The Town of Danvers Human Rights and Inclusion Committee agreed on Feb. 20 to draft a short, public statement reaffirming its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and to surface local resources for residents who feel targeted amid recent national controversy.

The committee opened by reviewing community outreach, volunteer recruitment and liaison reports. Bob Gamer, who identified himself during public comment, said the committee members “absolutely deserve full credit for standing up” and offered a volunteer list being compiled by Maple Street Church and North Shore Unitarian Universalist Church. Linda Leonard, speaking with Gamer, said congregations are prepared to supply volunteers and that the town volunteer system can capture offers.

Committee members and liaisons described local Know Your Rights trainings and resource toolkits held or planned for immigrant residents. Pastor Douglas, who leads the Danvers Interfaith Partnership, described plans to invite police department stakeholders and clergy to a presentation about legal rights and community supports and said the group is coordinating with neighboring towns and local libraries. A committee member reported the Danvers Public Library has Know Your Rights toolkits in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Creole available on the second floor.

Members spent the largest portion of discussion on how the committee should respond to recurring national headlines and attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Several members urged a concise, evergreen message for Danvers rather than ad hoc responses to each news item. One committee member suggested a short, nonpartisan message that reaffirms the HRIC’s mission and lists contact paths and resources; others volunteered to draft and circulate a text for review. The chair asked to have the vice chairs and a small group refine language and share it with committee members prior to wide release.

The committee also received a report on the Black Excellence celebration, which members described as well attended. Johan Hunter, who led the program, said the event featured student cellists, a DJ, soul food and local dignitaries; committee members estimated attendance “well over” 100. Hunter was reported to have received recognition from the state-level Black and Latino legislative caucus for work on the event.

Planning continued for Pride Month activities in June. The committee discussed a two-part plan: a flag-raising and community evening at the police department on the first Thursday in June, followed by a midday flag raising at Town Hall and an afternoon of vendors, performers and family programming on the library lawn on June 7. Organizers described earlier elements that will return, including a drag story hour, school choral performances, a raffle and local food vendors. Volunteers and fundraising leads were identified; members said they will pursue available cultural grants and vendor outreach.

Members flagged funding and resource sources including the Mass Cultural Council’s annual grants process and trainings from the Department of Early Education and Care. Michelle LaVotte, who attends a statewide human-rights coalition, said she will add materials about messaging and language to the committee’s shared folder, including templates from national advocacy groups.

Committee business: the committee moved to accept the Jan. 22, 2025 minutes as amended and voted to approve them by voice vote. The meeting concluded with announcements of upcoming community events, including a North Shore NAACP symposium at the Lynn Museum and a historical-society program to be posted on YouTube, and with a voice vote to adjourn.

Why it matters: Committee members said a short, consistent public statement and an accessible list of local trainings, library toolkits and volunteer contacts could reach residents who say they feel unsafe or targeted, and would be easier to sustain than repeated ad hoc responses to national headlines.