Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

The Town of Shelburne has established a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

The Committee will make recommendations and provide a monitoring and measuring role to help ensure that the Town of Shelburne applies a diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility lens to its policies, services, and programs.

Agendas and Minutes

The committee meets the third Wednesday of every month at 6:30 pm electronically and the meetings will be uploaded to the Town of Shelburne YouTube Channel.

View the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee agendas and minutes to stay informed.

2024 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee agendas and minutes
2023 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee agendas and minutes

Committee Members

The Term of Office for all Boards and Committees is concurrent with the Term of Council (2023-2026).

Stella Aluz-ele
Dulice Benjamin
Walter Benotto, Councillor
Len Guchardi, Councillor, Chair
Shane Hall, Deputy Mayor
Francis Manyanga, Vice Chair
Mandeep Singh

About the Committee

Vision Statement

To create an inclusive and accessible community within the Town of Shelburne where all individuals can reach their full potential, free from barriers related to social injustice, inequality, discrimination, and accessibility challenges. We envision a place that serves as a model of diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring accessibility for all residents, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds

Mission Statement

Our mission is to empower every member of our community by raising awareness, providing support, and promoting equality. We will work to eliminate barriers caused by social injustice, inequality, discrimination, racial trauma, and accessibility challenges. Through advising and collaborating with local stakeholders, we aim to ensure that the Town of Shelburne integrates a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens into its policies, services, and programs. Our commitment is to engage the voices of our community, fostering public awareness, cooperation, and sensitivity to create a truly inclusive and accessible community for all residents.

Mandate

Our mandate is to create a welcoming and inclusive community in the Town of Shelburne, where everyone can realize their full potential, unburdened by social injustice, inequality, discrimination, and accessibility challenges. We are committed to empowering all community members by advocating for and integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into the town's policies, services, and programs, guided by public input and sensitivity. Our ultimate vision is to lead by example, making Shelburne a model of accessibility for individuals of all abilities and backgrounds, with an ongoing commitment to identifying, addressing, and preventing barriers, and ensuring transparency in our efforts.

Background

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee combined with the Accessibility Advisory Committee in October 2022 through council resolution.

Learn more about the Accessibility Advisory Committee and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee below.

Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Accessibility Advisory Committee is committed to making the Town of Shelburne barrier-free for all residents. The Town of Shelburne Accessibility plan and accessibility awards program are two important initiatives spearheaded by this committee.

View Past Agenda and Minutes

Agendas and Minutes for earlier years are available on request.

2022 Committee agendas and minutes
2021 Committee agendas and minutes

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee - Terms of Reference

The mandate for the committee will be to advise Council and continue the work of the Anti-Black Racism, Racism and Discrimination Task Force, as noted in their recommendations brought forward to Council on October 5, 2020. The committee will make recommendations and provide a monitoring and measuring role to help ensure that the Town of Shelburne applies a diversity, equity and inclusion lens to its policies, services, and programs.

1. Provide insight, advice, and make recommendations to Council relating to the

following:

emerging equity or diversity issues or trends arising in the Town;
initiatives to combat racism, acts of prejudice or hate in the Town;
identifying systemic barriers faced in accessing Shelburne services,
information, programs, and facilities;
identifying systemic barriers to participation in public life and achievement
of social, cultural, and economic wellbeing of residents;
strategies for building connections and fostering a deeper sense of
inclusion and belonging especially for marginalized groups;
proposed Town of Shelburne initiatives, services, and policies to meet
changing needs of a diverse community;
employment and employee awareness policies, initiatives, and programs.

2. Liaise with organizations and stakeholders, particularly those from marginalized groups including but not limited to Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, and 2SLGBTQI+ community members to facilitate discussions that promote broader understanding and engagement between residents of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

3. Provide recommendations on opportunities for education and awareness programs on anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion in consultation with Town of Shelburne Administration and within the budget allocated by Council.

4. Provide advice and recommendations on the development and contents of a new Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Policy which shall include an annual work plan with clear actions and measurable goals and objectives that move to identify and eliminate systemic discrimination and create an inclusive organization and community.

5. In cooperation with Town Staff, the committee will provide regular updates to Council that monitor and measure the Town’s success in applying a diversity, equity and inclusion lens resulting in implementing real changes to policies, services, and programs.

Composition:

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee is composed of the following members:

Committee Chair – To be selected annually from within the committee, with members of Council not eligible to hold the position
Community Members – 8 members appointed from the community
Council Representation – 3 members of Council
Town of Shelburne Staff Liaison – 1 member of Administration staff, nonvoting member
Town of Shelburne CAO – ex-officio, non-voting member

Selection Process:

Community Members will be selected through an application and interview process. The interview panel will include the appointed Council members and a staff representative. Committee members will have the skills, knowledge, and experience to contribute effectively to the committee’s mandate. Committee members must be a Town of Shelburne resident, business owner or stakeholder who has an understanding of the impacts of racism and systemic discrimination on marginalized people and meet the following general qualifications:

be familiar with overall community issues and concerns
have demonstrated knowledge around diversity, equity, and inclusion
be able to build meaningful relationships and connections within the community

Subcommittees and Working Groups:

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee may form subcommittees and working groups within its membership as may be necessary to address specific issues within its mandate. Subcommittees shall draw upon members of the Committee and the Chair of the subcommittee shall be a voting member. Subcommittees may also invite community volunteers and stakeholders to participate in specific initiatives.

Remuneration:

Committee members are volunteers and shall serve without receiving remuneration.

Term of Office:

The Committee members shall be appointed for the Term of Council (4 years).

Meetings:

The committee will meet monthly or at the call of the Chair.

Quorum:

Committee quorum requires that the majority (50% plus 1) of voting members be present. If quorum is not attained within the first 10 minutes, the formal meeting cannot proceed, and the support staff member is not required to remain and/or provide notes. If members present choose to remain, they may do so for an information exchange only.

Conflict of Interest:

Members should be cognizant of perceived conflicts in terms of issues which may serve to benefit them personally. Members shall not use their status on a Committee for personal or political gain.