The Power of Participation: Showing Up for Ourselves And Our Communities

Hosted by the Bucks County Beacon and Doylestown Action League, this community conversation brings together a powerhouse panel of leaders who’ve turned civic engagement, advocacy, and public service into their life’s work. If you’ve ever wondered how to get involved, where to start, or how ordinary people create extraordinary change, this event is for you!

Guided by moderator Connor O'Hanlon—CPA, Doylestown Borough Councilman, author, and champion of local leadership—our panelists will dig into what participation really looks like, why it matters, and how we can empower ourselves to create stronger, healthier, more vibrant communities.

Featuring:

• Lauren Cristella — President & CEO of the Committee of Seventy and the first woman to lead the 120‑year‑old organization. A nationally recognized voice on civic leadership and public trust.
• Amy Widestrom — Political scientist, former department chair at Arcadia University, expert on civic engagement, elections, and the role of women in politics, and the Executive Director of the PA League of Women Voters.
• Ariel Virk — Psychotherapist, community advocate, and part-owner of Welsh Psychotherapy and PS Psychiatry, working at the intersection of trauma‑informed care, immigrant rights, and inclusive local policy.
• Nick Emeigh — Executive Director of NAMI Bucks County PA, mental health advocate, and public speaker with 11 years of recovery. A fierce voice for stigma‑free communities and accessible mental health support.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher The Bucks County Beacon