The Volunteer Coordinating Committee has issued a call for local people to consider serving on Bedford’s town committees as a number of terms recently concluded on 30 June. The appeal, published as a guest column, highlights vacancies across a wide sweep of civic responsibilities and urges residents to lend their time and perspectives to the running of local services.
Why the call matters
The committee notes that summer is a period of transition for municipal bodies as one- and three-year appointments come to an end. While some members will seek reappointment, others will step down, creating openings. The column stresses the importance of resident involvement alongside professional town staff to sustain community decision-making.
"Summer is a time for rest and relaxation, but it’s also a time of transition for Bedford town committees,"
The Volunteer Coordinating Committee emphasises that most committees do not require a specific professional background; instead, a mixture of interests and experience is welcomed. Attending committee meetings—either in person or, where available, via Zoom—is recommended for prospective applicants to better understand each body's work.
Where help is needed
The publication lists the committees with current vacancies and the number of places to be filled. They cover policy and civic life, including housing, sustainability and heritage.
- Capital Expenditures Committee (one vacancy)
- Council on Aging (one vacancy)
- Community Media Committee (two vacancies)
- Commission on Disability (one vacancy)
- Cultural Council (one vacancy)
- Energy & Sustainability Committee (two vacancies)
- Hanscom Area Towns Committee (one vacancy)
- Historic Preservation Commission (one vacancy)
- Municipal Affordable Housing Trust (two vacancies)
- Patriotic Holiday Committee (one vacancy)
- Taxation Aid Committee (one vacancy)
- Trails Committee (two vacancies)
- Tricentennial Committee (one vacancy)
- Volunteer Coordinating Committee (one vacancy)
- Zoning Board of Appeals (one alternate and one full member)
| Committee | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Municipal Affordable Housing Trust | 2 |
| Energy & Sustainability Committee | 2 |
| Trails Committee | 2 |
| Council on Aging | 1 |
How to get involved
Prospective volunteers are encouraged to attend committee meetings to observe and to speak with current members for further information. The Volunteer Coordinating Committee also invites applicants to make contact to learn more about how to submit an application. The column emphasises that resident contribution is key to keeping Bedford "the special place that it is."
Residents interested in these roles should consult the town’s official channels for meeting schedules and application procedures, and consider which committees align with their interests and availability.
