NORTHAMPTON — Northampton Connects, an organization formed in the wake of a debate over downtown surveillance cameras to facilitate community conversations and understanding, is set to hold its second forum Wednesday.
The forum will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Edwards Church.
The organization’s first forum, which sought to talk about issues affecting downtown Northampton, drew about 80 people to JFK Middle School. Though it was mostly deemed a success by the organizers, some were critical that it was not held at a downtown Northampton venue to better draw people affected by downtown issues, with those living in shelters specifically cited.
Ward 2 Councilor Dennis Bidwell, who helped found Northampton Connects, said that the group had originally wanted to hold its first forum at Edwards Church.
“We’re really excited,” said organizer Stan Schapiro, who said th the group received “tremendous positive feedback” from the first forum, while also noting the critical comments about the previous venue.
He also said that an effort had been made before this forum to reach out to those involved in the Northampton Recovery Center, those who advocate for immigrants and those involved with the MANNA Soup Kitchen. Indeed, the forum will be held following a MANNA meal.
The forum will feature a panel of Jenifer Fleming Ives, a downtown nurse practitioner; Nancy Cowen, Happy Valley gift shop owner; Robert Wronski, Northampton Recovery Center volunteer coordinator; and Adam Van Buskirk, a Northampton police officer.
After the panel speaks, attendees will be divided into facilitated groups where they will be asked to share a story that illustrates something they love about downtown. They will also be asked to answer the question of how downtown Northampton can become a more welcoming place to all.
“I don’t know if we’ll have 10 people or 100,” said Schapiro, who works as a clinical social worker.
He did say, however, that the response to the second forum would determine what happens to Northampton Connects going forward.
Should the organization continue, he said that it would look into holding forums at different places, including immediately following gatherings like church services and meetings. He also said that the organization may explore other topics outside of downtown Northampton if it continues.
Bera Dunau can be reached at bdunau@gazettenet.com.