Author: Alisa Costa

Working Cities Wednesday Community Feedback Survey

Thank you to everyone who responded to our Fall survey to let us know how we are doing and what we could be doing better. If you missed the survey, don’t worry. Feedback loops allow us to go back to you and ask, “Did we get it right?” and delve deeper into understanding your answers.

Watch the video presentation:

Click here to view the full survey report. Use the password bridges.
Haga clic aquí para ver el informe completo de la encuesta. Usa la contraseña: bridges.

Click here to view all the survey responses in English.Download
Haga clic aquí para ver todas las respuestas de la encuesta en español.Download

August Working Cities Wednesday

Working Cities Wednesday

August 2019 Pitches

Group 1

Topic: Wellness Meditation Group

Leader: Soncere Williams

Phone:

Email: [email protected]

Next meeting date: Touch base via email in two weeks

Summary:

  • Healthy twist of vulgarity
  • Makes people giggle, uplifting
  • Accessible to multiple areas in community
    • Locations, childcare, language, liability?
  • Positivity advocate

Three things to do before the next meeting:

  • Contact following locations
    • Christian Center, Pittsfield Senior Center, Library, Crane Center, Tyler St Lab, Veterans outreach, VA Clinic, Community connections, 18 Degrees Family Resource Center, BCC, Soldier On, sleep study program
  • Finish template for proposal
  • Start FB group
  • Contact pitch

Resources you may need:

  • Contact info for agencies/locations listed above (which we know where to get)

Names

Kayla / BHS / [email protected]

Kate Lauzon / Working Cities / 413 841 5841 / [email protected]

Joseph Fish / 516 507 4980 / [email protected]

Ranisha Grice / Working Cities / 413 841 0234 / [email protected]

Group 2

Topic: Getting a “trishaw” bike in Pittsfield

Leader: Nicholas Russo

Phone: 413 841 8425

Email: [email protected]

Next meeting date: 9/25/19

Summary:

  • Cost/fundraising
  • Volunteers
  • Storage/maintenance
  • New paradigm of transport
  • Zero emissions/noise

Three things to do before the next meeting:

  • Think about possible sponsors/donors
  • Prepare marketing materials, powerpoint
    • Shuttle service, sightseeing
  • Volunteers/free rides vs. employees/charter
  • Talk to:
    • Elder services, BCARC, BFAIR, United Way innovation grant, Rose and Cole’s (possible fees?), BRTA (visitor), historical/educational institutions, First Fridays, Tyler St Lab, City of Pittsfield

Resources you may need:

  • Insurance/liability consideration (pro-bono)
    • Brad Gordon (mediator/lawyer)
  • AARP Cycling Without Age (need for point 2 re: marketing, shuttle etc)
  • Volunteers, enthusiasm
  • Research in Northampton

Names

Nicholas Russo

Nycole Gallagher / BUW / 413 329 2278 / [email protected]

Zach

Ernest Huffman / Working Cities / 413 752 2760 / [email protected]

Group 3

Topic: Tenants Rights Association

Leader: Sera Bishop

Phone: N/A

Email: N/A

Next meeting date: 9/25/19

Summary:

  • Desire to create a committee to assist in addressing tenants rights
  • The existing problems of tenancy
  • Who do we get this info out to?
  • Existing resources- so we don’t duplicate with this info
  • How will people want to engage with this as a tenant? In person? Paperwork to print?

Three things to do before the next meeting:

  • Reach out to set up another meeting
  • Brainstorm ideas individually
  • Organize some of the resources we know of so they can be combined.
  • Chain of command- what is the chain of command to hold officials accountable?

Resources you may need:

  • Law library
  • Check in with Kenny Warren
  • Hearing other people’s stories and complaints they’d like addressed/questions they have

Names

Karen Roche / Working Cities / 413 841 5519 / [email protected]

Dubois Thomas / Habitat for Humanity / 413 442 3181 /  [email protected]

Karen Kalinowsky / 413 329 0397 / [email protected]

Gaylamar Artis / PIVAT / 413 841 1321

Renee Singh / 413 358 7440 / [email protected]

Kevin Morandi / City Councilor / 413 499 0108 / [email protected]

R.A. / RLC / 413 841 4497

Group 4

Topic: Ambassador Continuation

Leader: Amarie Starr

Phone: 917 565 6891

Email: [email protected]

Next meeting date: N/A

Summary:

  • Funding sponsors
  • We will keep this program up and running
  • Age gaps
  • How many hours can get funded?
  • Benefits
  • Tour people, get assistance parking
  • How can you help me? Helping residents
  • The color of your shirt makes a difference- bright orange

Three things to do before the next meeting:

  • Talk to city council and ask about the tourist station
  • Talk to the sponsors
  • Do research on what orgs can use ambassadors

Resources you may need:

  • Community navigators
  • Banks
  • City Councils
  • The BRTA bus station

Names

Ranisha Grice / Working Cities / 413 841 0234 / [email protected]

Jessica Jones / 770 337 4723 / [email protected]

Virgina O’Leary / Pittsfield Prospers / 334 750 3132 / [email protected]

Sam Reggio / Berkshire Athenaeum / 413 499 9480 / [email protected]

Amarie Starr / DPI / 917 565 6891 / [email protected]

Cheyenne Vanbramer / DPI / 413 464 5937 / [email protected]

Group 5

Topic: No Bullying Flashmob

Leader: Sherrie Bethel McGregor

Phone: 415 841 4466

Email: [email protected]

Next meeting date: N/A

Summary:

  • Saturday at farmer’s market
  • Jacob’s Pillow rehearsal
  • Annual Flyer
  • Social media

Three things to do before the next meeting:

  • Contact employers
  • Community center
  • High school
  • Elizabeth Freeman Center (flyer)

Resources you may need:

  • Flyers / music / PA system
  • Dance class / teacher
  • Volunteers
  • City hall permit

Names

N/A