Close out 2024 with COSA! Join COSA for an in-person December meeting at the Hadley Public Library. Bring a batch of your favorite cookies to share and learn how nonprofits can effectively engage with state & federal legislative offices. We will hear from legislative offices about the general timeline of events & actions in the new year, how and when to effectively advocate for legislation and budget line items, and get a chance to ask questions of legislators and their staff.

Speakers:

Dan Carey, State Representative, Second Hampshire
Mindy Domb, State Representative, Third Hampshire
Jo Comerford, State Senator, Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester
Koby Gardner-Levine, Regional Manager for Congressman Jim McGovern

Date: Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Time: 10:00am-11:30 am

Location: Hadley Public Library, 50 Middle Street, Hadley, MA 01035

Light refreshments will be available.

Last week's favorite click

Everyone is sharing and reading about Holiday Resources at 413Cares.

Got a minute? Join or renew with COSA online.

Gov. Healey announces new shelter rules

Governor Healy announced system wide changes to the Family Emergency Assistance shelter system. The new rules include "rapid shelter" for up to 30 days and "bridge shelter" with a 6-month time limit (subject to legislative approval). Thank you to the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness for sharing this update.

Youth Summit with Rep. Mindy Domb on Dec 12th

State Representative Mindy Domb will host a virtual Youth Summit on Dec. 12 for youth in the 3rd Hampshire District ages 12 through 18. The summit will provide young people with an opportunity to share their priorities going into the new legislative session. Topics will include a legislative update and time for discussion. Spread the word!

Learn more & register

Amherst College students create mural

Students taking a studio art course are collaborating with the Amherst Senior Center, designing a mural for their main lobby to make it a more welcoming, colorful space. The mural will be finished by the end of the semester, but the connections the students have made across generations within our community will continue on after they are done painting.

Read the Gazette article

US Census and Race/Ethnicity Code List

The US Census Bureau published a Federal Register Notice (FRN) asking for public comment on proposed updates to its race/ethnicity code list as part of the Race/Ethnicity Coding Improvement Project. The US Census Bureau seeks to improve and enhance the code list for use in future reporting including the 2030 Census. The public may provide feedback to the FRN from now until February 18, 2025.

Submit your feedback online

Motivating Young People

The Springfield Public Forum presents "10-25: The Science of Motivating Young People" on December 5th. Based on cutting edge research, psychologist David Yeager will explain how to connect with young people and start harnessing their energy and enthusiasm. An essential talk for managers, parents, educators, or anyone who interacts with young people, the session will offer long-term strategies to help nurture independent youth.

Info & register

You can find a list of local holiday resources, such as free meals and toys, that the folks at 413Cares have started to put together. Please help them continue to build this important catalog by sending information on other free resources. Thank you!