Civic Sundays offer informal way to learn about Waltham issues

Indivisible Waltham is launching a series of “Civic Sundays,” informal gatherings aimed at helping residents better understand local issues and become more involved in the city’s civic life.

The first event will focus on affordable housing and be held Sunday, Oct. 4, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Gore Place Beer Garden, 52 Gore St. A second gathering, scheduled for Oct. 18 at the same time and location, will focus on ballot questions.

“Our main mission is to increase civic engagement, trying to get more people active and participating in the community,” said Indivisible Waltham founder Elizabeth Hoffecker. “The idea is to make these events kind of fun, cool and engaging to get people educated and aware of city issues.”

Hoffecker said Civic Sundays are social gatherings rather than formal political meetings. The events are open to everyone, and parents are welcome to bring their children. Holding them on weekend afternoons is also intended to make them accessible to residents who may have difficulty attending evening meetings.

The gatherings will give residents a chance to talk with neighbors, ask questions and learn about issues affecting the city in a relaxed setting. Organizers hope that making information about local issues easier to access and understand will encourage more residents to participate in elections and other aspects of city government.

In Waltham’s last municipal election in 2025, voter turnout was just 19%, down from 21.9% in 2021. Hoffecker said a lack of familiarity with local issues contributes to low participation.

“If people don’t know about the affordable housing issues or what the ballot measures are, then they might not be motivated to vote,” she said. “Unless you’re really plugged in or have a ton of time, it’s hard to figure out what the key local issues are.”

Indivisible Waltham formed in 2025 as a local chapter of the national Indivisible movement and currently has more than 75 active members.