Town to Host Conversation Series on Resiliency and Wellness

Topics will focus on domestic violence, racism, and the closure of Hampshire College 

Source: amherstma.gov

The Town of Amherst is hosting a series of community conversations designed to acknowledge harm, provide support, and promote wellness in response to multiple recent events in town. Topics will focus on the impacts of domestic violence, racism, and the closure of Hampshire College, as well as overall community wellness and resiliency. 

The four-part series includes events on May 28, June 11, June 18, and June 25, each facilitated by a local community member. This series is hosted by the town’s Health, CRESS, and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Departments. 

“When most people think about community resilience, they think about natural disasters; however, disasters may take many different forms,” explained Director of DEI Pamela Nolan Young. “During the last few weeks, the Amherst community has been challenged with disasters of a different sort. Each incident has had an adverse impact on specific individuals and on us collectively as a community. We acknowledge the harm and offer these conversations as one of many paths to wellness and resiliency. As S. Kelley Harrell said, ‘We don’t heal in isolation but in community.’”   

Below are details about each of the events. Additional information about the later sessions will be announced at the beginning of June once all details are finalized. All events will take place from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the Bangs Community Center (70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst).  

• Thursday, May 28 – Community Wellness and Resiliency: A journey through harm and hurt to repair facilitated by community leader Andrea Battle.mmunity

• Thursday, June 11 – Beyond the Silence: Dialogue on Domestic Violence, Safety and Support facilitated by Amherst Police Sergent Janet M. Griffin, MCJ, MS CMHC.

• Thursday, June 18 – Cultural Humility in Community: Responding to Harm, Building Toward Healing, a conversation focused on the impacts of racism in Amherst facilitated by Dayna Campbell, Co-Executive Director of the Women of Color Health Equity Collective and Assistant Professor of Public Health at American International College.

• Thursday, June 25 – “Grief and Love are Sisters:” Processing the Closure of Hampshire College, a conversation focused on the community impacts of Hampshire College’s closure facilitated by Dr. Pat Romney, higher education consultant and former Associate Professor of Psychology at Hampshire College. *Quote attributed to Francis Weller. 

Register to attend any or all of these sessions at amherstma.gov/CommunityConversations

The town will be providing a light meal and childcare during these events. Registration is required to ensure sufficient food and staff. 

CRESS Director Camille Theriaque shared “As the Director of CRESS, I’ve seen how resiliency looks different depending on the challenges we face. Over the past few weeks, Amherst has experienced multiple events that have caused pain and disruption across our community. We may not be able to undo what happened, but we can offer acknowledgement, compassionate support, and intentional opportunities for healing and reconnection.” 

Public Health Director Kiko Malin added “Racism and domestic violence are significant public health concerns and collective loss can have a ripple effect on us and our neighbors. In addition, traumatic events – especially when they happen in close succession – can erode our sense of security and wellbeing. Creating space for people to share, listen, heal, and connect is an important way to restore and maintain social cohesion and community wellness.” 

Town Manager Paul Bockelman noted, “For many, grief overshadows the closing of Hampshire College. Students are losing their community of friends and their academic anchor; employees are losing their livelihoods and professional home; and the town is losing an iconic institution that made us all like the town just a little bit more. As an alum, I continue to process the fact that Hampshire will be no more – or will be something else altogether.” 

For more information about these Community Wellness and Resiliency Conversations, please contact the Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by emailing DEI@amherstma.gov or calling 413-259-3064.    

Image: depositphotos.com