When Monte Belmonte first marched the empty shopping cart from Northampton to Greenfield in 2010, he did so because he saw the way our communities are impacted by hunger and wanted to make a difference. 15 years, 560 miles, and $3,711,194 in donations later The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is getting ready for their 15th annual March for the Food Bank with Monte Belmonte, Representative Jim McGovern, and Executive Director Andrew Morehouse.

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Amherst Survival Center Food Pantry Specialist is still a popular pick!

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Ware Domestic Violence Awareness Walk

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. It's an important time to show your support for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. In Ware on Sunday, October 20th, take a short walk to show your commitment to raising awareness and working to end domestic violence.

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Communities for Restorative Justice

Take part in an informational zoom on October 17th to learn more about C4RJ. Howard Zehr described the process this way: "Restorative justice is a process to involve, to the extent possible, those who have a stake in an offense and to collectively identify and address harms, needs and obligations, in order to heal and put things right as possible." If you would like to hear more about how you can participate locally, click for more information.

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Save the date for amazing conferences

Presented by the Office of Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan and the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Franklin County/North Quabbin and Hampshire County, this summit will explore the many ways adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma manifest in school communities. Presenters will offer practical skills to promote connection and belonging while preserving a culture of learning and growing. Keynote speaker is Gaelin Elmore, a former NFL player who spent 10 years in foster care and is now a motivational leader and educator.

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Don't miss the 2024 virtual annual conference on December 10th. MPHA is now an ALLIANCE: This is their first conference as the new MPHA – the Massachusetts Public Health Alliance! Join and hear more about how they are putting their commitments to humility, trustworthiness, shifting power, and transformation into practice. The 2024 keynote speaker will be Reggie Ramos, Executive Director of Transportation for Massachusetts.

Info and registration

Transforming Education for Social Justice

CES has announced it is holding the 4th conference addressing this key issue, focused on bridging, belonging, and civic engagement. Happening on March 29th at Easthampton High School, the keynote speaker will be Tiffany Jewell, author of This Book Is Anti-Racist. Don't miss this popular event in great local setting.