Raleigh Non-Partisan Candidates Forum Recap: Community Dialogue at Shaw University

Estimated Read Time: 3–4 minutes

Raleigh Residents Engage Candidates at Civic Forum

Community members gathered at Shaw University on February 7, 2026 for PowerUp NC’s the Raleigh Non-Partisan Candidates’ Forum, an event designed to connect voters directly with mayoral, at-large, and district candidates ahead of upcoming local elections. The forum provided an open setting for questions, discussion, and civic engagement focused on Raleigh’s future. 

Free admission and a welcoming environment helped encourage broad participation from residents interested in learning more about city leadership priorities and policy discussions.

Key Highlights From the Forum

Direct Candidate Engagement

Attendees had opportunities to hear candidate perspectives firsthand and ask questions about pressing local issues affecting Raleigh neighborhoods, business growth, infrastructure, and community development. The forum emphasized respectful dialogue and informed decision-making. 

Structured Candidate Sessions

The event featured dedicated sessions for different races:

Mayoral & At-Large Candidates: Morning session District Representative Candidates: Afternoon session

This structure allowed focused discussion around specific leadership roles and policy priorities.

Civic Education & Community Connection

Events like this help residents better understand how local government decisions impact everyday life — from housing and transportation to economic development and public safety.

Why Civic Forums Matter in Raleigh

Local candidate forums continue to play an important role in strengthening civic participation across the Triangle. They help:

Encourage informed voting decisions Increase transparency around policy priorities Promote community dialogue Build stronger connections between residents and city leadership

As Raleigh continues to grow, opportunities for direct engagement with elected officials remain essential for shaping inclusive, responsive local governance.

DoRaleigh Community Perspective

At DoRaleigh, we believe civic awareness is just as important as arts, culture, and entertainment coverage. Forums like this highlight the value of staying informed, participating in local conversations, and supporting community dialogue that shapes Raleigh’s future.

Expect continued coverage of:

Local elections and candidate forums City council and committee updates Community engagement opportunities Triangle civic events and public meetings.

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Broken Budget Townhall in Raleigh: Stand Up for Working Families

Why This Townhall Matters

Washington politicians have passed what many are calling a broken budget—a harmful spending plan that raises costs for everyday people while stripping away essential resources. This bill threatens health care access for working families, takes funding away from our public schools, and hands out massive tax breaks to billionaires and big corporations.

For families already facing difficult choices, this budget could mean the difference between putting food on the table or paying skyrocketing energy bills. That’s why our community is coming together to make our voices heard.

The Broken Budget Townhall Tour

The Broken Budget Townhall Tour is a grassroots movement to hold politicians accountable for policies that harm our communities. This event in Raleigh is part of a statewide effort to stand up against cuts that put working families, students, and communities at risk.

You’ll hear directly from community leaders, educators, and advocates about the real-life impact of this budget—and what we can do to fight back.

Featured Speaker: Ernestine Ledbetter

We’re proud to feature Ernestine Ledbetter, an Organizing Committee member who has been a strong voice for justice and equity in our state. Alongside Ernestine, other community voices from across North Carolina will share their experiences and solutions for building a fairer future.

Event Details

📅 When: Wednesday, August 27 · 5:30 – 7:30 PM

📍 Where: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh

🗣️ Speakers: Ernestine Ledbetter & community leaders

Take Action – Register Today

This isn’t just another event—it’s a call to action. Together, we can demand better priorities and ensure that budgets work for families, not billionaires.

Your week, your city, your fun — stay connected with everything happening in the Raleigh at DoRaleigh.com

👉 Register to Attend the Broken Budget Townhall

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Cultivating Roots – Youth Garden Workshop with PowerUp NC and St Ambrose Episcopal Church

Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Location: St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, Raleigh, NC

Why Gardening Matters for Youth

PowerUp NC, in partnership with St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, is inviting young community members to a special Youth Garden Workshop designed to inspire and educate the next generation of growers. The event focuses on regenerative agriculture, sustainable gardening practices, and the spiritual connection between people and the earth.

Participants will learn practical techniques for small-scale gardening—perfect for those without access to large yards. The workshop will include hands-on experience where youth will choose their own seeds, plant them in take-home containers, and learn how to care for them.

Spiritual Growth Through Soil

Beyond planting seeds, this workshop explores the healing and nurturing aspects of gardening. Facilitators will discuss how tending to the earth can also nurture our spirits, providing a sense of peace and purpose. St. Ambrose Episcopal Church’s involvement emphasizes the holistic benefits of connecting with nature—not just as an environmental act, but as a form of personal and spiritual care.

Why Join?

By the end of the event, participants will:

Understand the mission and work of PowerUp NC and how youth can get involved. Gain hands-on skills to start their own container gardens at home. Explore how gardening can support emotional well-being and spiritual healing. Leave with their own planted container, plus resources for continued learning.

Takeaway

This one-hour workshop isn’t just about gardening—it’s about empowerment, sustainability, and personal growth. Young people will walk away with practical skills, new connections, and a deeper appreciation for how tending a small plant can cultivate both community and self-care.

Come plant your first seed toward a greener future—literally and figuratively. Signup Now

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