join us as we build this community and do democracy the way it was always meant to be: Of the people, by the people, for the people. For more information and to connect with like-minded neighbors, visit our Facebook page: Rhody Civics Club. Together, let's make civic participation both informative and fun. See you June 30, from 6-9 p.m. at Public House, 210 Front St., Lincoln.

Avery Mangahas, Cameron Deutsch and Joshua Pierce

Rhody Civics Club