Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Mission Statement: The Town of North Andover’s Commission for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’s goals and functions are to act as a central focus in the Town and community, advocating and advising on diversity issues, providing information, referral, guidance, education and coordination to public agencies, private persons, organizations and institutions engaged in activities and programs intended to deal with issues affecting diversity such as, but not limited to prejudice and discrimination against people because of their; race, language, ethnicity, national origin, citizen status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic class, physical/mental ability, religion, marital status, military status or age.

Duties:
The Commission is an advisory commission of the Town of North Andover whose duties shall be to provide advice and recommendations to the Town Manager and Select Board.

The Commission shall provide recommendations to the Select Board and Town Manager to help the town in creating and maintaining a cohesive community that respects all individuals by encouraging cooperation, acceptance and respect among and by all persons who come in contact with the Town of North Andover. The Commission shall recommend effective strategies for public engagement, removing barriers and increasing access to Town services for our town’s diverse population.

The Commission shall recommend areas for town investment in order to use financial tools to address root causes of inequities and lack of access and to strategically allocate public resources to create community partnerships to better understand and address equity impacts in town.

The Commission will strive to facilitate the building of relationships with underserved and underrepresented communities.

The Commission shall examine the community and provide feedback that will assist in fostering mutual understanding and respect among all members of the Town.

The Commission will work through education and outreach to discourage prejudice and discrimination against any person, group, or any other status protected by law on account of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, age, or disability.

The Commission should continue the North Andover Conversations Series. The North Andover Conversation Series will be an important listening, education and learning tool for the community and its leaders.