Mashpee Inclusion and Diversity Committee to Mashpee Chamber Members

Presentation from J.Marie Stevenson Mashpee Inclusion and Diversity Committee (MIDC) to Mashpee Chamber of Commerce Members

Do you know that Mashpee has a town committee for inclusion and diversity? You can learn about it on our town website. The present committee has been in existence since 2018 but there is a history. In February of 2000 The town of Mashpee joined in a state wide initiative launched by the Anti-Defamation League and became a designated No Place For Hate community. The Board of Selectmen issued a proclamation that pledged zero tolerance for hate crimes and acts of bigotry and promised to provide equal justice for all while recognizing and encouraging diversity. This proclamation was signed and supported by every town department, community organizations, businesses, houses of worship and housing complexes . A No Place for Hate committee was formed to complete at least two events yearly approved by the ADL. Unfortunately the membership dwindled and responsibilities for NPFH were handed over to the Affirmative Action Committee in 2003.

Over the ensuing years there were spurts of success but the town lost its designation from the ADL in 2006 unable to meet their requirements. There was an effort in 2007 to be reinstated and yet another proclamation was issued. Some events took place in the the ensuing years but by 2011 the ADL had gone on to other initiatives in the state, the affirmative action function was included in the human resources department, and the town NPFH committee basically disbanded. Please note that there is a regional NPFH ad hoc group based in Falmouth which offers events to which Mashpee residents are invited. Some of you may recall that some time ago Mashpee and Falmouth businesses displayed NPFH signs.

In 2017, some of you may remember that some incidents of hate and bigotry occurred in Mashpee and surrounding towns. Town manager, Rodney Collins, issued a request for volunteers who would reinstate a committee based on inclusion and diversity and thus the MIDC was formed. Considering the present state of racial unrest in the country as a whole and sadly with incidents that recently occurred in Mashpee and Cape Cod our committee has become particularly relevant and there are other communities nearby who are formulating like minded groups and forming coalitions.

As chairperson of the MIDC committee I am asking for your support, advice, and involvement in our cause. Unfortunately with the pandemic, there are no options to meet with you in person. We have some ideas we are presently considering relative to the role of the Chamber Membership:

1. Should we create a slogan to be displayed throughout the town similar to what was done with No Place For Hate. Any ideas?

2. Would you support a program to welcome new residents into the community similar to the old Welcome Wagon concept.? We have produced a brochure listing opportunities to connect with others and of course your booklet is an excellent publication to be distributed also. Could we include pamphlets, business cards, discounts, gift cards etc in a welcoming package.

3. We have two fantastic high school students ready to go with a pilot program to welcome new students in affiliation with the Human Rights Club. We will include a gift certificate for the school store in Mashpee Commons and other businesses. Would you be game? The initial contact will be followed up by assigning a big sister or big brother to maintain support.

4. Are there ways that the Chamber could offer or support community events that bring us together?

5. Should we issue another proclamation?

To respond, email J. Marie Stevenson at steinjrs@aol.com.

We are all struggling under restraints and problems of the pandemic and it is understandable if you are overwhelmed right now but hopefully you can look forward to a time when we can connect with each other again and continue to send messages of acceptance and tolerance within our fine town.