Update from the Social Action Task Force

That’s the new name for the group formerly known as the “Social Justice League.”

Responding to feedback from many, the group decided that “Task Force” better represented their relationship to MRIA.

The Social Action Task Force’s (SATF) mission remains the same: to encourage, facilitate and initiate personal engagement between the Bolton Hill neighborhood and the surrounding 21217 community. They hope that their efforts will act as a catalyst to create a healthy, vibrant, just and safe community for everyone.

The SATF’s first projects have met with great success. On January 29, over 60 neighbors attended the inaugural Party with a Purpose, collecting over $300 in donations for the No Boundaries Coalition (NBC) and about 100 books for Reading Partners’ Take Reading Home program.

Maria Goodson and Alexia Acciani of Reading Partners and Ray Kelly and Rebecca Nagle of NBC addressed the partygoers, explaining the work that they do to improve our community. They also outlined ways that Bolton Hillers can support their organizations’ efforts, both by contributing financially and by volunteering their time.

After the official program, neighbor Jessica Wyatt, who was in the audience, spontaneously addressed the group. Along with one of her students, she introduced attendees to her organization, Thread, which provides focused one-on-one support for underperforming high school students.

Rich and Shereen Zellars generously offered the use of their lovely home, which is currently for sale and furniture free. It was the perfect space to use, considering the size of the crowd.

Every party needs food, but the eats at this one were fantastic, due to the skills of the local two caterers, Black Sauce Kitchen and Dovecote Café. With tasty offerings including both beef and chicken barbecue, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits and a finale of a peach upside-down cake, everyone went away satisfied.

SATF’s future projects include improving the online Community Asset List, sponsoring more Party with a Purpose events, and initiating neighborhood-wide efforts to support organizations that serve the 21217 zip code.

Neighbors who want to get involved are encouraged to attend the next SATF meeting on Sunday, March 6 from 5 to 7 PM at Peter Van Buren’s house, 1500 Bolton Street. (NOTE: Enter from the Mosher Street side.)

All three organizations featured at January’s Party with a Purpose welcome volunteers. Find out more about them at their websites: Reading Partners, No Boundaries Coalition and Thread.