Great Barrington Trust Policy
In 2017, BRIDGE spearheaded the Great Barrington Trust Policy campaign, a citizen-initiated effort that helps to ensure that all residents living and working in the Great Barrington community are fully protected and supported by the local police and town government. Working in collaboration with the Great Barrington town manager, police department, citizen volunteers and partner organizations, BRIDGE finalize a version of the policy that was acceptable to all parties, helping to cultivate Great Barrington as a safe and inclusive community.
The town voted to adopt the Trust Policy in May of 2017. The policy language has also been adapted by other local communities to advance safety and equity for residents.
This work now lives on through the Berkshire Trust Policy Partnership, a collection of local organizations and volunteers working to pass similar local policies and resolutions that support safety and justice for all communities in the county.
The town voted to adopt the Trust Policy in May of 2017. The policy language has also been adapted by other local communities to advance safety and equity for residents.
This work now lives on through the Berkshire Trust Policy Partnership, a collection of local organizations and volunteers working to pass similar local policies and resolutions that support safety and justice for all communities in the county.
Trust Policies help to:
- Ensure Fairness: All residents will be treated fairly, and not discriminated against because of their race, skin color, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, immigration status, religious or political opinion or activity, or homed or homeless status.
- Protect Civil Liberties: The town and police will not use protected identities as the basis to survey, profile, check point, contact, detain, or arrest residents. This includes information about a person's immigration status, politics, religion, social affiliations and professed beliefs.
- Build Transparency: Under the Trust Policy, the town is set to establish and communicate its policy for how the police will work with ICE and report to the town on its activities.
Great Barrington's Trust Policy was initially drafted and filed by Gwendolyn VanSant, CEO and founding director of Multicultural BRIDGE, with partners Berkshire Showing Up for Racial Justice, Berkshire Interfaith Organizing, and Lia Spiliotes, executive director at Community Health Programs (CHP).
Learn more about the Great Barrington Trust Policy and campaign.