A three-way race for two open seats on the Harwich Select Board has prompted local officials to begin coordinating a formal candidates' forum in partnership with the League of Women Voters. During a Wednesday afternoon meeting, the committee reviewed the upcoming election landscape, noting that while the library trustees race remains uncontested, a crowded field is also emerging for the Charter Commission, where 10 residents have expressed interest in nine available positions.

The Chair reported that communication has already begun with the League of Women Voters to secure a date for the forum, though finding space in the municipal calendar is proving difficult. With Town Meeting and election season approaching, the availability of the Griffin Room has become a significant hurdle for local programming. Member Joy noted that the tight schedule might limit the committee's ability to offer airtime to all candidates, stating, I guess we can see what our appetite is in offering non-contested candidates the opportunity to give a two-minute feel. I think some of that will depend on scheduling. The Griffin Room is more and more tightly scheduled. I feel like the last couple of years it's been challenging to even find a spot.

The committee also evaluated the status of its ongoing outreach project, which involves interviewing various committee chairs to encourage residents to volunteer for municipal vacancies. To date, seven committees have participated in the video series. While approximately 30 committees exist in town, the members decided to pause active recruitment for the interviews to avoid over-extending their efforts. The Chair reflected on the lack of a "snowball effect" for the project, noting, Our hope was that perhaps people would hear about and see our interviews and say, 'Oh, we'll do it, too.' That hasn't happened yet. I don't think we need to nag them into participating. Discussion turned to making these videos more accessible by embedding a Harwich Channel playlist directly onto the town website via the IT department.

Reflecting on past efforts to boost civic engagement, the members debated whether to host an information table at the upcoming Annual Town Meeting. Last year, the committee staffed a table to assist voters and promote open seats, but the results were mixed. Joy observed that while the presence was helpful for navigation, it did not necessarily translate into new volunteers. It was very helpful in pointing people in the right direction to check in. We were basically like an information desk, Joy said. I don't know how effective it was because people seem very laser-focused on what they're there to do, which is the issues on the warrant, and not thinking about volunteering.

Member Amy suggested that a more visual approach might yield better results if the committee decides to return to Town Meeting this year. I thought maybe if we had better signage or something along that line—'Open committee seats, check it out.' Something marketing-wise could attract people to at least come pick up a flyer, Amy suggested. The committee deferred a final decision on the table until April, pending a review of available marketing materials and current vacancy counts from the Select Board’s office.

The meeting also addressed internal membership, with Amy and Member Pauline both up for term renewals. Amy confirmed her intent to continue serving, noting she had already received official correspondence regarding her reappointment. Following the approval of previous meeting records, the committee considered moving to a less frequent meeting cycle during the summer months once the election and Town Meeting conclude. Motion Made by A. Member to approve the meeting minutes for January 15 and February 18 as prepared. Motion Passed 3-0.