Building a resilient community doesn't happen in a vacuum - it happens through solidarity, shared resources, and collective action. We would love for you to join us for an inspiring educational and networking event focused on the power of aligned resources, information, and response right here in our region. Join COSA for this special meeting!

This presentation will focus on the work of a local leading immigrant justice organization, Pioneer Valley Workers Center, and LUCE, the statewide Massachusetts coalition of immigrant-led grassroots organizations. PVWC and LUCE have organized rapid response, mutual aid, and leadership development opportunities for impacted community members in the face of severe threats to immigrants. Presenters will speak to the value of coalition building to address complex crises, share resources, and increase solidarity and awareness between organizations.

Presenters will include Ariana Keigan, Associate Director, Pioneer Valley Workers Center, and

Andrea Darby, Northampton/Easthampton Hub Leader, LUCE.

Tuesday, May 12th @10am-11:30am

Hadley Public Library, 50 Middle Street, Hadley

Light refreshments will be available

Last week's favorite click

MassBudget: readable summary of FY2027 House budget proposal

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Forbes Library Garden Tour on June 13th

Friends of Forbes Library, Inc. has announced The 32nd Annual Northampton Garden Tour on Saturday, June 13th. All proceeds from the tour, raffle and t-shirt sales benefit the Friends of Forbes Library, Inc to help fund collections, programs, projects, preservation, events, training, and equipment to enrich the Library’s exceptional resources and services that benefit the local community. This tour will inspire and educate participants with a variety of landscape styles, plants and gardening methods. The care and skill that has been poured into these gardens is extraordinary. Each garden has plant descriptions and volunteer guides to answer your questions.

Get your tickets today

Will Bike 4 Food pre-registration May 1st

Will Bike 4 Food is back, and pre-registration opens May 1 for this classic community fundraiser taking place on September 20th. As a thank you for helping the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts get a solid start, Early Birds can access $30 registration for the month of May. The goal is to raise $300,000 this year, and every mile, every rider, and every dollar brings FBWM closer to the finish line and closer to a hunger-free Western Massachusetts.

Get more info here

New Western MA Community Coordinator

Elizabeth McKinstry has over a decade of experience in public libraries, along with a passion for public service, building relationships, and connecting her fellow community members to resources. She’s given presentations all over the country, loves to meet new people, and is excited to use her skills to bring the important work of the AGO to her neighbors in the amazing counties of Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden. Please reach out to Elizabeth at elizabeth.mckinstry@mass.gov if you’d like her to come present a training or bring resources about your rights to your community event or organization.

See the announcement here

Community Legal Aid gets grant

Community Legal Aid has received $75,000 from the Office of the Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell to launch the Central & Western Mass. Eviction Sealing Project. As part of this effort, Community Legal Aid plans to hold at least 12 clinics throughout Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Berkshire and Worcester counties over the course of a year... “The impediments of having an eviction on your record are huge,” said Jennifer Dieringer, managing attorney of Community Legal Aid’s Northampton and Greenfield offices.

Read the full details here