Below is a summary of discussions from the July 26 Working Cities Wednesday meeting and how to get involved in each topic.
Art Place America Grant to help educate about storm water
Alison Dixon [email protected] 413-298-7024
Discussion:
- Finalist in the Art Place America Grant to solve community challenge
- Is money coming into the city for this?
- Rain related sculptures
- Harvest of Hope Sept 16
Three things to do before the next meeting:
- Talk to City about refilling dog waste bags
- Create a map of all the rivers and lakes that show the storm drains into the river
- Contact Kiwanis, Boy Scouts, Youth Action Research Team
Resources needed:
- More people
- Dog waste bags
- Map maker
Access to energy conservation and renewable energy for low income residents
Nat Karns [email protected] 413-442-1521x 26
Discussion:
- Use community (meaning neighborhood) leaders to provide information to their network and use existing organization leadership that is working with lower income populations already to provide information;
- Need information on programs that are most applicable and useable to the population in common language and in multiple languages – certainly at least Spanish; there may be others such as Portuguese that need to be considered as well. They don’t need jargon or bureaucratic terms – need to be straightforward and pretty simple.
- Use community events – block parties, 3rd Thursday, festivals, etc. to spread information
Transportation*
Barbara Bizzi [email protected] 413-442-0649
Discussion:
- Immediate transportation needs
- Shared ideas and concerns with BRTA
- Share BRTA survey
Resources needed:
- Reach out to Councilors and State representatives
- Ideas
*Working Cities is focused on transportation in the Berkshires. If you would like to work with us, please contact our Initiative Director.
Using technology to support food pantries
Zach Durso [email protected] 413-347-9224
Discussion:
- Different ways to support food pantries
- What things to focus on first
- Creatively thinking about ideas
Three things to do before the next meeting:
- Learn oasis system
- Visit 3 pantries
- Contact 3 assistance organizations
Resources needed:
- People power
- Money
Trauma Informed Berkshires
Chris Haley [email protected] 413-355-2014
Discussion:
- Mission of Trauma Informed Berkshires
- Event on 8/15
Three things to do before the next meeting:
- Spread word about event
- Hold event on 8/15
- Meet with Tack Burbank
Resources needed:
- Spread the word
- Bring people
