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Hidden Talents: Linda Young, Community Activist

<<<Think locally, act locally--Senior administrative assistant Linda Young is active in a variety of South Hadley town issues, and serves the town on the Select Board.

When Linda Young took a temporary position at MHC, she fully expected to return quickly to employment in South Hadley community services. Twelve years later, she's still the senior administrative assistant for the biological sciences department, and has expanded her community service to include the College.

Currently serving her third term as a member of the South Hadley Select Board, Young has also been cochair of the Staff Council, as well as cochair of the Human Resources Advisory Council and chair of the Staff Association (both groups superseded by the Staff Council). She's also the longtime coordinator of the staff program providing weekly groceries to two area families throughout the year.

"I'm one of those people who likes being involved in things, particularly those that affect my community and my family," explains the South Hadley native. "I'm not the type who just joins a committee. I like to participate actively and speak up." Young hastens to add that she is not a saint, but says she chooses involvement because, "Bottom line, I need to be needed. I do it because it makes me feel good." Young's many active interests over the years include the Charter Commission, the Council on Aging, conservation issues, Girl Scout leadership, and twenty-four years as a town meeting member.

Young says her attraction to town government springs from many sources, in particular South Hadley's "Know Your Town" organization. Founded fifty years ago by women interested in participating in local programs and issues, "Know Your Town" provided a strong, supportive group for women and, says Young, "It was a big influence on shaping my path in public service."

Young feels that her style is different from her male counterparts on the Select Board. She visits with town department heads, sees their work sites, and actively solicits opinions from all sides of a question. "I like to hear from both parties in a decision ... Department heads have learned that they need to bring me all information on an issue beforehand." Young feels her approach has made Select Board meetings more productive and efficient, though she says not all board members prefer this style of decision making.

Young encourages people to get involved in their community and do something for someone else. "It really does make you feel better at the end of the day," she says. Young also would like to see more women run for elected office. "I live a very full life and I want other women to know that they can too. And there's so much support statewide and nationally for women serving in public office."