MELROSE — In collaboration with the City’s diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting partner, VISIONS Inc., Mayor Paul Brodeur has announced that he is hosting a virtual Community Forum around the results of the City’s Racial Climate Survey and Focus Groups on Thursday, June 22 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Community members can sign up to join the Zoom event by visiting signupgenius.com/go/10c0e4fa5ac23a0f4c34-melroses.

VISIONS’ Deputy Vice President of Consulting, Rick Pinderhughes, has put together a report that summarizes these results, which can be accessed ahead of the forum via this link. During the forum, Mayor Brodeur, Pinderhughes, and members of the City’s DEI Task Force will discuss the results of the survey and focus groups, as well as how the City can address gaps in its DEI efforts and better meet the needs of the community, as recommended by Mr. Pinderhughes. In addition, a Q&A Session will be held as part of the forum.

“I’m excited to announce that we have now reached the next step in this important work – the process of reviewing the results of the survey and focus groups,” said Mayor Brodeur. “Our hope is that this first-ever community forum around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will serve as a safe space where open dialogue and deep learning can take place. In addition to the results of survey and focus groups, Mr. Pinderhughes has provided us with action-oriented recommendations to help facilitate the City’s organizational diversity action plan. This community conversation is an important next step in the City’s Racial Climate Audit process – and I hope you can join us.”

The City of Melrose is committed to creating a community that embraces inclusiveness and respect for all. By hearing from and listening to the experiences of those who live, work, or study in Melrose, together we will create a path forward.