“…right now our movements and the people within them need to be massive and complex and strong. I believe transformative justice could yield deeper trust, resilience and interdependence.”
–adrienne maree brown
–adrienne maree brown
Dear Supporters,
I could tell you a lot about the growth BRIDGE has experienced this year, the widening of our reach and the new, innovative programs we are bringing to life. And I will.
But first I want to tell you why I called a friend after a recent BRIDGE workshop I led on Equity in the Workplace and gushed “THIS WAS MY FAVORITE DAY TEACHING FOR BRIDGE EVER!”
It wasn’t because it was an easy day, or because I found the attendees more “ready” than usual. It was actually a tough room. I witnessed people struggling mightily to let go of familiar ideas and patterns about their work. And that’s where I found the magic: here we were, confronting previously unexamined ideas, unpacking history and limiting beliefs. A roomful of people DOING THE WORK that will make our community a place where all communities thrive through collective responsibility, accountability and mutual understanding.
We have done a lot more than that this year.
We’ve worked closely with fellow BIPOC leaders in the Berkshire Taconic region to push as a collective for real change in the way philanthropy functions in relation to communities of color. Changing the lens for those with resources looking to impact the collective good of our communities.
Before the pandemic, we were not seen as a mutual aid organization. We did our mutual aid quietly within our programs. COVID changed that and in 2020 we pivoted hard to make sure those we serve in our justice work were also fed. In 2021, BRIDGE dug deep into food sovereignty and mutual aid again, and that aspect of our work gives me and my team such pride. We continued forging connections with partnering farms and businesses, volunteers and donors who have stayed with us for 90 weeks strong, making this vital part of our justice work and community care a dependable reality.
This year I received the National Community Action Council Drum Major for Justice 2021 Award, commending BRIDGE for our anti-poverty, mutual aid response to the negative impact of COVID on the most vulnerable communities, and for BRIDGE’s New Pathways program.
2022 is BRIDGE’s 15th anniversary year. The backbone of our work has always been opening dialogue within the community to push for systemic change, and we will go as hard as ever on that aspect of our mission. We have trained our Berkshire County’s largest hiring institutions, cultural institutions and several partnering non-profits. Our mutual aid work will grow and deepen. AND we have an opportunity to truly shift the narrative with proposals for a local Universal Basic Income and increased land access for BIPOC farmers.
Please join us for an open house on 12/20 from 5-7 PM at BRIDGE in Lee, MA at 17 Main St to hear more about all of these programs and see our new office spaces. You can also request a copy of our detailed annual report by emailing adminsupport@multiculturalbridge.org.
There are so many ways to connect to our work. Your financial support is a key part of driving this minority-, women- and BIPOC-led team. We welcome business partners, volunteers and other collaborators.
I wholeheartedly want to thank you for how you have contributed to BRIDGE and ask that you make an end of year contribution or a 2022 pledge. You can request or fill out an envelope or text “justice” to donate at 1-844-3-UNITY-1 or visit our Ways to Give page for many more opportunities.
We want to hear from you throughout the year! Let’s get in formation. And keep beating the drums for justice together.
Sincerely yours in warmth and gratitude,
Gwendolyn VanSant
CEO and Founding Director
I could tell you a lot about the growth BRIDGE has experienced this year, the widening of our reach and the new, innovative programs we are bringing to life. And I will.
But first I want to tell you why I called a friend after a recent BRIDGE workshop I led on Equity in the Workplace and gushed “THIS WAS MY FAVORITE DAY TEACHING FOR BRIDGE EVER!”
It wasn’t because it was an easy day, or because I found the attendees more “ready” than usual. It was actually a tough room. I witnessed people struggling mightily to let go of familiar ideas and patterns about their work. And that’s where I found the magic: here we were, confronting previously unexamined ideas, unpacking history and limiting beliefs. A roomful of people DOING THE WORK that will make our community a place where all communities thrive through collective responsibility, accountability and mutual understanding.
We have done a lot more than that this year.
We’ve worked closely with fellow BIPOC leaders in the Berkshire Taconic region to push as a collective for real change in the way philanthropy functions in relation to communities of color. Changing the lens for those with resources looking to impact the collective good of our communities.
Before the pandemic, we were not seen as a mutual aid organization. We did our mutual aid quietly within our programs. COVID changed that and in 2020 we pivoted hard to make sure those we serve in our justice work were also fed. In 2021, BRIDGE dug deep into food sovereignty and mutual aid again, and that aspect of our work gives me and my team such pride. We continued forging connections with partnering farms and businesses, volunteers and donors who have stayed with us for 90 weeks strong, making this vital part of our justice work and community care a dependable reality.
This year I received the National Community Action Council Drum Major for Justice 2021 Award, commending BRIDGE for our anti-poverty, mutual aid response to the negative impact of COVID on the most vulnerable communities, and for BRIDGE’s New Pathways program.
2022 is BRIDGE’s 15th anniversary year. The backbone of our work has always been opening dialogue within the community to push for systemic change, and we will go as hard as ever on that aspect of our mission. We have trained our Berkshire County’s largest hiring institutions, cultural institutions and several partnering non-profits. Our mutual aid work will grow and deepen. AND we have an opportunity to truly shift the narrative with proposals for a local Universal Basic Income and increased land access for BIPOC farmers.
Please join us for an open house on 12/20 from 5-7 PM at BRIDGE in Lee, MA at 17 Main St to hear more about all of these programs and see our new office spaces. You can also request a copy of our detailed annual report by emailing adminsupport@multiculturalbridge.org.
There are so many ways to connect to our work. Your financial support is a key part of driving this minority-, women- and BIPOC-led team. We welcome business partners, volunteers and other collaborators.
I wholeheartedly want to thank you for how you have contributed to BRIDGE and ask that you make an end of year contribution or a 2022 pledge. You can request or fill out an envelope or text “justice” to donate at 1-844-3-UNITY-1 or visit our Ways to Give page for many more opportunities.
We want to hear from you throughout the year! Let’s get in formation. And keep beating the drums for justice together.
Sincerely yours in warmth and gratitude,
Gwendolyn VanSant
CEO and Founding Director
“Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter.”
–MLK
–MLK
There Are So Many Ways To Give!
Join as a member. Please see our member levels and join us as an annual member. Your organization can join as a partner in justice and equity or if you are an individual you can support a local non-profit in being able to host a training.
Sustaining Monthly Donation: When donors make a monthly commitment it supports our day to day Programs and operations plan to move more smoothly.
DONATE NOW Thank you for your generosity and Support...all amounts are welcome. We always say what is personally meaningful to you is what will have the most impact for us. Thank you!
COVID-19 Emergency Response: We are connected to families facing delayed seasonal jobs already, missing work due to no childcare or missing paid programing. We have several staff that double as caregivers for their elder parents or family members that are auto immune compromised as many of our neighbors do. We are looking to organize resources to support these families. If you can make a donation, please mark it COVID-19: W2W for immigrant women and families, COVID-19: TRJ&E for Racial justice for any racial equity issues attached to this virus or COVID-19: HT for our Happiness Toolbox Families or in the memo/comments on PayPal please write COVID-19 Aide. And please send us an email at adminsupport@multiculturalbridge.org letting us know you have done so and how you would like your support applied. Also, BRIDGE itself could use support to help our team working remotely with equipment and technology enhancements--use COVID-19: Capacity and let us know if you can help! Additionally, we may need support for individuals and families that need food/supplies picked up and dropped off. Email Rsvp@multiculturalbridge.org if you can support food & supply delivery. In the title of the email, please include the words Rideshare: Meals/Supplies. We are connected to our local Emergency Preparedness teams and networked across the county and so, if there are needs you do not see here, please let us know and we can connect you to the right resources.
BRIDGE’s Shiras & Hsu Reparations Fund: We now have a fund to prioritize healing and gestures of community kindness and belonging to those members in our community who have been attacked by bias, hate, and ignorance. We send gifts, cards, hugs and listeners. Help us reach $50,000 to create a Trust by making your donation today.
BRIDGE’s Peace of Mind Campaign: We need BRIDGE around for the long haul, so we’re inviting in a circle of 10 donors who will lay the foundation for an endowment. 10 donors at $10,000. Will you join us? Write us at donations@multiculturalbridge.org if you’d like more information. We would love to speak with you.
Or you can send a check for BRIDGE to Willow Investments for Social Change. We are at $34,000 in initial deposit transfers and counting! You can transfer stocks to or make cash investments in BRIDGE!
Sallie VanSant Memorial Fund: Honoring Sallie VanSant and her expertise & dedication to social work and personal healing of women since her passing four years ago, this fund supports women and girls in the Berkshires who are seeking to fill in gaps of safety and stability in their lives through our unique “Women to Women” program.
Open Doors: With this donation, you support one of our first-generation BRIDGE children with college or post-high school training or education. You can also sponsor a Happiness Toolbox campership of $250, that offers a student of high emotional, financial, social, developmental and/or academic needs access to a positive education and student leadership toolbox that serves them in all aspects of their emotional spiritual physical and mental health.
Need other, even simpler ways to give? Write us to tell us your birthday and when your birthday comes around, we’ll tell you how to use a Facebook campaign to raise funds for BRIDGE. (I am sure we will have a surprise for you, too!)
Or, link your Amazon account to our BRIDGE Amazon Smile so that you make donations to BRIDGE every time you shop on Amazon.
Business Collaborators- Look below for fun ways to give:
Holiday and Thank you Gifts that support BRIDGE: Send a pack with a purpose: Join Only in My Dreams in supporting BRIDGE with the Restorative Justice Box!
Business Owners and non-profit leaders: Become a member or Join Agapay in supporting BRIDGE by joining the Sunny Purchase Program. From Sunny Purchase: Join our thriving ecosystem of businesses who are helping us foster a new and sustainable way of giving without any additional expenditures of time or resources. Yes you read that right, support and add value to BRIDGE at zero cost to you.
Random Harvest supports our mutual aid orders by extending wholesale opportunities and donating to each food sovereignty and empowerment distribution for two years!
Join as a member. Please see our member levels and join us as an annual member. Your organization can join as a partner in justice and equity or if you are an individual you can support a local non-profit in being able to host a training.
Sustaining Monthly Donation: When donors make a monthly commitment it supports our day to day Programs and operations plan to move more smoothly.
DONATE NOW Thank you for your generosity and Support...all amounts are welcome. We always say what is personally meaningful to you is what will have the most impact for us. Thank you!
COVID-19 Emergency Response: We are connected to families facing delayed seasonal jobs already, missing work due to no childcare or missing paid programing. We have several staff that double as caregivers for their elder parents or family members that are auto immune compromised as many of our neighbors do. We are looking to organize resources to support these families. If you can make a donation, please mark it COVID-19: W2W for immigrant women and families, COVID-19: TRJ&E for Racial justice for any racial equity issues attached to this virus or COVID-19: HT for our Happiness Toolbox Families or in the memo/comments on PayPal please write COVID-19 Aide. And please send us an email at adminsupport@multiculturalbridge.org letting us know you have done so and how you would like your support applied. Also, BRIDGE itself could use support to help our team working remotely with equipment and technology enhancements--use COVID-19: Capacity and let us know if you can help! Additionally, we may need support for individuals and families that need food/supplies picked up and dropped off. Email Rsvp@multiculturalbridge.org if you can support food & supply delivery. In the title of the email, please include the words Rideshare: Meals/Supplies. We are connected to our local Emergency Preparedness teams and networked across the county and so, if there are needs you do not see here, please let us know and we can connect you to the right resources.
BRIDGE’s Shiras & Hsu Reparations Fund: We now have a fund to prioritize healing and gestures of community kindness and belonging to those members in our community who have been attacked by bias, hate, and ignorance. We send gifts, cards, hugs and listeners. Help us reach $50,000 to create a Trust by making your donation today.
BRIDGE’s Peace of Mind Campaign: We need BRIDGE around for the long haul, so we’re inviting in a circle of 10 donors who will lay the foundation for an endowment. 10 donors at $10,000. Will you join us? Write us at donations@multiculturalbridge.org if you’d like more information. We would love to speak with you.
Or you can send a check for BRIDGE to Willow Investments for Social Change. We are at $34,000 in initial deposit transfers and counting! You can transfer stocks to or make cash investments in BRIDGE!
Sallie VanSant Memorial Fund: Honoring Sallie VanSant and her expertise & dedication to social work and personal healing of women since her passing four years ago, this fund supports women and girls in the Berkshires who are seeking to fill in gaps of safety and stability in their lives through our unique “Women to Women” program.
Open Doors: With this donation, you support one of our first-generation BRIDGE children with college or post-high school training or education. You can also sponsor a Happiness Toolbox campership of $250, that offers a student of high emotional, financial, social, developmental and/or academic needs access to a positive education and student leadership toolbox that serves them in all aspects of their emotional spiritual physical and mental health.
Need other, even simpler ways to give? Write us to tell us your birthday and when your birthday comes around, we’ll tell you how to use a Facebook campaign to raise funds for BRIDGE. (I am sure we will have a surprise for you, too!)
Or, link your Amazon account to our BRIDGE Amazon Smile so that you make donations to BRIDGE every time you shop on Amazon.
Business Collaborators- Look below for fun ways to give:
Holiday and Thank you Gifts that support BRIDGE: Send a pack with a purpose: Join Only in My Dreams in supporting BRIDGE with the Restorative Justice Box!
Business Owners and non-profit leaders: Become a member or Join Agapay in supporting BRIDGE by joining the Sunny Purchase Program. From Sunny Purchase: Join our thriving ecosystem of businesses who are helping us foster a new and sustainable way of giving without any additional expenditures of time or resources. Yes you read that right, support and add value to BRIDGE at zero cost to you.
Random Harvest supports our mutual aid orders by extending wholesale opportunities and donating to each food sovereignty and empowerment distribution for two years!
“Mutual Aid is a way we can build networks in our backyard or our community to give aid and receive it if we need it. We can choose to share instead of hoard. We can choose to help instead of hurt.”
- Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
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Also, don't forget to send the restorative justice box to a friend this season as a fundraiser for BRIDGE. Visit Only In My Dreams- Packs with a Purpose!
And email us to reserve your BRIDGE pin. Solid Silver Pin at $180 at adminsupport@multiculturalbridge.org
Wishing you Happy Holidays! Thank you for your generosity and support.
Warmly,
Gwendolyn & The BRIDGE team
| 2020 Zine |
| Ways To Give |