Pioneer Valley Project

Springfield community and city leaders gathered this morning to mark the conclusion of the federal consent decree and the beginning of a new chapter in policing in Springfield.

After years of advocating for reform within the Springfield Police Department, MCAN affiliate Pioneer Valley Project (PVP) and other community organizations are now turning their focus to strengthening the relationships built during this process and advancing the shared work ahead with the department. PVP's community organizing has been central over the last six years in the call for transparency, accountability, and constitutional policing.

Sr. Melinda Pellerin, SSJ, PVP Board Member, said at the press conference, "The Consent Decree may be ending, but our responsibility is not. If anything, our responsibility is greater now. Trust must continue to be built through consistent action over time. This next chapter must be focused on relationships, real relationships, between the police and the people that they serve, because policies don't build trust. People do."

We heard from over 500 Springfield residents and our survey findings tell an important story. Does our city’s budget process center the priorities of residents? What do you think?

Are you a member of PVP?? Join us THIS WEDNESDAY at 6 pm on zoom. RSVP today!!

Are you a Springfield resident? Do you know how your money is being spent?
Take this quick survey (link in the comments) and share with your family and friends!

Are you a Springfield resident? Do you know how your money is being spent?
Take this quick survey and share with your family and friends!

On Friday, faith leaders from across Massachusetts gathered in solidarity with our siblings in Minnesota — praying, standing together, and urging Governor Healey to act in advance of escalating ICE enforcement action in our state.

Nearly 200 clergy and faith leaders gathered at the State House to stand with families and call on Governor Healey to act with courage to protect human dignity and civil rights here in Massachusetts. PVP leader Melinda Pellerin, SSJ, a core leader in this statewide work, led a delegation to Healey’s office.

Today is not about resisting injustice passively. Effective resistance requires sacrifice and collective action rooted in love. At PVP, we honor Dr. King’s legacy by organizing. Join us.

Periodic mobilization isn’t enough. Calling your elected officials isn’t enough. Sustained and strategic collective action informed by a sharp analysis paired with moral clarity makes all the difference. That’s community organizing. Join us on February 7th.

Sharing sacred space in community together tonight at our prayer vigil. We grieved all of the lives already lost at the hands of ICE. We grieved the loss of life by state violence throughout our country’s history. We resist by showing up for each other. We resist by protecting one another. Join us.