Progressive change to the Amherst Town Council is long overdue. My name is Marisol Pierce Bonifaz, and as a 19-year-old activist, I have worked for reform to our Amherst town government since I was 9 as I urged the School Committee to fully fund the library paraprofessionals. Every year, I watch as Town Council neglects to hear and act upon youth voices and continues to defund schools, maintain an inflated police budget, halfheartedly support necessary climate solutions and remain silent on the genocide in Gaza. Young people, such as myself, demand a new wave of progressive change — we support Jill Brevik to represent District 1 on the Amherst Town Council.
I met Jill organizing for Palestinian liberation, and immediately understood that she is a firecracker of power with a kindness and determination to listen to all. As a long-time progressive advocate, she would put students’ concerns and her district’s concerns at the forefront of work and boldly demand change. She co-leads Valley Families for Palestine, co-organized the Pots and Pans protest for Gaza this summer, and is always on the forefront of rallies and actions for the greater good in Amherst. She worked with UMASS Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and was arrested by police officers at the encampment protest on May 7, 2024. She attended the encampment to document and keep students safe and was arrested alongside them. She never stops fighting for change.
Jill Brevik is exactly what District 1 needs. As a District 1 resident, I support new, progressive change to the Amherst Town Council. Learn more about Jill here, and join the next generation activists in supporting Jill and in turn, supporting our futures.
Marisol Pierce Bonifaz
Amherst