GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Great Barrington and Multicultural Berkshire Resources for Integration of Diverse Groups through Education (BRIDGE) are teaming up with a program to broaden climate action outreach and engagement with minority and lower-income area residents.

 

The town received a $70,400 state grant for the program; a total of $11.1 million was awarded to municipalities across the state for sustainability programs.

 

"Climate change is a poverty multiplier affecting our more vulnerable neighbors more so than those of higher income and privilege,' Natalie Narotzky, chair of the town’s Sustainability and Livability Committee sad. "These neighbors are often underrepresented in climate conversations and mitigation planning."

 

The town’s Sustainability and Livability Committee and Multicultural BRIDGE will partner with outreach training for town employees and for engagement with communities typically underrepresented in climate change mitigation efforts. The town's goal is to bring more diverse representation to local climate initiatives, said Christopher Rembold, assistant town manager and director of planning and community development.

 

"I am eager to work with the town toward inclusion and equity in climate issues," Gwendolyn VanSant, executive director of Multicultural BRIDGE said.

 

This funding was granted through the state’s Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program.  

 

With this state grant, 89 percent of Massachusetts cities and towns, or 312 municipalities, are now enrolled in the MVP program.