Citizens First: A Brief History

Citizens First History
History:
Citizens First emerged from a grassroots movement begun in 2003 within the town of Blacksburg to defeat the Tom’s Creek Sewer plan and elect a town council that would function in a more open, transparent and responsive fashion to its citizens. CF’s first formal, public function was a fundraising event at the University Club in spring ‘04. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. gave our fledging organization his support by speaking at our big event before going to Burruss Hall to deliver his keynote address at VA Tech’s symposium on Smart Growth.

“Wine and Cheese with RFK” was a great success and provided an opportunity for Citizens First to enlist wider support, introduce its three candidates for town council and raise funds for the spring campaign, efforts that culminated in a record voter turn-out and sweeping election of our three candidates. Since spring ’04 CF has helped defeat the Tom’s Creek Sewer plan, elect progressive candidates to Council, restore the Comprehensive Plan and the Town Charter and institute term limits on advisory boards and commissions. Most important of all, CF helped raise consciousness levels on issues in our town and return a more constructive balance to relations between Blacksburg’s government and its citizens. Today, our town council operates with greater transparency and renewed respect for the voices of its people.

Coming of Age:
During the past year, CF outgrew the living rooms in which it met and realized the need to formalize a process through which it might continue, expand and improve its potential as an outlet for citizens’ voices, resolve internal conflicts and play a more constructive role in the local political scene. CF initiated a chartering process in August 2006. The final charter was approved by majority vote at an open CF membership meeting December 10, 2006. Citizens First now has:
• Website (www.citizensfirstforblacksburg.org )
• Formal charter
• Blog
• Executive Committee
• Email list with add on/remove option

Future:
Though Citizens First has formalized its process for decision making and political action, it seeks to maintain its dynamic energy and unique character. CF is committed to helping citizens of our wider community stay informed about issues and find compatible outlets for their talents, skills, knowledge and desire to shape a better future for their community.

Sometime this year, Citizens First will begin a membership drive. We hope to reach across town lines, age groups, occupations and experiences to involve a wider range of a wider community to become involved in shaping our shared future. CF intends to make it possible for people to be involved in local/regional affairs in accordance with their interests and time.

Add your voice to Citizens First. Together we can work with local governments and non-governmental groups to ensure all our voices are strong enough to help shape the kind of community in which our children will want to raise their children!