More Than 50 Young Leaders Step Up to Build Stronger Communities

New Hampshire – For the fourth consecutive year, 603 Forward led a comprehensive, state-wide program to recruit, train, and empower next-generation local leaders. The result: more than 50 candidates ages 50 and younger filed to run for town and school office this year. In response to the inspiring number of young candidates who have stepped up to serve their communities, 603 Forward Leadership Development Director, Tim Peltier released the following statement: 

“Change starts from the bottom up. Local offices have the most direct impact on the day-to-day lives of their community members. They are our best chance to deliver real results for hardworking Granite State families and build stronger communities. With these opportunities also come challenges. Right now, towns across New Hampshire face downshifted costs from reckless State House leadership that will drive up property taxes, unprecedented attacks on an honest and high-quality public education, and efforts to undermine free and fair elections. Recognizing all these stakes, more than 50 young leaders stepped up to fight for their neighbors and a New Hampshire where we all can thrive.”

“Their determination and resilience serve as a powerful reminder that young leaders will always rise to the occasion,” added 603 Forward Leadership Development Coordinator Beck Kelly. “By running for these critical offices, they are sending the clear message that they will not be silenced and are ready to tackle the crises confronting our generation and our communities. Young people understand that we must take action now to build a better future for all Granite Staters.”

To recruit and support these candidates, 603 Forward hosted 3 virtual “Run for Office” trainings, completed coaching 1:1s and office hours, and worked in coalition with national, state and local partners. Over the next month, 603 Forward will run an independent expenditure campaign to educate voters about the importance of town elections and support pro-next-generation leaders in their campaigns.

“We look forward to the upcoming election on March 11th and seeing the positive impact these leaders will have on their communities” 

603 Forward envisions a thriving New Hampshire where people are free to live, work and raise a family. In our New Hampshire: democracy is protected above all else; young people have a voice in government at all levels; and policy changes help build an inclusive, affordable and resilient state.

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