Mission:
The mission of Anti-Racism Community Organizers (ARCO) is to organize, communicate, educate and provide resources to dismantle racism in our families, communities and institutions. We seek to do this with humanity, integrity and accountability.
Values:
- Equity & Inclusion
- Collaboration & Community
- Education & Empowerment
- Integrity & Accountability
History:
ARCO - Anti-Racism Community Organizers (formerly UROC of Western MA) has roots in the anti-racist effort of ilé: Institute for Latino Empowerment when it was still a program of Casa Latina, Inc., in Northampton, MA.
The first Undoing Racism Workshop in the region took place October 13-15, 1995 at Smith College. It was difficult, but a very successful training.
After that, the first group of anti-racist organizers started working together in what we called the Undoing Racism Organizing Collective, or UROC of Western Mass. We asked the People's Institute for Survival and Beyond - PISAB - to come back for a follow-up session and promote the development of caucuses. We were more successful forming the white caucus than with the caucus of color. Nevertheless, we continued and in one of our follow-up meetings we conducted a giant power analysis of the area, which included Springfield, Northampton, Amherst, Holyoke and Greenfield.
In it we named specific agencies and key people that we needed to reach and bring to the next training. Part of the strategy was to rotate the training geographically so that we could develop a regional anti-racist network and strategy. We planned to have two training sessions per year.
For the next two years, UROC successfully carried out much of this original plan, organizing and hosting The People’s Institute workshops at Mount Holyoke College, at El Arco Iris in Holyoke, at the Second Congregational Church in Greenfield, and later at many venues in Springfield. With each workshop and follow-up meeting new people joined the effort, while others stepped back.
Since that time UROC - now ARCO - has organized numerous trainings with organizations and groups throughout Western Massachusetts. We have continued to partner with the People's Institute along with other organizations that share a similar anti-racism analysis such as the Equity Consulting Network and the Institute for Latino Empowerment.
We have worked with youth, politicians, educators, farmers and health equity organizers to name a few. We have hosted training, networking events, information sessions, book talks, film reviews and potlucks, all in the name of strengthening the anti-racism analysis of the communities in which we live and work and building anti-racist systemic change.
Board Members
Candice Person, Board Chair
Candice is an educator, curriculum developer, and consultant with over 20 years of experience in public education. She is Founder and Chief Learning Strategist for the EduTutor Hub, where she supports families and organizations with personalized tutoring, curriculum design, and learning strategies. A longtime ARCO/UROC volunteer, she is passionate about fostering community learning, advocacy, and transformative change.
Anne Richmond, Treasurer
Anne is an anti-racist organizer focused on systemic racism in Western Massachusetts’ food and farming systems. She is founder and farmer at Nordica St. Community Farm and a facilitator with the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond. Anne is passionate about helping white communities recognize and dismantle internalized racial superiority to build equitable communities.
Rosa Matta, Secretary
Rosa has been an anti-racist organizer since her teenage years, active in Springfield, Holyoke, and Greenfield. A queer Latina, she has led countless workshops with ARCO/UROC and the Equity Consulting Network. Rosa brings decades of experience organizing communities to challenge racism and promote equity.
Charlotte Williams, Board Member
Charlotte is a clinician and Trauma Response Specialist with over 20 years of experience in human services. She supports individuals affected by systemic inequalities and trauma, integrating trauma-informed care into her work with the Department of Youth Services. Charlotte is committed to advancing equity and building inclusive, community-centered mental health programs.
Ariana Williams, Board Member
Ariana M. Williams, BSPH, MPA, is a public health practitioner, grant writer, and consultant dedicated to addressing health disparities. She helps organizations integrate public health strategies, secure funding, and design programs that foster long-term, equitable impact. Ariana is committed to empowering communities and advancing social justice through sustainable, inclusive initiatives.
Marla Solomon, Board Member
Marla brings 40 years of experience in international development, intercultural relations, and women’s leadership. She has served as professor, dean, and program director, and is also a writer and artist. Marla is dedicated to expanding ARCO’s network of organizers working to undo racism in families, communities, and institutions.