Courageous Conversations: Ready to be Different
Thursday, September 30, 2021 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Meet Andover's Commission on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and learn about their work.
Courageous Conversations, Andover DIVERSE, the Andover Commission on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Memorial Hall Library invite the community to an online conversation.
- Meet Andover's Commission on DEI
- Hear their strategic plan
- Ask your questions
- Learn how to get involved (see the information below about working groups being formed)
Register through Zoom.
The Town of Andover recently completed a Diversity Audit to better understand the lived experiences of those who call Andover their home and/or place of work in the interest of working to combat racism and discrimination by supporting programs, initiatives, education, outreach, policies, and institutional change which contribute to an inclusive Andover.
In the hope of making sustained, concrete progress where social justice and equity are concerned, the Town is creating a series of working groups comprised of municipal representatives, Commission on DEI representatives and interested community members who, together, will help make Andover a safe, welcoming and culturally competent community. The Town recognizes this kind of systemic change takes everyone and welcomes interested individuals to consider joining in this most important work.
The working groups are:
Data Gathering and Citizen Engagement
Communications/PR
School Curriculum and Culture
Diversity in Hiring
Leadership Development
Racial Climate and Reporting
Community Activities
While some of the work undertaken by these working groups will relate to specific strategic directions, the Town anticipates these groups to explore their own unique paths forward long into the future.
Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Jemma Lambert, Director of Community Services at jemma.lambert@andoverma.us.
About Andover DIVERSE
Andover DIVERSE (Diversity, Inclusion, Values, Respect, Support and Education) is a Town of Andover division under the Department of Community Services, focused on advancing community-driven initiatives and engagement with the goal of building a more inclusive Andover. Read about their community initiatives, including the Diversity Audit and Assessment Report. The Andover Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion was created in March 2021 with a charge to combat the realities of racism and intolerance in Andover by supporting programs, initiatives, education, outreach, policies, and institutional change which contribute to an inclusive Andover, a community which embraces tolerance, inclusiveness and respect for all.
About Courageous Conversations
Courageous Conversations Merrimack Valley works to advance and amplify conversations about interpersonal and systemic racism, racial identity and privilege, and antiracism through community reads, films, facilitated conversations, speaker events, and panel discussions.