Spring 2009

Dear Friends of Traprock,

For more than three decades, Traprock Peace Center– now Traprock Center for Peace and Justice— has been working to promote non-violence and realize environmental, economic and social justice for all.  Traprock has been and is a source of leadership, inspiration and coordination as we work to together to achieve a more just and peaceful world.

As many of you know, Traprock has recently undergone a period of major change, with the move from Woolman Hill in Deerfield and the resignation of its director. During this time, a transitional board of longtime Traprock activists came forward to hire a new director and provide the leadership needed until a new board was in place.

With the financial and hands-on volunteer support many of you have offered Traprock since it moved to its new location at 24 Miles Street in Greenfield, last October, and the establishment of a new, inspired board and director we’ve gone a long way toward realizing the goals and hopes expressed during the Visioning Day held a year ago.

The new Miles Street storefront gives Traprock greater prominence and is helping to build a stronger relationship with the surrounding community. A collaboration with Greenfield Community College’s Peace and Social Justice Program is taking shape. Traprock has been hosting a variety of programming, from documentary screenings to speakers, storytelling, letter writing and musical events. These programs on Miles Street have involved people who would likely never have made it to Woolman Hill.

Traprock’s Director, Liz Kelner, has brought abundant energy and a long history of commitment to progressive action, and its Board of Directors is taking a fresh look at the organization and focusing on how Traprock can best carry forward its history and fulfill its mission.

That’s the good news. The bad news is that right now, despite its modest expenses, Traprock is spending more than it is taking in, in part because of reduced income from its small endowment. Current operating expenses have begun to whittle away at the savings account that serves as a financial cushion. The present course is not sustainable.

We’re pursuing foundation grants, accepting donations at events, and looking forward to a benefit night at Hope and Olive. The fact is, though, in order to keep its doors open and build on its opportunities, Traprock needs you. A strong response to this appeal will help put Traprock on a good footing to survive and thrive. 

There is great deal to do, and the moment is ripe for pushing change in a positive direction. If you believe Traprock is an important part of action for peace and justice in our community, please give what you can.
Thank you!!

Sincerely,

Board of Directors of the Traprock Center For Peace and Justice

  • Suzanne Carlson
  • Elyse Chastain
  • Pat Hynes
  • Abbie Jenks
  • Les Patlove
  • Jordan Russ
  • Linda Sarage
  • Sher Sweet
  • Michael Wilmeth
  • Maya Winfrey