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Citizens for Participation in Political Action (CPPAX) was a multi-issue organization established in 1962. This organization formed in support of politically progressive causes, and their focus areas included education, lobbying, demonstrations, ballet questions, as well as electing progressives into public office. The Franklin and Hampshire counties chapter of CPPAX, which serviced the majority of the Western Massachusetts community, was founded in 1991.
The Franklin and Hampshire counties chapter of CPPAX greatest concerns throughout their time were clean elections, single payer health care as well as health reform, the abolition of nuclear weapons, women's issues, and cutting the military budget. The chapter worked on both local and national issues, and orchestrated several crucial events concerning Western Massachusetts progressives. These events included the chapter's presence at the State Democratic Party's 1995 Issues Convention, and the chapter's fundraiser in 1993 featuring Father Robert Drinan. Furthermore, the chapter aided in the elections of the U.S. Congressman John Olver, State Senator Stan Rosenberg, and State Representative Ellen Story – all members of the chapter.
Overall, the Franklin and Hampshire counties chapter of CPPAX operated under the idea that global peace issues as well as American social justice concerns could only be solved if the public actively worked to create the solutions. As a result, they urged people within the Western Massachusetts community to become involved and supportive of progressive politics and concerns.
This small collection centers around the Franklin and Hampshire counties chapter of CPPAX organizing documents, events, and membership. The collection primarily spans from 1991-2006, and includes meeting minutes as well as meeting agendas, finance reports, chapter members correspondence, event flyers, meeting attendance, and mailing lists. The contents give insight into the chapter's immense impact on progressive politics in both Western Massachusetts as well as across the state as a whole.
The collection is open for research.
Acquired from Alice Swift in 2006.
Processed by Samantha Sims, March 2019.