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Boards/Committees
Diversity
Committee
Presently, the Diversity Committee is
on something of a hiatus as we seek to review, renew, and revive its
form and function. In May 2009, a group of church members with past and
present involvement in the Diversity Committee was called together to
consider several directions for the future of the Diversity Committee.
Convened by Revs. Taylor and Mereschuk, the group consisted of Jack Day,
Jean Linderman, Sally Riddell, John Glezen, Jim Loomis, Karen Dugan, and
Donna Kidwell. We reviewed our individual connections to and interests
in the Diversity Committee, and pondered what role it might play in the
life of the congregation.
Below, you will find a few suggested
directions for the committee to take. I welcome your feedback and
comments as I hope to spend more time in the coming year on issues of
diversity within and beyond our congregation as well as help to discern
the best form and function for the Diversity Committee.
Respectfully Submitted,
Rev. Chris Mereschuk
Associate
Pastor for Youth Ministries
Diversity Committee Form and Function
Proposals
I. Remain As-Is
Independent committee
Monthly meetings
"Monitoring" of ONA/W, etc. issues in the
congregation
Comprised of representatives from boards
and committees + the chair.
II. Renew Committee With Some Changes
Independent committee
Concretize personnel as representatives
from each board/committee + 4 at-large members, one of whom is the
chair.
Advocate for awareness of and action
around issues of diversity and inclusiveness in the congregation and
the wider society.
Add "Diversity Corner" to the Reminder.
Formal or informal survey of leadership
and/or congregation to assess topics of interest.
Assess frequency of meetings (monthly,
quarterly, as needed?)
III. Become Sub-Committee
A. Committee of the Board of Christian
Service
B. Committee of the Adult Education
Task Force
C. Committee of combined BCS + Adult
Ed representatives + at-large chair
IV. Renew & Rename
"Inclusiveness Resource Committee"
"Inclusiveness Resource Group"
"Inclusiveness Resource Ministry"
"Inclusiveness (or Diversity) Council"
Incorporate suggestions in Scenario II
(above).
Serve as advisory and resource group for
congregation and other boards and committees.
Work with facilities manager and Trustees
to eliminate physical barriers to building accessibility.
Work with program areas to help find ways
to better integrate and accommodate persons with special needs.
V. Dissolve Committee
Become function of Council
Add "Diversity Check-In" periodically
(monthly, quarterly) to Council agenda.
SOURCE:
Annual Report for First Church of Christ, Congregational, Glastonbury,
Connecticut,
April 2010 |
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