30 Poems in November! is a literary fundraiser for Center for New Americans. Center for New Americans welcomes and serves immigrants in Western Massachusetts with free English classes and a range of support services. For more information, please visit: http://www.cnam.org This year, we aim to raise $50,000. Writers do their part by writing one poem each day in November. Friends and family do their part by donating to support this effort. Powerful new poems and financial contributions translate to community support for immigrants.
Please support me in my third year participating in the fundraiser for the Center for New Americans. For 27 years, this Pioneer Valley organization has been offering literacy, computer and English language classes and services with the goal of helping immigrants attain economic independence and become full participants in community life. One of my favorite moments in Northampton is attending the annual 4th of July swearing in of citizens, the welcoming celebration of much hard work on the part of new citizens. I am filled with appreciation that my Grandmother's parents were able to leave Russia and start a new life here. With the awareness of what would otherwise have been, I am inspired to support those bravely trying to begin new lives in safety and security .
