Work to change the flag and seal of Massachusetts

By David Detmold The flag and seal of Massachusetts show a settler’s hand holding a Colonial broadsword over the head of an Indigenous man, with a Latin motto beneath, commonly translated: “She seeks a quiet peace with liberty under the sword.” A recent special commission established by the state legislature concluded in November of 2023, that the image on our state flag and seal is easily interpreted as “a celebration of the history of settler violence perpetuated against Indigenous people.” No one wants to have a sword hanging over their head. In 1985, former state representative Byron Rushing, a Boston civil…

‘Stick your neck out’

Grassroots Central Mass member Colin Brown joined the podcast "Be the Change," to discuss his activism with the group to support progressive candidates, promote government transparency, and work for climate justice. Hear about his inspiration, aspiration, and advice for young people beginning their activism. Listen to the podcast. Thanks for being a voice for change, Colin!

A Tree-mendous Success!

Grassroots Central Mass hosted its third Trees are Treasures Earth Day celebration at Wells State Park in Sturbridge on Saturday, April 22, 2023. We treated families and park-goers to music, stories, climate resources, crafts and activities. Interpretive stops along the nature trails told the story of New England's stone walls and why beavers and muskrats are key to the health of our wetlands. And we gave away 162 trees to plant! Check out the feature in the Quaboag Current, and enjoy some pictures below. Many thanks to our volunteers and our sponsors, Brookfields Fight Fear and Indivisible Mass Coalition!

Ongoing Initiatives

We remain involved in writing letters and postcards in support of candidates on all levels of government and in support of legislation that moves our nation, state, and local communities toward greater economic, climate, racial, and social justice. We remain deeply concerned about climate change and environmental degradation and this has prompted us to remain active in planning events focused on the environment, planting trees, following climate-related legislation, and working to encourage big banks to divest from funding fossil fuel projects. We also are partnering with others to encourage regional police departments to hire mental health workers to assist them in their work, especially when mental health concerns or addiction struggles are central. We continue advocating for the rights of immigrants and will begin work again on getting the Safe Communities bill passed in Massachusetts. Uplifting initiatives that  increase diversity in our schools, uphold the rights of our BIPOC and LGBTQ+ neighbors is also a priority. Finding ways to bring full equality for all is our guiding light.

Supporting Progressive Candidates and Legislation

Another goal of Grassroots Central Mass members is to support candidates for local, state, and federal elections who advocate progressive policies. We also study bills in the Massachusetts legislature and participate in public hearings on these bills and webinars that help inform us about their details.
<strong>Gifting Books to Local Libraries</strong>

Gifting Books to Local Libraries

Increasing awareness of climate change and the unique elements of our New England landscape prompted us to contact librarians in our surrounding towns to see if they would like more books on topics related to the environment.

Our Earth Day Celebrations

Starting in 2021 we went into the great outdoors to host our Trees Are Treasures events. These family-friendly events feature trail walks with costumed interpreters along the way explaining fascinating aspects of the habitat.