For over 20 years, the Onondaga Citizens League has represented an outstanding example of citizen participation in public affairs in Central New York. Founded in 1977 and incorporated in 1979, OCL is an independent not-for-profit organization that encourages citizen education and involvement in public issues. The OCL’s annual study on a topic of community-wide relevance culminates in a report designed to help citizens comprehend the issue and its implications, and give decision-makers suggestions for action.

This year’s study, OCL’s twentieth, departed from previous years’ formats in two significant ways. First, several of the study sessions featured speakers from outside Central New York, in order to obtain a fresh perspective on the issues. Secondly, the speakers made presentations at Syracuse University’s Thursday Morning Roundtable, to which all members of the community were invited, followed by the traditional OCL panel discussions. This format broadened the audience for each session, including Sunday afternoon public radio broadcasts of TMR.

As a newcomer to the Citizens League, I was impressed by the dedication of those involved in the study, all of whom sustained a remarkable level of commitment and enthusiasm throughout the process.

Special thanks are extended to the individual and corporate members who support the work of the League through their membership dues and donations, and to Syracuse University Continuing Education, which provides substantial administrative assistance to the Citizens League and the study.

Sandra Barrett
Executive Vice President