DLE CONNECTS POLITICAL LEADERS WITH NEXT-GEN VOTERS

February 21, 2024

Participants from the most recent Listening Session with Tricia Farley-Bouvier gather in the DLE office

The Dulye Leadership Experience (DLE), respected for its long legacy of professional development programs for emerging leaders, is carving out a new niche: generating a dialogue between politicians and its members.

The organization is hosting open, in-person exchanges–called Listening Sessions–to bring political leaders together with DLE Gen Z and Millennial members. Two have been held to date–the most recent on Feb. 5 with Massachusetts State Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier.

“At a time when political discourse is severely strained, the DLE is curating respectful, in-person dialogues between our members and government leaders to build awareness of issues that matter most to a key constituency–Millennial and Gen Z voters,” explains DLE Founder and President Linda Dulye, emphasizing there is no political agenda underlying the discussions. “They are intentionally designed to be an educational experience, not an endorsement.”

This month’s Listening Session united 16 DLE members from different backgrounds with the six-term state representative for a 90-minute conversation addressing housing, safety, the environment, mental health, economic development, and citizen engagement.

“The diverse views and opinions were well-expressed and received,” noted one attendee. Added another, “The environment was about listening, sharing and comparing.”

Tricia’s gains from the moderated exchange were significant. “I am a firm believer that the first job of a legislator is to listen. I am grateful to the DLE for providing this opportunity to listen to young professionals in my community,” she reflected. “In listening to the challenges that participants observe in the broader community and those that each face personally, it was interesting that so many come down to the lack of housing that is affordable. I very much appreciate and admire the DLE’s commitment to these community conversations and look forward to further collaboration.”

The Listening Session program was triggered by a conversation last summer between Linda Dulye and Pittsfield Mayor Pete Marchetti, who at the time was a candidate for mayor. Marchetti wanted to broaden his outreach and hear from a critical group of citizens whose voices needed to be amplified–the under-40 residents, professionals and business owners of the city. On July 24, 2023, 15 DLE members aired their views at the first Listening Session, held at the DLE’s downtown Pittsfield office.

Listening Sessions are conducted without cost to the political leaders and participants, with Dulye underwriting all associated expenses. “As a crusader for conversations and building connections in our community, I am committed to making these educational experiences available to civic, business and government leaders who want to learn from the members of a talent pool that we must grow and fortify in the Berkshires,” affirms Linda . “Next-gen leaders are a powerful engine for economic revitalization.”

Several media outlets have reported on the unique mission of the Listening Sessions. Click on these headlines to read: