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Heller for Alderman Committee
411A Highland Ave #317
Somerville, MA 02144-2156
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I have over ten years of experience in developing policy solutions, grassroots organizing, and working with many different populations of people. I have dedicated much of my youth and all of my career to getting people involved in the public policy process. Whether working for environmental protection or affordable housing for all income levels, I am an advocate for people. I have the experience it takes to lead Somerville's Ward 7.
Work / Accomplishments / Volunteer
Massachusetts State Senate Housing Committee
In my work for the State Senate Housing Committee I research, analyze, and help to develop housing policies. I bring together developers, advocates, tenants, property owners, and other interested parties to help shape policy solutions to housing problems in Massachusetts. I also work with constituents to address their needs and concerns.
Homes for Families
Homes for Families is a statewide advocacy organization dedicated to ending family homelessness. I worked with families who have experienced homelessness, service providers, and advocates to identify the root causes of family homelessness and work with state decision makers to implement policy solutions. I organized Public Policy Series courses to teach homeless and formerly homeless parents about public policy and how to work within the system to end family homelessness. I also ran the Advocacy Liaison program, which trained service providers throughout Massachusetts to involve others in advocacy to end family homelessness.
Public Interest Research Groups and Related Organizations
I have always been interested in politics and political change. However, it was my work with the State PIRGs that taught me the skills of grassroots organizing and advocacy. In working for the PIRGs I helped further their mission of concrete practical changes, ranging from protecting public health to safeguarding consumers, from preserving the environment to establishing meaningful campaign finance reform.
As Coordinator for the Earthday Resources for Living Green (September, 2001 – August, 2003), I researched and wrote quarterly newsletters and reports informing people about how to reduce their impact on the environment. I made all of this information available on the Earthday Resources for Living Green website, where consumers could also shop directly from environmentally responsible businesses.
As the Shareholder Advocate for Green Century Capital Management (January 2003 – August 2003) I worked with businesses to establish a dialogue around changing practices harmful to the environment and developed and executed campaigns to improve the environmental performance of specific companies.
As the Organizing Director for the Connecticut Public Interest Research Group, I directed the grassroots and advocacy efforts of ConnPIRG's campaigns. This included managing staff and volunteers, forming coalitions, and serving as a spokesperson to decision makers and media.
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Somerville Affordable Housing Organizing Committee (AHOC)
Horizons for Homeless Children
Horizons provides many services for children living in shelters. I volunteered in the Playspace program, working with children ages 2-6 to help get them "school-ready". I helped teach kids the skills necessary to be successful in school, including reading.
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