PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Sean Manion has been appointed as the Director/Lead organizer for Berkshire Interfaith Organizer (BIO). 

 

Manion is a passionate and dedicated community organizer with a grassroots activism and interfaith engagement background.

 

Before joining the team, he spent over two years organizing in Brockton, with Brockton Interfaith Community. 

 

Before delving into interfaith organizing, Manion worked in electoral organizing at various levels, from canvassing for city commission candidates to spearheading a regional campaign across Iowa, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas during the 2020 presidential primary. His efforts reached thousands of voters, including many first-time voters, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement.

 

Manion's journey into interfaith organizing began in 2021 after participating in "deep canvassing" for the 2020 General Election in New Hampshire. He recognized the need for longer-term campaigns rooted in community relationships, leading him to Brockton.

 

In Brockton, Manion led nonpartisan voter engagement initiatives that culminated in his regional leadership during the successful Question 1 and Question 4 campaigns in 2022. He also spearheaded grant projects focused on cooperative economic development, demonstrating his commitment to holistic community improvement.

 

His own experiences with economic and housing insecurity have deeply influenced his approach. Additionally, his intercultural teamwork and nonviolent communication training shape how he engages with communities and builds bridges between diverse groups.

 

Manion's academic background is in political science and sustainable development.