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Pittsfield Named “Welcoming Community” - July 03, 2008
PITTSFIELD – Pittsfield is the sixth city in Massachusetts to formally proclaim itself as a Welcoming Community as part of a statewide initiative to respect and celebrate diversity. The campaign is designed to raise the level of public discourse concerning immigrants and immigration in the Commonwealth, which would have experienced significant population loss had it not been for an influx of immigrants in the last ten years.
“Immigrants have always been an important part of Pittsfield and they provide the hope for our future. This pledge confirms our recognition for the need to respect and celebrate diversity in our community and in all communities,” noted Pittsfield Mayor Ruberto at a recent meeting of the Cross Cultural Action Network (CCAN), an informal network of individuals and organizations that support immigrants and other minority groups in Berkshire County.
CCAN is partnering with Berkshire communities to reach a countywide goal of 500 pledges by September in support of the Welcoming Massachusetts campaign. Berkshire County residents are encouraged to sign pledges at local meetings and events, and online at welcomingma.org. Those who sign the pledge agree to support actions that help make Berkshire communities hospitable, welcoming, and inclusive of diversity.
The Welcoming Community initiative began during Pittsfield’s Third Thursday event in May. Since that time, over 200 Berkshire area residents have pledged their support for the Welcoming Community campaign. The Pittsfield City Council also passed a resolution supporting the Welcoming Community initiative at their June 8th meeting, and Mayor Ruberto is slated to read a proclamation at the July 8 City Council meeting.
CCAN is committed to making the Berkshires a welcoming community through events, advocacy and education. The public is welcome to attend its next meeting on Thursday, July 17th from noon to 2 PM at the First Baptist Church, 88 South St., Pittsfield. CCAN Steering Committee members include the Berkshire Immigrant Center, Adult Learning Center, Adult Literacy Committee of Berkshire County, BRIDGE program, Human Service Forum, and Manos Unidas. For more information, please contact Claudine Chavanne at (413) 637-0373 or Brooke Mead at (413) 445-4881. |
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