1Berkshire's Berkshire Leadership Program Accepting Applications

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — 1Berkshire's Berkshire Leadership Program (BLP) is excited to announce that the 2025 class applications are open. 

The Berkshire Leadership Program seeks, prepares, involves, and sustains individuals from diverse backgrounds who are committed to and competent in addressing community challenges and improving the quality of life in the Berkshires. More than 640 community-minded individuals have graduated from the program since its inception in 1997. 

The Class of 2025 will kick off with a two-day retreat Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26, which includes training in many facets of leadership, problem-solving techniques, and networking. The retreat is followed by weekly sessions held on Thursdays, May 8 - June 26, focusing on areas of economic development, healthcare, tourism, creative economy, housing, and community involvement.

The Berkshire Leadership Program is coordinated by 1Berkshire with the dynamic support of the volunteer BLP Steering Committee, composed of professionals from across the region who commit their time and expertise to develop and facilitate the entire program.

The deadline to apply for the Class of 2025 is 4:00 pm on Friday, December 20, 2024. The cost of tuition is $800; some scholarship dollars are available.

The application and a full program schedule can be found at: 

Please contact blp@1berkshire.com with any questions.
https://1berkshire.jotform.com/242754067299165

State Auditor DiZoglio Pushes for Beacon Hill Transparency

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:29AM / Monday, September 28, 2026

The state auditor called on voters to support Question 1 on the November ballot, which would bring most legislative and governor's office records under the public records law. 

DALTON, Mass. — Transparency is not a one-party issue, and democracy is also "under attack" here in Massachusetts, not just at the federal level, State Auditor Diana DiZoglio said during a presentation to the Dalton Democratic Town Committee.

 

More than a dozen people filled Nessacus Regional Middle School's auditorium Thursday as DiZoglio outlined her belief that power on Beacon Hill has become concentrated among a small number of House leaders, limiting legislative debate and creating what she described as a system of "rewards and punishment" to influence lawmakers.

 

"That system is really destroying democracy here in Massachusetts," she said.

 

The system was designed with a system of checks and balances, including giving the people a right to create laws at the ballot box, DiZoglio said.

 

"We have the right to vote for our elected representatives and senators to represent us and to be our voice at the state house. The people have constitutional rights in this commonwealth, but the people's rights are being ignored over and over and over again," she said

 

"This isn't about liberal, moderate, conservative. This is an everyone issue. That's why you see so many people coming out and supporting these transparency issues, regardless of party affiliation."

 

Since being elected in 2022, DiZoglio has been advocating for more transparency and accountability within the Legislature, specifically through the 2024 Question 1 ballot question which authorizes the state auditor to audit the Legislature.