Pittsfield Youth Voice in it Together -PYViiT

09/29/2020

A Heartfelt gratitude for the many incredible messages of support and best wishes shared since our announcement last month about the end of operations. The stories you've shared about how Pittsfield Listens has made a difference to you and community have been a gift. Thank you!

09/01/2020

In this time of transition, we have decided to change the name of this page from Pittsfield Listens to Pittsfield Youth Voice in it Together (PYViiT). As of now plan to keep it as an archive of memories and as a place for Alumni Youth Leader to connect, as managed by a couple select Alumni Youth Leaders.

08/05/2020

The world is changing. We are changing. We hope that all of you feel supported and held by the power and brilliance of community near and far.

☀️In this unprecedented time of disruption and uncertainty, it’s become clear what it takes to sustain our community engagement work, and unfortunately we do not have the resources we need. Therefore we’ve made the decision to end the formal operations of Pittsfield Listens.

☀️What this means is that effective after August, we will no longer continue operating our programs- including our youth-led organizing committee Pittsfield Youth Voice in it Together (PYViIT), the parent-led Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Committee, and other civic engagement initiatives. Our staff will transition from their roles with Pittsfield Listens into their next journeys along their professional careers.

☀️We want to express our deepest gratitude to the young people, parents, families, and countless local community members who volunteered their time and expertise- your trust in Pittsfield Listens helped us bring community-driven and led change. Change happens collectively. Together we’ve built an intergenerational community finding common purpose, place, and a sense of belonging. This made transformative impacts in the lives of so many, and made systems change possible.

🌱Continue to read our full message, here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jUJGgRNxqUw_SyUR-fjgBkB8BjwhZ6FjUG16XnGkkEM/edit?usp=sharing

06/19/2020

We continue to celebrate graduating seniors! We had the pleasure of hearing favorite PYViiT memories from current and former Youth Leaders with PYViiT in the class of 2020. Check them out below and enjoy a few “throwback” photos from their time in PYViiT!

“The second Train the Trainer retreat when we all were awake downstairs just talking and hanging out, listening to music. It was that night that I made some new friendships that have stuck with me through a lot.” -Courtney Butler

“The 2017 Youth Leadership Institute because it was my first big conference and I just felt so welcomed and really was able to come out of my shell with such an awesome group of people.”
-Abby Cote

“Facilitating the Deep Listening and Vulnerability workshop in the White Mountains.” -Michael Nevins

“The Train the Trainer retreat where we were all sharing life maps and just supporting each other and having a good time. And the bird that flew into the window!” -Gwendolyn Clough

“The Train the Trainer at D-Acres with all the animals! Spending a week with alpacas and a bunch of friends never hurts.” -Julianna Hodson

“Playing a big group game of hide and seek at the Youth Leadership Institute.”
-Beca Smith

Thank you for sharing your memories! We will miss you all and are so excited for your next steps! Have a blast on Sunday!

06/18/2020

As graduation approaches, we want to wish a warm congratulations to the Class of 2020! We celebrate all of you! Special shoutout to both current and former Youth Leaders with PYViiT. Here are some highlights of their next steps!

*Courtney Butler will attend University of New Hampshire to study psychology.
*Gwendolyn Clough is heading to the University of Maine to study social work.
Congratulations Gwendolyn on winning the Dean’s Award!
*Abby Cote will attend the University of New Hampshire.
*Greg Facella will pursue a business management degree.
*Julianna Hodson will attend the University of Maine to study elementary education.
Congratulations Julianna on being valedictorian!
*Michael Nevins will attend the University of New Hampshire to study electrical engineering
*Bree Roy is pursuing a tattoo artist apprenticeship.
*Beca Smith will attend Rivier University to study nursing.

We are so proud of all of you and wish you an amazing graduation on Sunday!

05/28/2020

The New Hampshire Department of Education is looking for input in re-opening of schools. Share your voice to help form their decisions. The survey will close after tomorrow, Friday May 29, at 8:00 p.m.

Access here:

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

04/20/2020

Have you registered for the April 22 live webinar with NH Listens yet? Join to discuss how we can return to public life and shared spaced in ways that support both common sense and healthy practices & without causing fear or discrimination.

Register for this event at

Join this Roundtable to share ideas and hear tips to reenter public spaces with care. Right now, we are separated. When we come back together, we want to make sure our fear doesn't amplify our biases. We’ll share ideas for plan mindfully for reopening your public spaces while reassuring people and ...

04/17/2020

Pittsfield Youth and Parent/Family Leaders continue to build together, now in a virtual space. We are connecting on how everyone has been doing during social distancing, how we feel about remote learning, and what at home learning needs students and families have. In addition, we are bringing Pittsfield Youth Voice alumni together *virtually* to connect on how they are coping, build a network of support, and encourage their voice and leadership in these times.

With the news that remote learning will now continue through the end of the year, we will continue to have virtual meetings.

03/20/2020

Thanks, New Hampshire Legal Assistance!

"NHLA offices are closed, but staff are hard at work remotely, advocating for our clients and compiling resources like this, to help our community navigate the complex programs affected by the COVID19 public health crisis. This guidance covers: Social Security Benefits; Unemployment Insurance Benefits; Utilities; Domestic Violence; Housing (evictions and foreclosures); Senior and Consumer Law; Youth Law and Education. PLEASE SHARE WIDELY!"

Published March 19, 2020 New Hampshire Legal Assistance offices are closed to the public, but our staff members are working, representing current clients, evaluating applications for new clients, monitoring the on-going and ever-changing landscape o