Residents are encouraged to register as soon as possible for the DEI focus groups, which will take place throughout January 2022.

MELROSE – The City of Melrose has opened registration for the second step of the city’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Audit: community focus groups. Scheduled to take place during the month of January 2022, a series of virtual focus groups will be facilitated by VISIONS, Inc., Melrose’s consulting partner in this important work. The full schedule of focus groups is available on the City’s website.

“The City of Melrose is excited to launch this next stage of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion assessment process with VISIONS Inc.,” said Mayor Paul Brodeur. “I’m committed to creating a culture of inclusion within our City government. These focus groups will further our understanding of how we can do that. While I am already proud of what we have accomplished together so far, I recognize there is a great deal of progress to be made in order to build a City that truly works for all.”

The focus groups are a key part of the City’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) assessment and provide residents the opportunity to voice their perspectives and opinions. The focus groups will have a limited number of slots for the 50-minute sessions, so the City encourages residents to register as soon as possible. While an individual can only register for one group, those who identify with multiple groups will be able to speak to their experience regarding multiple identities in the focus group they choose to participate in.

The DEI assessment process is designed to collect information about the racial climate in Melrose, including strengths, challenges and desired outcomes as well as to provide a chance for participants to share their experiences, interpersonal, institutionally and culturally in and around these critical matters.

VISIONS Inc. will send out a confirmation email to those who register. Given the limited size of the focus groups, if you do not get a slot, we encourage you to share your perspective by filling out the online survey if you have not already done so. The survey can be accessed here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QH5NDPG.