U N I T Y stands for:
United, Neighboring, Interdependent, Trusted Youth

UNITY was created in 1994 as a forum for youth in North Berkshire. The program was originally established as a collaboration between the nbCC and the area’s middle schools and high schools, bringing together students from across town boundaries to address issues that are important to them. Today, UNITY promotes youth expression, development, and involvement in the North Berkshire community through discussion, leadership, community service projects, and the arts. Since the program’s inception, this mission has been accomplished through a wide variety of youth-led initiatives. Some of the UNITY programs are listed below.

Youth Leadership Program

Using the Teen Outreach Program curriculum, UNITY staff co-facilitate this nine-month leadership training and community service-learning program for high school students. 20 students are recruited from all over Northern Berkshire County to meet once a week for activities that encourage them to become leaders in the community as well as in their own lives and to identify community needs and develop original service projects to meet those needs.

The Grooove

UNITY is very proud of our longest-running program, the Grooove Cafe, which was founded in 1996 by two Drury High School students.  A team of teenagers meets bi-weekly with an adult advisor to plan substance-free performing arts events and learn arts management skills.  Events range from acoustic showcases to dance parties.  Shows have been held at the Youth Center, Inc., MASS MoCA, the North Adams Elks Lodge, and other great venues in the Northern Berkshire area.

“I heart Grooove!  It’s very interesting to be a part of a program as developed and artistic as the Grooove; it makes me feel very mature while allowing me the opportunity to have a great time.”

~ Jeff F., Grooove Planning Committee Alum

“411 in the 413″ Youth Conference

Each year, UNITY staff and youth team up with other youth and adults from the Railroad Street Youth Project, Pittsfield Youth Commission, and the Pittsfield Prevention Partnership to organize this unique opportunity for teenagers from across Berkshire County to gather and explore, debate, and address topics of special interest to young people.  Founded in 2007, the conference has so far been held at Shakespeare and Company (Lenox) and Camp Hi-Rock (Mount Washington).  This year’s event is planned for May 8th, 2009, at the Hancock Shaker Village.  All Berkshire County high schools are invited to send up to 10 students at no cost to enjoy a day of dynamic speakers and creative, interactive workshops offered by community members, teachers, and other youth.

Teen Writing Workshop

Since 1999, the Teen Writing Workshop has provided a supportive, warm environment for teenagers to create and share their work with guidance and facilitation from a professional creative writer.  Each year ends with the publication of the student journal, Somewhere Between, and a public reading.

“The workshop is like walking into a room full of strangers and finding out that they’re your brothers and sisters.”

~ Ellie G., Teen Writing Workshop participant

Northern Berkshire Youth Collaborative

The NBYC is a monthly meeting of staff from youth-serving organizations and schools that features networking and mini-trainings on youth work topics.  Meetings are held in the nbCC conference room from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month, September through June.  A light lunch is always offered and all community members who are interested in youth issues are welcome to attend. To join the NBYC email list, please contact Kate Merrigan at kmerrigan@nbccoalition.org.

For more information about UNITY programs, please contact:

Kate Merrigan, UNITY Program Coordinator, at 413-663-7588 or e-mail kmerrigan@nbccoalition.org