Salem Looks To Fill Spots On New Race Equity Commission

Salem MA

28 April, 2022

12:45 PM

Description

SALEM, MA — Salem is looking for residents who believe they can make a positive impact on the city's new Race Equity Commission. The commission is part of the recommendation of the Race Equity Task Force with four seats open to Salem residents selected for three-year terms. Mayor Kim Driscoll will appoint the members with confirmation of the City Council. The commission is charged with implementing the city's Race Equity Action Plan and updating the plan as needed, advising city departments and officials on ways to ensure programs, policies, budgets and other ordinances avoid and reduce systemic racism and developing initiatives and programs that reduce racism and bias in the city. The commission will also design and identify programs that recruit and train a diverse city workforce, work with city organizations to promote equity and seek grants to support the board's work. "The Race Equity Task Force created an exceptional and thorough report that outlines a strategy for the future of DEI work in the city of Salem," said Regina Zaragoza Frey, Salem's new Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. "The Race Equity Commission is a part of that strategy, and the people who serve on this commission will have an opportunity to create positive change in the city of Salem, address systemic racism and make history. "This is critical and urgent work. I look forward to collaborating with the commission in the coming months and to learning and un-learning alongside its members." Those interested should submit a resume and brief summary of interest to Dominick Pangallo at [email protected]. (Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at [email protected]. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)