“We must never ever give up, or give in, or throw in the towel. We must continue to press on! And be prepared to do what we can to help educate people, to motivate people, to inspire people to stay engaged, to stay involved, and to not lose their sense of hope. We must continue to say we’re one people. We’re one family. We all live in the same house. Not just an American house but the world house.” Congressman John Lewis, June 2020

We are in this together. A common catch phrase in the age of COVID-19, but one exemplified by the life lived by the late Congressman John Lewis. His belief that we are of one family, one house, underscores a fundamental value system that resonates within me.

While local government in Pennsylvania might appear fragmented, it is there where we see true collaboration. Every day we see local government leaders rise above partisan politics as they go about the essential business of protecting the health, safety, and welfare of ALL people. Can we do better? Yes, most assuredly, and we will.

Working together with our many partners, Local Government Academy has overcome immense challenges to strive ahead in the midst of a pandemic to educate, motivate, and bring hope to our local leaders, hardworking municipal staff, and our Municipal Interns, Class of 2020. We are excited about our plans for the Fall and encourage you to stay in touch with us as we bring new educational programs to municipalities across our region.

As we navigate the uncertainty that lies ahead, we will accomplish much more if we understand that we are one people, in one world, who must work together. We must listen, learn, and continue to be hopeful for the future.

– Joy