Community Safety & Social Justice Committee

Purpose: The CSSJC will work to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and community safety in Amherst. The Committee may provide advice and support to all Town government entities including the Town Council, Town Manager, and Town Committees to fully realize the resolution “Affirming the Town of Amherst's Commitment to End Structural Racism and Achieve Racial Equity for Black Residents" adopted by the Town Council, December 2020. The Committee shall work to support all members of the Amherst community to understand and enjoy the benefits of a community that is truly diverse, equitable, and inclusive of all and shall serve as a voice to marginalized and underrepresented residents.

The CSSJC wants to hear your feedback about CRESS! Click here to complete the online survey.  Or join us at one of our community forums: 
November 29, 2023 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm via Zoom 
December 2, 20023 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Town Hall, 4 Boltwood Avenue

Click here for a Printable flier in English 
Click here for a Printable flier in Spanish 
Click here for a Printable flier in Chinese
Click here for a Printable flier in Portugese

  • Click here for a PDF of the full CSSJC Committee Charge 
  • click here to fill out a Community Activity Form to join this committee
  • Click here for resources from the Community Safety Working Group 

If you are interested in joining this Committee, please fill out a Community Activity Form here.

Questions on getting involved? Email us at getinvolved@amherstma.gov or call (413) 259-3002

Community Safety & Social Justice Committee Membership

Name
Appointment Start
Appointment End
Allegra Clark
2022
2026
Freke Ette
2022
2024
Debora Ferreira
2022
2024
Everald Henry
2023
2026
Isabella Malmqvist
2023
2025
Lissette Paredes
2023
2026

Committee Charge:
The CSSJC shall:

  • Incorporate and continue the work done by CSWG for systemic change.
  • Ensure the implementation of all CSWG recommendations adopted by the Town Council and/or the Town Manager and track progress such as the Community Responders for Safety and Service (CRESS) program, the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Department (DEI), the Youth Empowerment Center, and the BIPOC Multi-Cultural Center.
  • Support the work of the DEI and CRESS programs and employees that address the needs of BIPOC and other marginalized groups including the disabled, immigrants, LGBTQIA.
  • Assist the Town in exploring resources such as buildings for the Youth Empowerment Center and BIPOC Multi-Cultural Center.
  • Recommend funding sources including grants focused on targeted priorities for marginalized residents with the most impactful and sustainable projects.
  • Ensure that the Town implements a robust translation service.
  • Provide input to the Town Manager during the budget process.

Charge Adopted: March 11, 2022

SME Status Voted: April 4, 2022