11/04/2014
Subject: Farewell CRUSH
Dear CRUSH community,
About six years ago a small group of thoughtful Holyokers, who desired to be informed about current events in the city and to make positive change, dreamed up and created the CRUSH networking site.
The Ning site opened a window on people, activities, passions, interests, politics, events, and challenges that may not have been accessible to Holyokers and potential Holyokers alike previously.
The organization gained momentum through the networking site and also through signature events like Party With A Purpose and The Great Holyoke Block Party.
CRUSH became a hub of sorts; a place where people with ideas for making positive change could go to build a spoke and get connected to a part of the wheel that turns the city.
Over time CRUSH has become a way of life in the fine city. Although connection-making and networking at a lively, active, progressive core were already happening, CRUSH activity broadened the scope of connection and information sharing. Every day people with ideas get connected through a strong and vibrant network of Holyokers dedicated to making positive change in our city. In this way CRUSH has become a verb (something we do) rather than a noun (the organization).
Of course, there is plenty of room for growth as we continue to CRUSH, for example, efficiency in organizing, fostering a climate of social justice in our individual interactions and project designs, and exercising compassion and clear communication, are just a few ideas and some of them are already developing.
Challenges are simply invitations to keep working at it! So, in formal closure of CRUSH, the organization, I invite you to keep CRUSHing in the ways that you already do with a passion for creating positive change in Holyoke by making connections between people, resources, and ideas. Onward!
Sincerely,
Lauren Helm
