Wellesley Volunteers Create 'Freedom Team' To Address Hate, Bias

Wellesley MA

31 March, 2021

3:59 PM

Description

WELLESLEY, MA — A group of volunteers in Wellesley have developed a nonpartisan, community-based initiative to support residents who feel victimized by racism and bias and to respond to such incidents in our town. The newly-formed Wellesley Freedom Team was established in response to reports from residents who experienced incidents of racism and bias that are not defined as hate crimes, and therefore, cannot be addressed under the law. The Freedom Team aims to provide a confidential and respectful space to air concerns and to help develop actionable next steps to resolve situations for victims. The Freedom Team is reactive, proactive, and retroactive. Members include community leaders,educators, and faith leaders, with the support of town officials. The team's intent is to respondwith urgency whenever members become aware of individuals who experience threats, harassment, or violence related to race, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, or class. The Freedom Team will be available to discuss past and current incidents, as well as fears of future victimization, and will offer both victims and witnesses a listening ear, support, recourse, and/or opportunity for reconciliation. "We heard about the Freedom Team founded by Jamele Adams with the support of Natick Chiefof Police James Hicks and were inspired to explore forming a Wellesley team. Volunteer leadershave really stepped up to organize this effort to support residents who have experienced racismand bias," said Meghan Jop, Wellesley's Executive Director of Government Services. Residents of Wellesley are encouraged to contact the Freedom Team if they experience or witness bias-motivated threats, harassment, or violence. All calls and emails will remain confidential, discussed only by members of the Team. To contact the Freedom Team:Hotline: 339-216-0124 Email: [email protected] who fear for their safety should call 911 immediately.