Community Corner

Simsbury Seeks Dem, GOP Volunteers For Local Diversity Board

Simsbury is seeking 2 registered voters, one Democrat and one Republican, to fill vacancies on its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council.

Simsbury's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council is looking for one Democrat and one Republican to serve on the town board dedicated to increasing diversity and inclusion in town.
Simsbury's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council is looking for one Democrat and one Republican to serve on the town board dedicated to increasing diversity and inclusion in town. (Tim Jensen/Patch)

SIMSBURY, CT — The Town of Simsbury is seeking volunteers to fill two vacancies on its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, a municipal advisory group focused on promoting inclusion and community engagement.

In an announcement issued this week, town officials said the vacancies are designated for registered voters affiliated with the Democratic and Republican parties.

The council, which meets monthly, works to foster awareness, encourage community participation, and support initiatives intended to make Simsbury more inclusive.

Find out what's happening in Simsburyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Residents interested in serving can complete the town's online volunteer application.

Council's History And Mission

Find out what's happening in Simsburyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council was established in September 2019 following a community effort to address concerns about race relations and promote greater understanding among residents.

The initiative began after the Simsbury Board of Education and Community for Care co-sponsored a Diversity Forum in May 2019.

The U.S. Department of Justice's Community Relations Service facilitated the forum through its SPIRIT program, which stands for Site Problem Identification and Resolution of Issues Together.

More than 100 Simsbury stakeholders participated in the process, identifying community concerns, establishing priorities, and developing potential solutions.

The council, originally known as the Simsbury SPIRIT Council, was subsequently launched to continue that work.

According to the town, the council's mission is to represent the broader community and serve as advocates for diversity and inclusion.

Its work focuses on fostering an environment where residents feel welcome and can live, work, learn, and participate in community life safely and meaningfully.

The council continues to meet monthly and work on initiatives supporting those goals.

How To Apply

Residents interested in serving on the council can complete the town's online volunteer submission form.

The town's announcement did not specify an application deadline.

For additional information, residents can contact the Simsbury Town Manager's Office at 860-658-3230.

More information is available on the town's DEI Council webpage.

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