Revitalizing Upstate New York and building a stronger, more socially responsible community will require more participation from better informed voters, says Sr. Margaret Mattle. Mattle organized a series of talks the sisters of Mercy Prayer Center will hold this fall.

The sisters have selected a group of community leaders as speakers for the series, "Vote with Wisdom and Clear Vision." Each speaker will discuss his or her personal experience with the election process, how voters can determine the issues most important to them, and how to compare the candidates on those issues.

It's not enough, Mattle says, to vote along party lines. Many voters become frustrated by spin and negative campaign ads. Some of them become so frustrated by the way information about candidates is handled, she says, they feel their options are limited. After the last big election, Mattle says, the need for in-depth analysis was too evident to ignore.

"We want more people to understand their own values and how to look for them in their candidates, and to exercise their vote with confidence," Mattle says.

The four sessions will be held at Mercy Prayer Center, 65 Highland Avenue, at 7 p.m. Registration is recommended. Tickets are $15 for one session or $50 for all four. Information: 473-6893 or cmcgraw@mercyrochester.org.

The dates are: Monday, October 29: "Knowing Yourself as a Citizen Seeking Integrity" with former Rochester mayor, William Johnson. Johnson teaches public policy and urban/community development at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Monday, November 5: "Discerning Your Choices, Getting Free of Prejudices" with Sr. Margaret Mattle, Sr. of Mercy.

Monday, November 12: "Assessing Candidates and Calling them to Accountability" with State Sen. Joseph Robach and former City Council member, Wade Norwood. Norwood is director of Safety Net Initiatives for the Finger Lakes Systems Agency.

Monday, November 19: "Reviewing Candidates' Values and Platforms in Light of Social Needs" with Barbara A. Moore, Sr. of Mercy.