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History, Government & Politics Organizations

Amnesty International

This group is currently inactive.

2014-2015 Student Leaders: Sierra Jubin ([email protected]), Abby Rampone ([email protected])
Faculty/Staff Adviser: Amy Merselis ([email protected])
Meeting Time/Place: Thursdays in Paresky

The Williams College Amnesty International Chapter was created for the purpose of helping Amnesty International by whatever means we can in Amnesty International’s efforts to secure basic human rights for millions of people worldwide.  The group aims to learn about and help specific people or issues suggested by Amnesty International at each meeting. They also aspire to educate the Williams student body about general human rights issues through informational campaigns, film screenings, or other avenues as deemed viable by the WCAIC.

Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office

The primary mission of the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office is “to protect the public from criminal offenders by operating a safe, secure and progressive correctional facility while committing to crime prevention awareness in the community” We explore innovative and cost-effective community correction alternatives to incarceration, pursue the fair and equitable treatment of inmates, and create a just and fair environment that encourages positive behavior from criminal offenders. We also promote education, treatment and social responsibility in an effort to successfully integrate criminal offenders back into society. Finally, we develop public safety initiatives, volunteer and support programs for the prevention of criminal activity and providing the community with pertinent information.

Berkshire County Jail and House of Correction
467 Cheshire Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Phone: 413-443-7220
[email protected]
bcsoma.org

Berkshire Historical Society at Herman Melville’s Arrowhead

A nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, and disseminating the history of Berkshire County in western Massachusetts. Located at Arrowhead, the home of Herman Melville from 1850 to 1863. Information on volunteer opportunities, such as tour guide and assistance in the archives or collections, is available on the Society’s website or by emailing [email protected].

780 Holmes Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
413-442-1793
[email protected]
www.berkshirehistory.org
Contact: Lesley Herzberg, [email protected]

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission is the official region-wide planning agency in Berkshire County providing comprehensive planning services to municipalities which include land use, transportation, community and economic development, housing, public health, and environmental planning. BRPC promotes regional collaboration among communities and works to increase coordination between all levels of government. Volunteers and interns welcome on various projects.

1 Fenn Street, Suite 201
Pittsfield, MA 01201
413-442-1521
www.berkshireplanning.org

City of North Adams

Welcomes various kinds of help including computer graphic design (creation of local and regional posters, flyers, and brochures for visitors), drafting proposals, and creating festivals and community events.

 

City Hall
6 West Main Street
North Adams, MA 01247
413-664-6180
www.northadams-ma.gov
[email protected]
Contact: Veronica Bosley, Mayor’s Office of Tourism

City of Pittsfield

Students interested in volunteering or interning in any city department, program or project should contact Wiehl or Quinn for help arranging an appropriate opportunity.

 

City Hall
70 Allen Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
413-499-9321
www.pittsfield-ma.org
Contact: Lisa Wiehl or Kathy Quinn

Four Freedoms Coalition

The Four Freedoms Coalition is a non-partisan, diverse coalition of over 150 community groups, non-profit organizations, businesses and elected officials working together to unite the community and reaffirm our true American values, as outlined in President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s landmark Four Freedoms speech. They are:

  • Freedom from fear
  • Freedom from want
  • Freedom of speech
  • Freedom of religion

4freedomscoalition.org

Contact:
[email protected]

Greylock Together

Greylock Together is a grassroots, non-partisan political movement formed in November 2016, representing 400+ members of the communities surrounding Mount Greylock. We are committed, engaged community members dedicated to social justice and united in our fight for progressive policies. Rooted locally and united by shared values of justice, common respect, and citizen empowerment, Greylock Together has working groups on the Environment, Civil Rights, Health Care, Reproductive Rights, Education, Voting Rights, and Legislative Action.

greylocktogether.org

Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance

The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) assists and empowers low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life, and achieve long term economic self-sufficiency. DTA serves one in seven residents of the Commonwealth with direct economic assistance (cash benefits) and food assistance (SNAP benefits), as well as workforce training opportunities.

DTA Pittsfield Transitional Assistance Office
160 North Street, Suite 201
Pittsfield, MA 01201
413-236-2000
www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-transitional-assistance

Multicultural BRIDGE

Multicultural BRIDGE promotes mutual understanding and acceptance among diverse groups serving as a resource to both local institutions and the community at large.  We serve as catalysts for change through collaboration, education, training, dialogue, fellowship and advocacy.

Services include: Cultural Literacy and Cultural Competence Training, consulting & facilitation. Youth Leadership and Multicultural Education.  Parent Education. Civil Rights & Social Justice Forums & Conferences. Advocacy of diverse groups.

multiculturalbridge.org

Not in Our Berkshires Campaign to “Stop Hate. Together” With #AllHandsIn Approach

Contact:
Berkshire Resources for Integration of Diverse Groups and Education dba Multicultural BRIDGE
17 Main St, Suite 2
Lee, MA 01238
Phone: 413-394-4029
Email: [email protected]

North Adams Historical Society

The mission of the North Adams Historical Society is to protect, preserve, and promote the rich history of North Adams and its people through the presentation of exhibits, publications, and programs. See the website or send an e-mail for information on programs or to inquire about volunteer opportunities.

Western Gateway Heritage State Park, Bldg. 5A
North Adams, MA 01247
413-664-4700
[email protected]

Northern Berkshires for Racial Justice

Northern Berkshires for Racial Justice (NBRJ) is a community group made up of different facets of the North County population. We are students, professionals, families, parents, retired folks, various faith organizations, etc. We aim to provide educational resources and community engagement, and to create positive change by working on the local level. We aim to work with other community organizations in our efforts to create a more fair and just world.

Monthly Open Meetings:
1st Tuesday of Every Month @ 7:30pm
New Hope United Methodist Church
550 Main St
North Adams, MA 01247

We also host a smaller “working group.” This group consists of folks who are willing to commit at least two hours per month to the group. These people can also commit to attend at least 75% of Working Group Meetings. Those interested in joining the Working Group should Jane Berger ([email protected]).

Rules Change Project

The Rules Change Project is an initiative to support action ideas for capitalism and the common good.  America is not working for all of us. The Rules Change Project is an open coalition to spotlight, amplify and educate the public about existing efforts to foster economic “rules change.” It is an informal, non-partisan collaboration of individuals and independent groups seeking to help launch a national conversation about how we govern, regulate, manage and interact with corporations, about their relationship with government, and with their stakeholders — employees, customers, communities, the environment — in addition to stockholders.

Additional Information & Current Opportunities:

learning-in-action.williams.edu/opportunities/rules-change-project

The Sanctuary for Independent Media

The Sanctuary for Independent Media is a telecommunications production facility dedicated to community media arts, located in an historic former church at 3361 6th Avenue in north Troy, NY. The Sanctuary hosts screening, production and performance facilities, training in media production and a meeting space for artists, activists and independent media makers of all kinds.

NATURE Lab (North Troy Art, Technology and Urban Research in Ecology) promotes sustainability, and urban research in ecology using art, technology and science. NATURE Lab is a volunteer-led initiative of The Sanctuary for Independent Media. Our ecosystem in North Central Troy is one of the most environmentally devastated neighborhoods of New York State. One block from the Hudson River, our environmental education campus is adjacent to brownfield areas, combined sewer overflows, and seemingly endless litter. The long-gone prosperity of this neighborhood is evident in its architecture, with many historic buildings left vacant and decaying. NATURE Lab seeks to remediate the disrepair through education, resource access, and inspiration.

The Sanctuary for Independent Media
PO Box 35
Troy, NY 12181
518-272-2390
mediasanctuary.org
[email protected]

Town of Adams

8 Park Street
Adams, MA 01220
413-743-8300
town.adams.ma.us
Contact: Jonathan Butler, Town Administrator
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4pm

Williamstown Historical Museum

The Williamstown House of Local History was founded in 1941 to promote knowledge of the town’s history by collecting and preserving materials, mounting exhibitions, presenting educational programs and facilitating research. Its goal is to document the diverse people and buildings, the associations and institutions, the businesses and events which form the town’s history from the earliest days to the present time. The collection includes photographs, documents and artifacts from the 1700s to the present day as well as published material on the town and genealogical material on local families.

If you’re interested in history, the Williamstown Historical Museum is the place for you!  We are a museum and research center that maintains a collection of photos, artifacts and documents that relate to Williamstown’s past. We work to increase the public’s knowledge of Williamstown’s past in a variety of ways including educational exhibits, programs, events, research and publications.

We have numerous volunteer opportunities available. Our goal is to help you to use your talents and interests in a way that allows our organization to maintain a diverse collection of photos, artifacts, documents and manuscripts, and use our materials to educate the public about the town.  As a volunteer you are a valued member of our team and you will develop a greater connection to the community around you as your understanding of our local history grows. All of our volunteers will receive training and a manual to assist you with your work.

To learn more about our organization please visit our museum, visit our website or give Sarah or Nancy at the WHM a call:

32 New Ashford Road
Williamstown, MA
413-458-2160
www.williamstownhistoricalmuseum.org
[email protected]
Contact: Sarah Currie ([email protected]), Director