Organizing collaborative change by coming together
Berkshire United Way works with incredible partner organizations across the Berkshires. These agencies and their dedicated, professional staff members serve thousands of people every year. They inspire early learners, guide and mentor young people, and help to create the conditions that put household stability within reach of our neighbors and friends.
This work is challenging and rewarding, and we know our hardworking partners appreciate opportunities to collaborate and participate in free professional development. That’s why we support our partners by hosting convenings where they can network and build connections with colleagues from other organizations, share innovative practices, and tackle common issues.
The BUW community impact team, in partnership with advisory committees who assist in structuring meeting agendas, organizes and hosts sessions for the following groups:
- Early Learning Educators: Co-hosted with Berkshire Community College’s early education department, these monthly meetings are for any family home providers, childcare directors, classroom educators, advocates, and childcare organizations. Convening topics have included collective problem solving, professional development needs, and state policy advocacy.
- Program Staff: These quarterly meetings focus on the needs of frontline staff who serve individuals and/or families. Sessions have covered data and evaluation, shared professional development needs, and collective problem-solving.
- Navigation: Co-hosted with Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity, this group includes staff serving as community navigators, community health workers, family engagement coordinators, and those in similar roles. Recent topics have included mental health, immigration, housing, and accessing childcare.
Convenings build networks that promote collaboration, shared learning, and understanding that helps everyone in our network become more effective in our shared commitment to serving people in the Berkshires.
Navigation convenings
Navigation convening on housing extends to winter-related services, December 2024
State representative and mayor’s office talk advocacy with navigators, November 2024
BUW convenes navigators to hear from experts in the mental health field, January 2024