In August 2020, citizens submitted Articles 36 and 37 to Williamstown’s Annual Town Meeting.
Both articles passed nearly unanimously.
Article 36: “Not in Our County 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.
Article 37: Equity Petition
-We proposed this Citizens’ Petition to recommend that Williamstown boards, committees, and agencies critically reexamine policies with a renewed commitment to accessible housing.
-We requested that boards and committees make changes that allow for our Town to become more supportive of people with a wide array of racial and economic backgrounds.
-We proposed that the Town of Williamstown commit to providing ongoing equity training for Town employees which focuses on confronting and breaking down systemic inequities.
We are deeply grateful to Multicultural BRIDGE for instructing us and developing the Not in Our County-Berkshires campaign to unify communities throughout the county to stop hate, address bullying, and build safe, inclusive communities for all.