GREENFIELD — How can you participate in democracy beyond just voting?

During a panel at Greenfield Community College on Thursday night, civically engaged community members sought to answer this question, sharing their ideas about the democratic process and offering advice to attendees about ways to get involved.

Panelists included Erin Anhalt, Greenfield’s chief of staff who is also involved with the nonprofit Secure Families Initiative; Mpress Bennu, chair of the Greenfield Human Rights Commission and Greenfield Savings Bank Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) analyst and community outreach officer; Marie Gauthier, president of the League of Women Voters of Franklin County; GCC Farm and Food Systems student and student trustee Michael Hannigan; criminal defense attorney and Garden Cinemas owner Isaac Mass; and Greenfield Recorder opinion columnist Allen Woods.

GCC Associate Dean of Community Engagement Judy Raper organized Thursday’s event. She shared that she has been thinking about the connection between an epidemic of loneliness in the United States and lower civic engagement, and said she hoped attendees would feel encouraged to get involved in their communities.

“Tonight is dedicated to celebrating all the ways we protect democracy, big and small,” Raper said.

Panelists were invited to share their relationship to civic engagement and their thoughts on democracy before taking questions from audience members.

Bennu emphasized the importance of listening to a wide array of voices and perspectives.

“When dealing with a diverse community, you must respect diverse opinions,” Bennu said. “That is democracy to me.”

When asked by a GCC student about specific steps people can take to get involved, Anhalt recommended joining a city board or committee. Hannigan encouraged the student to get involved with GCC student government.

Gauthier emphasized that small steps toward engaging with the community can help.

“[Democracy] is not a marathon,” Gauthier said. “Being a part of a community is a relay.”