As part of First Church’s commitment to Social Justice, the Outreach Committee has asked the Church to consider signing the Not in Our County Pledge to stand up against hate, and to work to build a safe, inclusive community for all. Our Church is already doing this work in various ways and it would continue to be up to us how we fulfill the Pledge. However, signing the Pledge would make a public statement of our intention and also ally us with other local organizations doing this work.
The Pledge:
“As an institution, organization or local business, we commit to working together with our constituents, employees, employers and stakeholders to create a safer, more integrated Berkshire County. As an organization we respond with best intention and practices to not stay silent in the face of intolerance or hate based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, country of origin, ability or any other factor. We work to acknowledge, address and act in response to all forms of intended or unintended exclusion, hate, bigotry, intolerance and bullying. We pledge to renew our commitment to this work every day and to respond to all incidents in a timely, collaborative manner.”
The Not in Our County campaign is led by Multicultural BRIDGE, a local grassroots organization, and aims to unify communities throughout the Berkshires. Multicultural BRIDGE is a leader in our county and works through education, collaboration, and the principles of restorative justice.
More information about Multicultural Bridge and their partners in the county: https://www.multiculturalbridge.org/not-in-our-county—berkshires.html
Questions and feedback to Carrie Waara