The Appalachian Mountain Club is a leading organization in outdoor recreation, conservation and education. The Berkshire Chapter maintains trails, leads hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking and other trips. For information on volunteer and intern opportunities, see the volunteer page of the Berkshire Chapter’s website.
Science & Environment
Association for Women in Mathematics
Student Leaders: Amina Diop
Faculty/Staff Adviser: Chad Topaz
Meeting Time/Place: To be determined
We are the Williams College student chapter of the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) established in 2014 in response to the lack of existing structures or programming for women in math and the discrimination that went unnoticed both inside classrooms and out. We aim to provide a social space for women in STEM who have felt uncomfortable in general math settings and we work towards long-term structural changes that will make the Williams Math/Stat Department more inclusive.
Berkshire Humane Society
Berkshire Humane Society is a private, nonprofit, open-admission animal support organization with a twofold mission:
1. to ensure the compassionate care, treatment, and whenever possible, placement of homeless animals through the shelter operation, and
2. to promote and improve the welfare of all animals through community education and outreach
Additional Information & Current Opportunities:
learning-in-action.stage.williams.edu/opportunities/berkshire-humane-society
Berkshire Natural Resources Council
Not-for-profit membership supported environmental advocacy group and land trust working throughout the Berkshires to preserve threatened lands. Volunteer/intern opportunities available in various capacities.
Berkshire Regional Planning Commission
Official area wide planning agency in the Berkshire Region with comprehensive planning responsibilities including economic development, environmental, transportation, regional, community and land-use planning and data and GIS services. Volunteers and interns welcome on various projects.
Black STEM Association
Student Leaders: Joseph Wilson
Faculty/Staff Adviser: Christopher Goh
Meeting Time/Place: Biweekly meetings in Rice House
The Black STEM Student Association (BSTEM) aims to create a safe and supportive space in which minorities in the sciences are encouraged to continue their studies and can freely and directly speak of their experiences in STEM fields. This support system for underserved groups in STEM fields is essential to help support students and to combat the effects of the discrimination that they may experience in STEM fields.
Break Out Trips
In 2013-2014, the Chaplains’ Office and Center for Learning in Action began coordinating funding and advising for Break Out Trips over spring break that involve projects in and beyond the Berkshires region. A general interest survey, detailed advice, guidelines, timetable, a Proposal Form, Budget Calculator, and additional resources are available at learning-in-action.stage.williams.edu/opportunities/bot.
Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary
Mass Audubon sanctuary located one mile from the center of Pittsfield which attracts a variety of birds and includes 3 miles of trails. Programs offered through the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Lenox.
Center for Ecological Technology
CET, a community based non-profit organization, has been working since 1976 to help individuals, businesses, schools and communities reduce our environmental impact. CET provides education and assistance in recycling, composting, using less toxic products, energy conservation, and renewable resources. Services include: Home energy surveys and weatherization in partnership with local utility companies; sales of energy efficient lighting, weatherization, water conservation products, and recycled paper. Home Heating Oil Co-op; ReStore Home Improvement Center in Springfield for affordable renovation materials; Office Paper Recycling and Document Destruction.
112 Elm Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
413-445-4556
800-238-1221
Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
http://www.cetonline.org/
cet@cetonline.org
Pittsfield, MA 01201
413-445-4556
800-238-1221
Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
http://www.cetonline.org/
cet@cetonline.org
Circle of Women
Student Leaders: Ariana Romeo
Faculty/Staff Adviser: Magnus Bernhardsoon
Meeting Time/Place: Weekly on Sundays
Circle of Women (CoW) is a national nonprofit organization–run completely by students–that provides the necessary resources to girls around the world who are pursuing an education. As such, our focus is primarily abroad. The organization partners up with local groups to implement construction projects and each school/college chapter fundraises to make such projects possible. The Williams chapter is responsible for CoW’s most recent project, which is a girls’ higher secondary school in Jabergali, Pakistan.
CLiA Community Outreach Associate
Help CLiA build community engagement at Williams by serving as one of our academic year Outreach Associates. Outreach Associates work on event and program organization, preparation and promotion. They also help with program logistics, reflection and revision in an area or on an issue of special interest.
Additional Information & Application:
learning-in-action.stage.williams.edu/opportunities/clia-community-outreach-associate/
CLiA Community Outreach Summer Fellowship
This paid summer program trains a small team of Williams students to help build better community service and experiential learning opportunities at Williams. The selected rising Sophomores and Juniors are initially oriented to the Berkshires and trained in key skill areas before spending the balance of their time immersed and leading others in community engagement work. This 8-week, 35-hour/week position reports to the CLiA Director.
Additional Information & Application:
learning-in-action.stage.williams.edu/opportunities/community-outreach-summer-fellowship
CLiA Office Assistant
The Center for Learning in Action hires students to assist in various aspects of our office and program operations during the academic year.
Additional Information & Application:
http://learning-in-action.stage.williams.edu/opportunities/clia-office-assistant
Dinnertime
Student Leaders: Emmie Hine (eeh2@williams.edu)
Faculty/Staff Adviser: Paula Consolini
Meeting Time/Place: Thursday evenings in Paresky
Once a month, Dinnertime gathers and cooks dinner together for anyone who wants to come. Every dinner has a theme (past themes include Terrific Tubers, Pi Day, and Green Foods) and is vegetarian. Everyone is welcome to come cook, eat, and chat!
Divest Williams
Student Leaders: Isabelle Furman (imf2@williams.edu)
Faculty/Staff Adviser: Shanti Singham
Meeting Time/Place: Wednesdays 9 PM in Zilkha Center
Divest Williams seeks to build and foster a movement around divestment of the college’s endowment from fossil fuels; in this work, we aim also to undermine the entire extractive economy. Through this work, we strive to educate the community and challenge people to think more deeply about both their own and Williams’s place in social movements. We hope to develop a deeper understanding of systems of power and oppression and the points at which these systems are vulnerable. We understand the fight for climate justice to be inextricably linked to the fight for racial justice, economic justice, LGBTQIA justice; to the fight to end colonialism and imperialism and dismantle the patriarchy; to end ableism, transphobia, heterosexism, and all other forms of oppression. Therefore Divest Williams stands with all other groups fighting for social justice and climate justice on campus and beyond.
Give It Up!
Students collect clothing, books, & other leftovers from fellow students at year’s end. Donations of appliances, household goods and clothing are sold in the Tag sale at First Congregational Church and the ABC (A Better Community) Clothing Sale in September. Proceeds from these sales benefit local charitable organizations and initiatives such as the Louison House Homeless Shelter and the Friendship Center Food Pantry. Donated food, personal care products and cleaning supplies are brought to St. Patrick’s food pantry. Proceeds from the sale of donated books benefit Education for Konyango, a project organized by Williams students to support educational initiatives of the Konyango Mboto community in rural Kenya.
The 2017 ABC Clothing Sale raised over $37,000! The following local community organizations were the beneficiaries of the proceeds:
- Barrington Stage Company’s Playwright Mentoring Program
- Elizabeth Freeman Center
- Friendship Center Food Pantry
- Kids 4 Harmony
- Louison House
- North Adams Summer Youth Works Program
- Roots Teen Center
- Williamstown Food Pantry
Additional Information & Opportunities:
learning-in-action.stage.williams.edu/opportunities/give-it-up
Great Ideas Committee
Student Leaders: Luke Baumann (lab5@williams.edu)
Meeting Time/Place: College Council Suite, time according to members’ schedule
The Great Ideas Committee solicits ideas from the community to improve student life at Williams. These ideas can be conveniences (such as installing water fountains or buying chargers for the library), policy changes, improved communication systems, or anything else, though the scope of the projects is generally smaller than the larger policy questions debated by College Council or faculty committees. We draw from the CC Projects fund.
Harrison Morgan Brown Pre-Health Society
Student Leaders: Donglin Zhang
Faculty/Staff Adviser: Barbara Fuller
Meeting Time/Place: Tuesday evenings, Paresky
1. Organizes activities, trips, and events that will help Williams students to cultivate their passion for medicine. 2. Consolidates sources of information about the field of health care, including speakers and health care professionals, to help Williams students make well-informed decisions about preparing and pursuing a career in medicine. 3. Serves as a liaison between the Health Professions Advisor and the various pre-health students of Williams College.
Hoosic River Revival Summer Internship
The Hoosic River Revival (HRR) is looking for students to conduct research and assist with public programs, and help produce a short film. The HRR is a community-based, nonprofit organization with a mission to reconnect the North Adams community to a clean, beautiful, and safe Hoosic River and to enhance the river’s recreational, cultural and economic vitality. For complete details, visit learning-in-action.stage.williams.edu/opportunities/hoosic-river-revival-summer-internship/.
Hoosic River Watershed Association
A non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration, conservation and enjoyment of the Hoosic River and its watershed through education, research and advocacy. To find out more about volunteer and intern opportunities including the volunteer-based water quality monitoring program and the annual Riverfest celebration, contact HooRWA.
Housatonic River Initiative
A non-profit coalition of Berkshire County residents working to restore the Housatonic River and its floodplain as a major community asset, a river safe to fish and swim. HRI’s work includes a) advocating for timely and comprehensive PCB cleanup, b) educating County residents, young and old, about the river, its ecological science, contamination and cleanup, and c) partnering with others to rid the River of garbage by cleaning it and the floodplain.
Housatonic Valley Association
HVA works to conserve the natural character and environmental health of our communities in the Housatonic River watershed by restoring and protecting our lands and waters for this and future generations.
Lehman Community Engagement
Student Leaders: Frances Dean
Faculty/Staff Adviser: Sharif Rosen
Meeting Time/Place: Sundays, Paresky
Recognizing that community outreach and interaction is necessary for the actualization of the mission of a liberal arts education, the Lehman Council (for Community Engagement) serves to promote, foster, and maintain a spirit of service on campus. This is done through many different community-oriented service projects throughout the year. We organize a Fall and a Spring Great Day of Service to engage the wider campus community in service in addition to smaller monthly and annual projects. Our projects range from baking for the less fortunate, volunteering at the Berkshire Humane Society, helping at the local co-op farms, building for Habitat for Humanity and many more! We are also enthusiastic about aiding other groups and students in organizing projects for their own interests.
Local Education Outreach
For 20+ years, Williams has partnered with our local educators to create hands-on programming that serve the needs of the children and their families in a host of Berkshire County schools in the areas of science, writing, mentoring, homework help and more. Currently, more than 350 students participate and serve in K-12 schools in paid and volunteer positions in Williamstown, Lanesborough, North Adams and Pittsfield. We welcome your involvement and ideas, and look forward to hearing from you! Please visit the Local Education Outreach section of our website for more information.
Mass Appalachian Trail Management Committee of the Berkshires (AT Committee)
Mission and programming focused on protection and preservation of the Appalachian Trail and Trail corridor lands in Massachusetts through scheduled work parties during the field season and collaboration with relevant State and Federal Agencies on matters of land protection and preservation.
Local contact: Cosmo Catalano
Math Riddles
Many students find math dry in high school and junior high school. The purpose of the webpage is to help students and teachers see that math can be fun, interesting and applicable.
In addition to the riddles, there is a student/teacher corner where detailed explanations are given, not just of how to solve the problem, but how to try to attack it. In particular, often promising approaches that don’t pan out are discussed. The purpose is to help students and teachers learn how to approach new problems.
Additional Information & Current Opportunities:
learning-in-action.stage.williams.edu/opportunities/math-riddles
Moo-Mami
Student Leaders: Brenda Xu
Faculty/Staff Adviser: Caroline Bruno
Meeting Time/Place: Friday evening, Zilkha Center kitchen
Moo-mami teaches members of the community useful cooking techniques and immerses them in the process of raising money for charity. Organization participants will learn and become comfortable with a variety of cooking techniques, thereby acquiring a valuable life skill that students ordinarily are not exposed to in the academic classroom. Through the culinary lessons and time allotted to practice, we hope to build and foster a sense of community around food. Another element of the club consists of familiarizing and raising awareness about various social and medical issues around the world. The process of raising money for charity offers students an opportunity to engage in fundraising for a worthy cause.
OurStem+
Student Leaders: John Velez
Faculty/Staff Adviser: Christopher Goh
Meeting Time/Place: Wednesdays at 5:30 PM, Paresky 112
The purpose of the organization is to promote the mission of SACNAS at the local and national level to offer educational and professional development resources and opportunities to students. We want to foster not only the success of Hispanic/Chicano and Native American students but also other underrepresented groups of students in STEM+ to attain advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership. Members are dedicated to giving back through mentorship, peer networks, professional development, and by engaging in STEM+ research and leadership of the highest caliber. The organization, its members, and chapters are committed to encouraging minority students and scientists to advance to their utmost capability. We will organize campus, regional and community activities to promote the scientific and personal development of its members.
Purple Bike Coalition
Student Leaders: Lucas Estrada
Faculty/Staff Adviser: Sarah Gardner
Meeting Time/Place: Bike Shop (1st floor of Mark Hopkins)
The Purple Bike Coalition (PBC) is a student run organization that intends to provide bicycle maintenance services to Williams students and the greater Williams community, while educating people on the processes used to repair the bike. PBC mechanics will teach bicycle riders simple maintenance techniques and try to give riders the skills to fix and maintain their own bikes. The PBC will replace simple parts and perform the maintenance free of charge. The PBC will conduct a free bike rental program for students, staff, and faculty. The PBC, affiliated with the Center for Environmental Studies, looks to improve the quality of cycling on the Williams campus by providing safety and riding tips.
Sheffield Land Trust
Non-profit member organization, established in 1989, dedicated to protecting the land essential to Sheffield’s natural, scenic, agricultural, and rural character through a program of stewardship and by working with landowners, farmers and other partners. Welcomes volunteers in a variety of capacities.
P.O. Box 940
404 Legeyt Road
Sheffield, MA 01257
413-229-0234
www.sheffieldland.org
shefland@bcn.net
404 Legeyt Road
Sheffield, MA 01257
413-229-0234
www.sheffieldland.org
shefland@bcn.net
Sweet Water Trust (Berkshire Office)
A grantmaking foundation funding conservation projects that safeguard wild land, wild water, native wildlife and living soils in the northern Appalachian region.
The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to preserve plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. The organization employs a strategic, science based process called “Conservation by Design” to identify the highest priority places — landscapes and seascapes — that, if conserved, promise to ensure biodiversity over the long term.
The Orion Society
The Orion Society’s programs and publications seek to inform, inspire and engage individuals and grass roots organizations to become a significant cultural force for healing nature and community. Orion’s work includes Orion Magazine, books, workshops, seminars and the Orion Grassroots Network, a fast growing association of environmental and community organizations. The Society welcomes volunteers in a variety of capacities.
The Trustees of Reservations
Member supported non-profit conservation organization that preserves various property for public use and enjoyment. Field Farm is a 300 acre property managed by the Trustees. Will Garrison, Historic Resources Manager at Field Farm, welcomes volunteer help, particularly with tours of the farm.
Field Farm
565 Sloan Road
Williamstown, MA 01267
413-458-3144
www.thetrustees.org
volunteers@ttor.org
Will Garrison
565 Sloan Road
Williamstown, MA 01267
413-458-3144
www.thetrustees.org
volunteers@ttor.org
Will Garrison
The Wilderness Society
The Wilderness Society‘s mission is to protect wilderness and inspire Americans to care for our wild places. We contribute to better protection, stewardship and restoration of our public lands, preserving our rich natural legacy for current and future generations.
Additional Information & Current Opportunities:
learning-in-action.stage.williams.edu/opportunities/the-wilderness-society/
thinkFOOD
Student Leaders: Nicholas Gardner (njg4@williams.edu)
Faculty/Staff Adviser: Mike Evans
Meeting Time/Place: Tuesdays 8 PM in Zilkha Center
At Williams, members of thinkFOOD work in student groups and dining committees to make the food Williams eats more environmentally and socially sustainable. We’ve worked with our primary food purveyors and worked to write Williams Dining’s sustainable and responsible purchasing expectations for those purveyors. We’ve also participated in local farm visits with the Zilkha Center and hosted community meals.
Thursday Night Grassroots
Thursday Night Grassroots was formed to create an outlet for direct student action in the face of global environmental catastrophe and immense social inequality. The group strives to highlight and actively address these issues within the context of our community, our state, and our nation. The group believes that Williams students are among a small percentage of privileged people globally and that with that privilege comes a responsibility to take action against all forms of injustice. The group also believes that the greatest threat to peace and stability in our world today is that of climate change, and chooses to particularly address this threat to global social justice. They seek to illustrate the fundamental and undeniable connections between environmental impacts and their consequences on our society’s ability to be truly just. The group directs its greatest effort towards building a movement to put our school, state, and nation on a path towards environmental sustainability.
Williams Environmental Council
Student Leaders: Elizabeth Bigham
Faculty/Staff Adviser: Sarah Gardner
Meeting Time/Place: Tuesdays at 9:30 PM, Zilkha Center
The Williams Environmental Council works to make the campus and student body more environmentally friendly and conscious through events and campaigns targeting specific environmental issues we’re facing as a community. Particular problems that have been addressed include waste from campus social functions, consumer waste, and tree cover on campus. We love hearing from students, staff, faculty, and community members so that we can more effectively work towards greater change.
Williams Outing Club
Student Leaders: Jonathan Hall
Faculty/Staff Adviser: Scott Lewis
Meeting Time/Place: Tuesdays at 7 PM, Matt Cole Reading Room (CES)
WOC offers a wide variety of events, trips, and activities throughout the year, including regular sunrise hikes, polar bear swims, campouts, indoor climbing, and PE classes–as well as many longer trips and other activites. Special events every year include Mountain Day, Winter Carnival, and the WOOLF outdoor orientation program for first-years.
Williams Sustainable Growers
Student Leader: Jessica Munoz
Faculty/Staff Adviser: Mike Evans
Meeting Time/Place: Saturdays at 2PM, Parsons Garden
The Williams Sustainable Growers plans and manages the two gardens on campus and distributes the harvest among students. The group also aims to promote awareness of and access to sustainable food and agriculture. We host events and have weekly work parties in the garden open to anyone!
Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation
Non-profit member supported land trust working with the community to preserve and protect the rural New England character and unique landscapes of Williamstown. Director Reed-Evans welcomes volunteer and intern help in many capacities, including special projects which students might propose such as habitat creation.
671 Cold Spring Road
Williamstown, MA 01267
413-458-2494
Contact: Leslie Reed-Evans, Executive Director
www.wrlf.org
ruraland@wrlf.org
Williamstown, MA 01267
413-458-2494
Contact: Leslie Reed-Evans, Executive Director
www.wrlf.org
ruraland@wrlf.org
Winter Blitz
Faculty/Staff Adviser: Amy Johns (ajohns@williams.edu)
A one-day fall program weatherizing low income homes in Berkshire County run through the Zilkha Center for Environmental Initiatives. Students train and then work with faculty, staff and community volunteers preparing area homes for the winter.