Truth School course, Restorative Practices Based on Indigenous Values, led by Strong Oak. The course ran in September of 2019 at the Second Congregational Church, UCC in Greenfield. Photo: Cate Woolner

The Sojourner Truth School for Social Change Leadership, known as the Truth School, offers free classes in movement-building skills in five towns in three Connecticut River Valley counties. 

Classes range from the contemplative to nuts and bolts, and run over two semesters, Fall and Spring. There are nearly 50 classes each semester. As of the Fall 2019 semester, all Truth School classes are taught by people of color or in biracial pairs. 

Amherst and the Upper Valley are an activist-dense region. Yet, thanks to its tri-county presence (Franklin, Hampshire, and Hamden) .its use of donated spaces in each of the towns where classes are taught  (Springfield, Holyoke, Easthampton, Northampton, and Greenfield), and its cross-movement orientation, the school offers unique content and connection to both new and seasoned activists. 

“The Truth School is a unique experiment offering free community classes on a wide variety of skills for making social change happen now. Amidst the serious challenges we are facing, the school supports finding the path that can translate one’s unique talents, concerns and commitments into action,” says Truth School trainer Norma Akamatsu. 

December is the last month of the Fall 2019 semester. The remaining classes are:

Change Happens at the Speed of Trust led by Jade Barker 

Movement for Movement People led by Claudia Quintero 

Restorative Practices Based on Indigenous Values led by Irene “Strong Oak” Lefebvre and 

Invocation to Martin Luther King Jr. led by Rose Sackey-Milligan

Registration is open for all of these classes. Sign up here.

The Truth School is participating in #GivingTuesday on December 3 with a goal to raise $6,000. $250 funds a class. People can make donations here. Follow @truthschoolma on Twitter for updates on all things Truth School and to learn about Spring 2020 classes.

Spread the love

Leave a Reply

The Amherst Indy welcomes your comment on this article. Comments must be signed with your real, full name & contact information; and must be factual and civil. See the Indy comment policy for more information.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.