Programs that seek to ensure broad participation by community residents in government decision making and the political process by encouraging them to serve on government boards and commissions; attend public hearings, council meetings, town meetings, school board meetings and other forums in which public policy issues are being discussed and decisions are being made; communicate with elected officials via correspondence, email, telephone or other means; participate in programs designed to familiarize people with local government departments, facilities and services; and use other similar vehicles to become proactively involved in community affairs.