MULTICULTURAL RACE TASK FORCE MISSION
We are a network of local leaders dedicated to education and dialogue on the issue of race,
ethnicity and effecting change to create a safe and inclusive community.
Goals and Action Steps
1. Goal: To stay informed about racism and support the diversity in our community action.
Action:
- Mobilize the network to respond to incidents of discrimination and prejudice-by attending rallies, writing letters, mediating, educating.
- Support educational efforts conducted by BRIDGE
- Produce a newspaper column that addresses of diversity
2. Goal: Increase the opportunities for social interaction among diverse populations
Action:
- Provide opportunities for continued discussion of racism issues by holding follow up Dialogue on Race events.
- Increase number of school that do “mix it up lunches” to include at 3 new middle/high schools throughout the county.
- Expand cultural competency training in schools and workplaces starting with preschool
- Recognize individuals and agency annually who demonstrate a commitment to reducing racism in our community.
3. Goal: Promote a diverse workforce
Action:
- Assist in the creation of environments that supports a diverse workforce with policies and practices for creative recruiting (e.g. fact sheets, identifying local qualified potential employees, engaging with regional diversity employment agencies in collaboration with BRIDGE and other Task Force members)
- Connect potential candidates of diverse ethnic, cultural and racial backgrounds with local employers.
Task Force: Gwendolyn Hampton VanSant, Chair Sue Fish Cara Davis Eliza Crescentini Peter Dillon Jenise Lucey Hilary Greene Michael J. Wynn Reverend Natalie Shiras Richard B Wilcox Shirley Edgerton Marcia Savage Marjorie Cohan Mark Siegars Judy Williamson Catherine Williamson | Task Force North: Gwendolyn Hampton VanSant, Chair Brooke Mead, Co-Chair Kaatje White Margaret McGavern Al Bashevkin Maritsa Barros Rachelle Smith Rabbi Goldwasser Judy Williamson Kate Merrigan Dr. Rose Ellis Tom Alexander Rachel Branch Dr. Frances Jones-Sneed Rita Nnodim Ingrid Castro | Task Force Meeting Times Task Force covering Central County Meets first Monday of each month Time: noon – 1:30pm Location: Pittsfield (please email us for location) Task Force North covering North Berkshire County Meets first Friday of each month Time: 3pm – 4:30pm Location: North Adams/Williamstown (please email us for location) |