Speaker to dicuss race relations
UPPER GWYNEDD How can local officials keep the conversation going about race relations and better understanding throughout the community?
Upper Gwynedd’s board took a step toward doing so Monday night, voting to move ahead with setting up a public conversation about race.
“This is in relation to our goal-setting that we had back in January, with bringing in more speakers and more educational things into the community, not only for the board but for the residents and community members as well,” said board President Liz McNaney.
In late January, the board held a public goal-setting meeting to spell out priorities for 2020 and beyond, and among those goals was a category related to combating discrimination and encouraging diversity, with one recommendation being to hold public conversations on inclusivity, race,and LGTBQ issues. In its first June meeting, the board held a symbolic “blackout” in memory of George Floyd, and McNaney said a speaker spotted by Township Manager Sandra Brookley Zadell could be the next.
“I was trying to brainstorm, after the board of commissioners made your pledge at your June meeting, to start addressing issues regarding race,” Zadell said.
As a member of a similar diversity committee through Villanova University, Zadell told the board, she came across a training session being offered this week by Dr. Danielle Gadson, a Villanova assistant professor of public administration who explores the interaction of social factors and public policy.
“It is a program aimed at identifying the key terms regarding racism, and I thought it was such a great way to start talking about that within our community: to begin the community conversation,” Zadell said.
A formal proposal from Gadson is included in the board’s meeting materials for Monday and says she will host a twohour community conversation, likely via the Zoom online meeting platform, at a date and time to be set by the board but likely on a weekday evening in early or mid-August.
“Her proposal outlines a program that will define key terms related to the current national conversations about systemic racism and thoughtfully initiate community discussion on issues of race,” Zadell said.
The talk about definitions would be followed by interactive discussions among Gadson and staff, the board, and any residents who participate, followed by “a breakout session where we can get into meaningful discussions about how those terms apply to us in our community,” according to the manager.
“I think it’s a really cool opportunity for Upper Gwynedd residents, employees, board members, volunteers, to be part of this discussion. I hope it’s in line with what the board had in mind for the first community conversation,” she said.
The proposal carried two cost options, for $510 for the program featuring only Gadson or for $600 if a junior co-facilitator is included. Board Vice President Denise Hull asked if the board had to decide on the co-facilitator Monday, and Zadell said the board could approve the proposal at a cost not to exceed $600, then choose which option to use closer to that date.
The board then voted unanimously to accept the proposal, and Zadell said she and staff will publicize the discussion. Upper Gwynedd’s commissioners next meet at 7 p.m. Aug. 10; for more information visit www.UpperGwynedd.org.