About PACT

The concept was developed by a local grassroots organization, the Longmeadow Antiracism Coalition (LARC), but is led by a steering committee of the partner organizations. PACT exists to show up for each other, uplift one another and create a better tomorrow for our children and neighbors.The PACT is a hub to centralize opportunities for individuals of all ages, faiths, backgrounds and abilities to engage and join in our mission. Check out our Events Calendar to find trainings, gatherings, volunteer opportunities and more!PACT was formed as a collaboration between Western Mass organizations to the mutual benefit of diverse groups with shared values. PACT is the concept that facilitates "organization networking" and can provide broader outreach to new people and resources outside of your existing network.Our member organizations embrace a wide and diverse list of societal issues. But our groups all have several traits in common: we are all people of goodwill promoting good causes, we all want to expand our base and our effectiveness, we care deeply about our issues, and we all understand that we are each in jeopardy at this unique point in time.PACT launched in June 2025 and, as of September 2026, has over 35 active member organizations. Some of the causes that these members focus on include:
- Local Communities and food security, 9 members
- Defending democracy, 8 members
- Social Justice and racism, 6 members
- Nonviolence and guns, 5 members
- Environment and climate, 4 members
- DEI and LGBTQ+ rights, 4 members
- Communities of Faith: four congregations from three different denominationsMember organizations that you might know include the Pioneer Valley Project, Campaign Nonviolence Springfield, Darrell Lee JR Resource Center, Jewish Family Service, Unitarian Universalist Society and the Social and Environmental Justice Teams of First Church of Christ Longmeadow.Perhaps "Justice" could be called the common denominator of the diverse organizations who feel this collaboration is a good idea. And perhaps the concept of a Community Calendar is one example of the benefits of collaborating with PACT. A Community Calendar is a way to find people beyond your existing contact list who are predisposed to be simpatico to your message and your cause.

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PACT Member Organizations

Billy’s Pickleball KidsBorn Free Outreach Services (BFOS)Born Free Outreach Services (BFOS) works to break barriers and restore opportunity for individuals in need. Through food assistance, CORI sealing support, and job readiness resources, we help people overcome past obstacles and build sustainable futures. We are committed to serving all—especially those who have been marginalized, including immigrants and formerly incarcerated individuals—because everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed.
More information at www.bornfreeoutreachservices.org@blank
Contact: [email protected]CREATE (Cultivating Relationships Education Action Tending Earth)CREATE strives to fortify agroecology, a holistic approach to agriculture that applies ecological and social principles to design sustainable food systems, integrating science, farming practices, and social movements by supporting farmers in Western Mass. CREATE aims to build a strong network of community members (Farm Friends) who can provide climate resilience support to local farms, engaging in projects on farms and in the community. No special skills or significant commitment is required, just enthusiasm! CREATE promotes regenerative farming practices, highlighting their benefits for climate mitigation, soil health, and food diversity. CREATE supports programs and agencies that serve area farmers, with special attention to new and BIPOC farmers. CREATE's Farm Friends advocate for food justice to build a fair, sustainable, regenerative farming future. CREATE backs policies and initiatives that help farmers steward their land. CREATE seeks to close the gap between farmers and consumers, foster hope and joy, and keep participants engaged through educational and social events.For more information, find our Farmer Solidarity Project at: https://climateactionnowma.org/supporting-natural-solutions/ Email us at: mailto:[email protected]Darrell Lee Jenkins Jr. Resource CenterThe Darrell Lee Jenkins Jr. Resource Center is a survivor lead resource center or those impacted by gun violence in Springfield, MA. Through our collaborative efforts with local organizations, we strive to create healthier, more connected communities. Our dedication to empowering individuals and fostering positive change sets us apart as a trusted resource center in the region.
More information at www.dljjrrc.com
Contact us at: [email protected]Defending Democracy in Hampden CountyDDHC is a local organization in Hampden County, Massachusetts, focused on educating and supporting our community, bringing together like-minded people of various backgrounds, and standing together in the fight against authoritarianism. We are a grassroots organization of concerned citizens, created through Red, Wine & Blue. We work together to protect democracy against extremism and misinformation, educate about local media and media literacy, protect human rights, voting rights, ensure fair elections, and promote civic engagement in the various towns that comprise Hampden County.
More information at www.ddhc.us
Contact: [email protected]Defending Democracy: The FieldsOur group, originally comprised solely of women living at The Fields at Chestnut in East Longmeadow, was formed shortly after Trump’s inauguration when the horrors of his second term became apparent. One of our earliest endeavors was to establish a weekly standout at 10:00 on Saturday mornings near the rotary in East Longmeadow. We now number about thirty protesters on a typical Saturday and provide signs for anyone who wishes to join us. As our standout has grown, we have joined Defending Democracy in Hampden County and the East Longmeadow Town Democratic Committee, and through those two organizations have expanded our membership and have participated in a variety of civic activities. We participated in “Clean Up East Longmeadow Day”; we campaigned for a candidate in a town election; we will be walking in East Longmeadow’s July 4 th parade; and a number of us are contributors to a daily Substack. We are hoping to help register new voters this fall and to spread the word about Vote Yes for a Safe Massachusetts.
For more information, stop by at our standout any Saturday morning or contact Carol Berger at [email protected].First Church of Christ Longmeadow Environmental Justice TeamThe Environmental Justice Team, understanding the urgent necessity to act to improve our stewardship of God’s creation, works with each other and others to identify areas of environmental concern, and to promote sustainable and responsive environmental practices in our church, our community and the world through collective and personal advocacy and action.Contact: Please reach out to [email protected] for more informationFirst Church of Christ Longmeadow Social Justice TeamThe Social Justice Team of First Church is a dedicated group of Christian activists who engage in a number of activities to further the realm of justice and peace in our community and increase our own understanding of ourselves and our history. Activities include organizing book discussions and studies of racism and antisemitism, film screenings, participation in anti-violence vigils and other protests and actions in collaboration with community groups and other faith communities, postcard writing, and prayer. The Team was honored to be the first faith-based organization to receive a Social Justice Award from the Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services of Springfield.
Contact: Please reach out to [email protected] for more information.Freedom Writers IncImpactful actions to help busy Americans protect our democracy. We publish a Western Mass Newsletter, where you can get info (via email only) on WMass postcard campaign distribution events, MA actions + national actions.
For more information and to subscribe go to www.freedomwritersinc.com
Contact: [email protected]Friends of Fannie Stebbins Wildlife Refuge, Inc.Our mission is to support the restoration and protection of the wildlife (flora and fauna) habitats of the Fannie Stebbins Wildlife Refuge, a unit of the Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge in Longmeadow, MA, to promote meaningful interaction with and appreciation of this environment, and to work in collaboration with others to achieve those desired outcomes.
For more information go to www.friendsoffanniestebbins.org
Contact: [email protected]Grassroots for Gun Violence ProtectionGrassroots4GVP is an advocacy group of Massachusetts volunteers committed to ending gun violence in our communities. Our Mission: We are grassroots volunteers harnessing everyday people-power to free all communities from gun violence. We act to increase awareness, center survivors, amplify partners, and elect leaders who will champion gun safety legislation.For more information go to https://grassroots4gvp.org/
Contact: Robin Neipp [email protected] or Barb Stechenberg [email protected]Gray MattersGray Matters is a Springfield, Massachusetts–based civic action organization dedicated to strengthening democracy through informed and meaningful citizen engagement. Senior-led but open to people of all ages and abilities, the organization values experience, lifelong learning, and diverse perspectives. It promotes active civic participation through educational programs, policy discussions, candidate forums, voter education initiatives, and community conversations that help citizens better understand and engage with issues affecting their communities and the nation.
Experience Matters; Democracy Matters; Gray Matters
Contact: Wes Weidemann, Coordinator [email protected]Greater Springfield Campaign Nonviolence (CNV)Greater Springfield Campaign Nonviolence (CNV) was founded in 2014 as a local chapter of Pace e Bene's national Campaign Nonviolence https://paceebene.org/campaign-nonviolence to promote nonviolent change in our community through walks against violence in several Springfield neighborhoods impacted by poverty and gun violence, educational programs on International Peace Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Hiroshima Day, propagation of nonviolence education in Springfield schools, and partnerships with local organizations which focus on anti-gun violence work, nuclear disarmament, and peace building.Greater Springfield Senior ServicesGreater Springfield Senior Services, Inc. is dedicated to maintaining a quality of life for older adults, caregivers and persons living with disabilities. This mission is achieved through the provision of programs, services and informational support. We foster independence, dignity, safety and peace of mind and promote the right of all individuals to live in the setting of their choice. We help them make informed choices to enhance their well-being.
For more information go to www.gsssi.org
Contact: [email protected]Jewish Community CenterJewish Family Service of Western MassachusettsJewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts serves as a community leader, partnering with people to achieve fulfilling lives. Rooted in Jewish values, we provide exceptional social services to support individuals and families from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. Our programs strengthen our community by strengthening the individual–from resettling refugee families, to supporting New Americans to become self-sufficient, counseling young adults through life’s transitions, equipping older adults to age well, protecting elders from abuse, leading caregiver support groups, and helping individuals enhance their Jewish connections.
For more information go to jfswm.org
Contact: [email protected]

Jewish Family Service of Western MassachusettsJewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts serves as a community leader, partnering with people to achieve fulfilling lives. Rooted in Jewish values, we provide exceptional social services to support individuals and families from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. Our programs strengthen our community by strengthening the individual–from resettling refugee families, to supporting New Americans to become self-sufficient, counseling young adults through life’s transitions, equipping older adults to age well, protecting elders from abuse, leading caregiver support groups, and helping individuals enhance their Jewish connections.
For more information go to jfswm.org
Contact: [email protected]Longmeadow Antiracism CoalitionThe Longmeadow Antiracism Coalition (LARC) is an independent, local grassroots organization, founded in 2020 and focused on sponsoring programs to educate and raise awareness about the presence of racism and the means by which our society can become antiracist. We encourage discussion, suggest resources and support each other in a life-long journey against racism. An antiracist not only believes that everybody should have equal rights and that racism is wrong, but ACTS to make it a reality. JOIN US IN OUR QUEST TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!More at https://www.facebook.com/groups/larc413Longmeadow Adult Community Center Fund (LACCF)The Longmeadow Adult Community Center Fund (LACCF) was established in 2019 as a non-profit organization for the purpose of raising funds to support critical services, capital needs and programs for seniors, delivered by the Council on Aging at the new Adult Community Center at Greenwood Park, Longmeadow.
For more information go to www.longmeadowadultcenterfund.org
Contact: [email protected]Longmeadow DEI Advisory CommitteeThe purpose of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEI Committee) is to increase cooperation, understanding, and dialogue among Longmeadow residents, commercial and institutional entities, and other stakeholders of diverse cultural, religious, socio-economic, racial and ethnic, and experiential backgrounds. The DEI Committee will work to welcome and promote inclusion throughout town for anyone who resides, works, or attends school or a faith community in Longmeadow, or otherwise visits Longmeadow for any reason.
More information and contact info go to: www.longmeadowma.govLongmeadow Democratic Town CommitteeOur members show up for democracy by attending NO KINGS protests and weekly standouts. Outreach - We partner with other not-for-profit organizations to educate and inform. We believe in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Support Democratic Candidates We advocate for Democratic candidates. We participate in postcard-writing campaigns to swing-states to champion democracy.
More information and contact info at: www.longmeadowdemocrats.comLongmeadow Pipeline Awareness GroupLongmeadow Pride AllianceThe mission of Longmeadow pride is to bring support, engagement, and resources to the LGBTQ+ community in Longmeadow, MA and the surrounding area. Our vision is to be more than just a festival organizers group. We want to create a network of families, a repository of resources, and a safe space for members of our community. We want our LGBTQ+ kids in the school system to be safe and supported, and free from harassment or bullying. We want all members of our community to feel supported and build intentional community with our vibrant LGBTQ+ family!
For more information go to www.longmeadowpride.org
Contact: [email protected]Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun ViolenceNo Place for Hate LongmeadowLongmeadow Public Schools is proud to participate in No Place for Hate, a student-led initiative of the Anti-Defamation League that helps schools create safe, inclusive, and welcoming environments for all students. At Williams Middle School, Glenbrook Middle School, and Longmeadow High School, students work with advisors to lead efforts that address hate, bias, bullying, discrimination, antisemitism, and other forms of prejudice and exclusion.
Throughout the year, student leaders organize assemblies, awareness campaigns, educational workshops, peer-learning opportunities, and family engagement events designed to promote understanding, challenge microaggressions and stereotypes, and encourage students to speak up when they witness harmful behavior.
To learn more about this work, please visit: www.noplaceforhate.org
Contact information: Nilda Irizarry, Director of Student and Family Support, LPS - [email protected]PFLAG East LongmeadowPFLAG East Longmeadow is a local chapter of the nation’s first and largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. We are a community of parents, families, allies, and LGBTQ+ individuals working together to create a safer, more inclusive world—right here in East Longmeadow and the surrounding areas.
Whether you're looking for a supportive environment, reliable information, or a place to make a difference, you’ll find a warm welcome at PFLAG East Longmeadow. We offer monthly support meetings, community outreach, and educational events that promote understanding and acceptance for all.
More information at: www.pflageastlongmeadow.org
Contact: [email protected]Pioneer Valley ProjectPVP supports grassroots leadership and builds power for racial and economic justice in the 413. PVP organizes around the issues that matter most in Springfield and our region, and we win concrete changes that improve people’s lives. PVP offers each of us an opportunity to do something about what we say is important to us and make sure our voices are heard. PVP strengthens our democracy and strengthens our ties to one another.
For more information and contact go to www.pioneervalleyproject.orgRachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts (RTWM)The mission of Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts (RTWM) is to alleviate hunger and reduce the waste of food resources in Western Massachusetts. RTWM takes a holistic and collaborative approach toward food security by supporting an intergenerational volunteer effort to feed and nourish our local communities.
For more information go to www.feedwma.org
Contact: [email protected]Rise Up Western Mass IndivisibleRise Up Western Mass Indivisible, based in the 1st Congressional District in MA. engages in progressive grassroots organizing in the greater Springfield area. We are people-powered, peaceful, and pro-democracy. Dedicated to doing the work because no one is coming to save us. We are part of the grassroots movement of thousands of Indivisible groups nationwide. In Massachusetts, we are part of and coordinate with the Indivisible Mass Coalition.
For more information go to www.riseupwesternmass.org
Contact: [email protected]Singing the ResistanceLet’s put some music and.some singing into our resistance to authoritarianism and fight for real democracy! Time to bring in the energy, uplift, and solidarity of singing together!
Singing the Resistance is an evening of singing together songs of resistance—and songs of vision! Some long time standards from different peoples’ struggles and new songs from different generations. These gatherings will link us to the Singing Resistance Movement that grew out of the remarkable resistance to ICE in Minneapolis, which has sparked singing events across the country.
ALL VOICES WELCOME—AND NEEDED!
Contact Verne McArther at [email protected]Springfield Climate Justice Coalition (SCJC)Since 2014, the Springfield Climate Justice Coalition (SCJC) has united organizations across the city to confront climate change and environmental injustice head-on. Born out of deep concern for our planet and the public health of Springfield’s most impacted residents, SCJC brings together a broad and diverse alliance—community groups, civic and social justice organizations, public health advocates, faith-based institutions, and local businesses—committed to building a healthier, more equitable future.
More information and contact got to www.arisespringfield.orgUnitarian Universalist Society of Greater SpringfieldThe mission of the UUSGS is to realize the free and unrestricted development of the human spirit for the good of all. UUSGS is a free religious community. We have the freedom and the responsibility to organize ourselves around values and ideas that we define. We are deeply, interdependently, theologically, interested in the well-being of others. And we have faith that the world is a better place when everyone can flourish.
For more information go to www.uuspringfield.org
Contact: 413-736-2324Youth Fighting for a Sustainable FutureAs a youth led group, we have a different perspective of the permanence and long term consequences of our current lack of environmental action. We seek to bring the same passion we share about our future to everyone else, using our voices to drive action in our community. By bringing more attention to the topic, we hope that others will see that climate change is both a short- and long-term threat to current and future generations. We understand that the climate crisis is an immediate problem, and don't want to wait for eventual change; we have to act now.
More information/contact: sites.google.com/view/youthforasustainablefuture/

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PACT Member Events

As we transition to using TeamUp for our calendar,
we continue to publish a bi-weekly email of PACT member events.

• PACT TeamUp Calendar

• Biweekly "PACT Community Calendar 10.30.2026"

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Organizing Resources

Organizing Guide: People, Power, Change - Commons LibraryThis handbook, based on the work of Marshall Ganz, aims to support you in developing your capacity for effective community organizing. It covers five key practices of organizing to build people power for change.Community Organizing for People, Power and Change – Community Development Practice: From Canadian and Global PerspectivesFocuses on defining community organizing, how it works, how to build relationships, and discusses practices in community organizing.The Power of Community Organizing: A Beginner's Guide | Volunteer ConnectionDiscover how The Power of Community Organizing: A Beginner's Guide can transform your life and your neighborhood. Learn the benefits of Building Connections Through Service, the value of The Impact of Volunteer Work on Personal Growth, and how Advocacy in Action: How to Make a Difference Beyond Direct Service shines when you combine advocacy with volunteer work.Rutger Bergman's Moral Ambition, about those who are organizing and making a difference
In Moral Ambition, internationally bestselling author Rutger Bregman reveals how our conventional definitions of success are harming us and the planet, and shows how we can shift the focus from personal gain to societal benefit.Moral Ambition reminds us that the real measure of success lies not in what we accumulate, but in what we contribute, and shows how we, too, can build a legacy that truly matters.In the process, he explains, we will join a growing movement of pioneers who are already living out this ethos. They're the builders, the problem-solvers, the doers who have chosen a path less traveled. A guidebook to finding that path for ourselves.“Lightworkers”A powerful documentary about what each of us can do to confront the problem of saving our democracy from fascism and stopping the dismantling of American Democracy.Hear from The Lightworkers - the people who have shared their stories; Louis Abramson, Ed Begley, Jr., Debora Benchoam, June Aochi Berk, David Brooks, Rabbi Sharon Brous, Robbie Conal, Peter Coyote, Shepard Fairey, Lee Grant, Jim Himes, David Hogg, Robert Hubbell, Adam Kinzinger, Annie Kuster, Charley Lang, Wendie Malick, Tom Morello, Keith Olbermann, Betty Osceola, Rev. Matthew Palevsky, Carmen Perez-Jordan, Peggy Damond, Trotter Preacely, John Quigley, Jamie Raskin, Jennefer Russo, Adam Smith, Atossa Soltani, Monica Soni, James Thornton, Steve Van Zandt, Phill Wilson, Henry Winkler, Richard D. Wolff.“I call them lightworkers because each, in their own way, casts a light forward.” — Director Bobby Roth, acclaimed writer, director, and producer whose five-decade career spans feature films, acclaimed television dramas, and global film education.

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If you have any interest in knowing more about PACT, you can reach us at EmailWe look forward to hearing from you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who started PACT?
The concept was developed by a local grassroots organization, the Longmeadow Antiracism Coalition (LARC).When was PACT created?
The first meeting was in June, 2025.How often does PACT meet?
Approximately once per quarter. As of October 2026, we have had five meetings.Where does PACT meet?
We have met at the Jewish Community Center in Springfield and at the First Church Longmeadow.Is PACT only for Longmeadow groups?
No. While PACT was started in Longmeadow, it is open and welcomes organizations in Springfield and the surrounding communities.Why was PACT created?
PACT was formed as a collaboration between Western Mass organizations to the mutual benefit of diverse groups with shared values. PACT is the concept that facilitates "organization networking" and can provide broader outreach to new people and resources outside of your existing network.Who runs the PACT group?
PACT is led by a steering committee individuals from some of the member organizations.How many organizations are there in PACT?
As of 10/6/26, there are 35.Is there a cost to join?
No.What are some examples of the types of organizations?
Local Communities and food security, defending democracy, social justice and racism, nonviolence and guns, environment and climate, DEI and LGBTQ+ rights, communities of faith.How do I get more information about membership?
If you have any interest in knowing more about PACT, you can reach us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you.

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PACT Meetings June 2025 to September 2026

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