We are living in a time of deep divisions. Americans are sorting themselves along racial, religious, and cultural lines, leading to a level of polarization that the country hasn’t seen since the Civil War. Pundits and politicians are calling for us to come together and find common purpose. But how, exactly, can this be done?

In Palaces for the People, Eric Klinenberg suggests a way forward. He believes that the future of democratic societies rests not simply on shared values but on shared spaces: the libraries, childcare centers, churches, and parks where crucial connections are formed. Interweaving his own research with examples from around the globe, Klinenberg shows how “social infrastructure” is helping to solve some of our most pressing societal challenges. Richly reported and ultimately uplifting, Palaces for the People offers a blueprint for bridging our seemingly unbridgeable divides.

Join us to share space and hear community updates!

Hilltowns CARE and the Hampshire County Food Policy Council are collaborating to bring a skill share series to the Hilltowns this Fall. Join us for an hour long zoom meeting to generate ideas and plan forward! RSVP to Hilltowns.care@gmail.com for link.

How We Show Up, Reclaiming Family, Friendship and Community, by Mia Birdsong

An Invitation to Community and Models for Connection

After almost every presentation activist and writer Mia Birdsong gives to executives, think tanks, and policy makers, one of those leaders quietly confesses how much they long for the profound community she describes.

In this provocative, groundbreaking work, Mia Birdsong shows that what separates us isn't only the ever-present injustices built around race, class, gender, values, and beliefs, but also our denial of our interdependence and need for belonging.

Through research, interviews, and stories of lived experience, How We Show Up returns us to our inherent connectedness where we find strength, safety, and support in vulnerability and generosity, in asking for help, and in being accountable. Showing up--literally and figuratively--points us toward the promise of our collective vitality and leads us to the liberated well-being we all want.

Gather at the Huntington Library and bring your skills to help us develop our Food Map resource! RSVP Hilltowns.care@gmail.com for location and more info.

Come get your hands dirty as we plant our first beds in the Community Garden!
Some plants will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own plants and seeds.

Accessibility: The planting beds are situated on slightly uneven ground that may be soft. Beds include attached benches for sitting and planting. Please use caution.

Join us for a virtual community gathering. Bring your ideas to share and hear about our current projects!
Please RSVP to Hilltowns.care@gmail.com

“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need” - Cicero

On July 12th, local professionals and community members will come together to create a beautiful and functional space for public use, building six raised garden beds to launch our community garden project.

(Alternate Build Day in case of inclement weather is July 13.)

We: Provide all the materials and hardware (sourced from local suppliers), a detailed work plan, a shade tent for taking breaks, some tools, and a grill for making and sharing lunch.

You: Bring your energy and goodwill, tools you have, water bottles, willingness to work together.

If you want to contribute to the potluck, bring food to throw on the grill, or side dishes, drinks, etc. Bring your family, build a garden bed and have a picnic!

Together: We will build 6 raised garden beds with benches on the lawn next to the Huntington Library!

You are also welcome to stop by and say hello, drop off water, or come watch and see it come together.

Bathrooms and Air Conditioning are available inside the library.

Please RSVP and join the discussion so we can plan ahead and do our best to ensure it all goes smoothly.

Each bed has been sponsored by a community group for planting later in the season. The space will be for community use and enjoyment.

Blueprint For Revolution by Sedna Popovic and Matthew Miller

Hope in the Dark: Untold Histories, Wild Possibilities

Rebecca Solnit - Published 2016 - 184 pages

Hope in the Dark was written to counter the despair of radicals at a moment when they were focused on their losses and had turned their back to the victories behind them and the unimaginable changes soon to come. In it, she makes a radical case for hope as a commitment to act in a world whose future remains uncertain and unknowable.

Hilltowns CARE presents our first free tag sale/Everything Swap!
Bring gently used items to give or trade, and snacks to share.

Please be advised that all items not gifted must be taken home, no disposal or recycling will be available.

Children welcome!

Share seeds for the upcoming growing season, share gardening knowledge, and meet your neighbors!