made possible by Citizens for the Revitalization and Urban Success of Holyoke
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Alex Morse
- Male
- Holyoke, MA
- United States
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- What is the talent/skill that you can bring to c.r.u.s.h.?
- As a long-time community advocate and organizer, I bring a wealth of experience in mobilizing young people and adults alike to bring change to the city of Holyoke. I am very well connected to people from all backgrounds, and can quickly assemble a dedicated group of individuals to address a particular issue. I am an excellent communicator, event organizer, and leader, as I am especially effective in bringing people together to work for a common cause.
My experience working with the Holyoke Youth Commission, the Holyoke Youth Task Force, and the Peer Health Advisory Board has provided me with a breadth of knowledge on the operation and challenges of non-profit and social service organizations. In addition, my two years on the Holyoke School Committee provided me with relevant legislative and political experience, as I was active in debating the issues that affect the Holyoke Public Schools.
As the founder and President of the Holyoke GLBTQ Task Force, I have worked to make Holyoke a safe and more inclusive community for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender people, and have focused on creating safe and healthy spaces for young people. I have planned the 1st and 2nd Annual Western Mass Youth Pride Prom, an alternative prom for LGBTQ students and their allies.
Furthermore, my work with Career Point, Upward Bound, and Tapestry Health has provided me with first-hand experiences in the fields of employment, education, and public health.
I am an Urban Studies Concentrator at Brown University.
- What is your favorite thing about Holyoke?
- The City of Holyoke is unlike any other place. Holyoke is special for many reasons; the history, the people, the character, the culture, the beauty, yet most of all, its potential to thrive in the near future.
- What do you think are some of Holyoke's greatest attributes?
- Holyoke is a remarkable city and I refuse to allow others to degrade this beautiful community. Unlike other towns and cities, Holyoke has a sense of community unfelt in other places, and the character of the urban space is widely recognized.
Holyoke has many challenges, yet such challenges serve to provide us hope; they have forced people of all backgrounds to come together to address issues that affect local residents on a daily basis.
Holyoke is rife with people willing to work for the betterment of the city. There are countless non-profit organizations, agencies, community organizers and leaders who wake up every morning seeking to improve the lives of people in this city.
Perhaps its greatest attribute is its sense of community and culture. All throughout this city, all throughout the year, one can be witness to events, parties, dances, or otherwise that highlight the cultural traditions of people throughout the city. This strong sense of community has allowed people to reflect on their past while connecting with people in the present. It has created outlets for cultural and self expression, and contributes much to the overall health and beauty of our city.
- What do you think are some of Holyoke's worst attributes?
- Holyoke is a city of untapped potential. People everywhere are longing to be engaged and involved in the political process. Elected officials throughout the years have failed to be inclusive of all in this city. For too long, the Latino community has been ignored by elected offcials. This issue is big and far reaching, and points to much larger issues.
While Holyoke is ethnically and culturally diverse, its actions are often tainted by racial, ethnic, and linguistic biases that have continued to discriminate against and disenfranchise a predominantly Puerto Rican Latino community. A combination of formal and informal methods of discrimination have prohibited low-income residents and residents of color from engaging in the political process.
Not only do I look forward to the day when all people are engaged in the political process, operating in ways that advocate the ideals of social justice. I also envision a community where residents are quick to mobilize upon any act of injustice, performed by an elected offical or otherwise. Together, we can make this happen, and I am excited to work with others to make Holyoke all that it is and all that it can be.
- What are the top issues that Holyoke needs to focus on?
- Arts & Cultural Events, Retail Downtown, Neighborhood Cleanup, Building Facades, Community Space, Communication Network, Inter-Generational Activity, Access To Politics, Better Schools
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Carla
drop a line when your back in town, love meet and kick some ideas
good luck at brown.
I am a self employed carpenter. I have renovated a Philadelphia cottage on Suffolk St and am now renovating a second building on Beech St across from the Y. I love working on historic properties and plan to continue doing just that in Holyoke for the foreseeable future.
I am also involved with the plan to restore the Victory Theater and am part of the CleanUpHolyoke group.
Stan
I'd welcome your energy and organizational talents in this spring's "The Future Begins Here" -- a fundraiser for 4 Holyoke non-profits serving youth. The event will be at the Holyoke Mall Sunday evening May 3, 2009. The kick-off planning meeting is January 20th (evening). I'm in charge of the Silent Auction. Your suggestions welcome.
Stan
Bee