The Town of Danvers Human Rights and Inclusion Committee (HRIC) at a regular meeting discussed final plans for the town's Pride events, set a Juneteenth observance date and reviewed a proposal to turn the committee's scholarship into a community grants program.

Paul Pollack, chair of the Human Rights and Inclusion Committee, opened the meeting by restating the committee's purpose: "The Danvers Human Rights and Inclusion Committee, HRIC, is a cohesive task force against intolerance, bigotry, and oppression." Pollack and committee members then moved into event logistics and program planning.

The committee's Pride subcommittee reported it had secured Select Board approval to hang a Pride banner and is finalizing the banner design with Signarama. Lieutenant Sullivan provided event details, saying the police station flag raising will be at 5 p.m. on June 5, and the main Pride event will be Saturday, June 7, with a noon flag raising at Town Hall followed by a 1 p.m. Pride party on the back lawn of the library at the pavilion. "This year the past few years, we've tried to do 2 things in 1 day… So this year, the June, which is the fifth, there'll be a flag raising here at the police station," Lieutenant Sullivan said.

Committee members discussed vendors and programming. The same food truck used last year, Buddy Your Biscuits, agreed to donate 25 free meals after the HRIC said it could not increase its food budget; last year the committee distributed 75 free meals and aimed for 100 this year. The HRIC plans to invite a school vocal group and to expand vendor and resource tables; HealthQ, a local LGBTQ+-friendly health practice, confirmed it will staff an information table. Members also said Mass Behavioral Health and a local bridal counseling practice, plus a local financial advisor who focuses on LGBTQ+ clients, have been invited to provide resources at the event.

On school involvement, the HRIC reported outreach to Danvers High School Prism and the Gay–Straight Alliance at Essex Tech; both groups indicated interest but advisers noted the June dates may conflict with graduations. The committee said it will try to secure participation for at least the police station flag raising if graduations prevent full participation.

The HRIC set Juneteenth observances with a Juneteenth Association partner from Lynn. The committee agreed on June 17 at 2 p.m. in front of Town Hall for the Juneteenth event, and members discussed reusing a trifold brochure from past years to support promotion and logistics.

Separately, committee member Dr. Charles described a proposed change to the HRIC scholarship. He said the committee is drafting a plan to "democratize the work of the HRIC" by inviting community proposals for projects that advance the committee's mission; the plan calls for circulating a written proposal before the May meeting, taking input, returning a revised proposal and voting on it in June, and beginning funded projects in September. "What we'd like to do is to put forward the proposal that we've drafted… so that anyone in the community can come forward with a concept, a paper, or an engagement activity that advances the work of the HRIC," Dr. Charles said.

Members discussed staffing and liaison roles for events after the departure of a staff member who previously coordinated logistics. The HRIC identified volunteers (including Paul Pollack and Johan) to maintain contact with town staff and external partners such as the Juneteenth Association and DCAT; members also said they will try to locate prior promotional materials in shared drives and check with town staff and volunteers (Nick Huff was mentioned) about archived brochures.

The meeting closed with reminders about the upcoming town election and town meeting; some members urged voters to participate and noted that a change in the Select Board could affect the HRIC's future. The committee voted to adjourn by unanimous voice vote.

Votes at a glance
- Motion to adjourn: moved and seconded (mover and seconder not specified in the transcript); unanimous voice vote in favor. Yes: 8 (members present), No: 0, Abstain: 0.