Glover Equity Committee Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Why does the committee exist?
The committee exists to promote a more inclusive and welcoming community; to assist the town in developing equitable policies and procedures; to raise awareness of discrimination; to foster a sense of safety and belonging for all those who wish to call Glover home or visit here as guests; to make sure no one feels like an outsider in their own community. We are a stronger community when all feel welcomed and everyone’s contributions are valued.
Who is on the Glover Equity Committee?
The Equity Committee is composed of people who were born here and those who have adopted it as their home, from different backgrounds and experiences. We are all neighbors. It is that sense of neighborliness that we want others to experience, including folks of different races, genders, religions, nationalities, abilities and values.
Why did the committee create All Are Welcome Here signs?
The signs are a symbolic way to welcome all people regardless of gender, race, religion or nationality. We want to take a clear public stand against exclusion of any individual or group and to advocate for loving thy neighbor.
Is there something wrong with Glover that it needs an Equity Committee?
Although most of us have had positive experiences living in Glover, there are those who have not. There have been instances of discrimination in our communities and the equity committee aims to minimize and mitigate the harms. Some of what people of color have been subjected to are stops by police for no reason and verbal abuse and threats.
Why should I pick sides instead of remaining neutral on this issue?
Neutrality on the issue of equity results in winners and losers, insiders and outsiders. Remaining neutral ensures that certain folks will continue to be excluded, marginalized, silenced, and discriminated against. We choose to stand on the side of including, listening to, seeing, and respecting ALL people. Taking a stand for justice, equal opportunity, and liberty for all is the American ideal. (That’s why the sign includes elements of the American flag.) There is no way to be neutral when the right to exist is denied by one side.
Aren’t you dividing the town?
Rather than dividing the town, our hope is to bring the town together. We can see that instances of discrimination do exist in town. We are not looking to make any person or group more special than any other. We are looking to create a safe and equitable community for everyone. We are looking to prevent discrimination and marginalization of people based on race, religion, gender, and nationality which are truly divisive. Racism divides people, heterosexism divides people, nationalism divides people, ableism divides people. We seek the opposite of division. We seek open dialogue and a community that strives for mutual understanding and respect.
It is in the best interests of our town to be attractive to a diverse population so we can thrive in the future.
Does this sign welcome criminals?
There is nothing in the sign that promotes criminality. In addition, there is an established criminal justice system to deal with criminal behavior when it occurs..
Why are we spending taxpayer money on the signs?
The committee has not yet spent town funds on the signs or anything else. We received a grant from Community National Bank to pay for the signs and other expenses related to the work of the committee. Since having a more equitable community is in the interest of the town, the committee may request funding in the future.
What has the Glover equity committee done so far and what are its plans?
In addition to creating and installing the “All Are Welcome Here” signs, in the past year the Glover Equity Committee has delivered welcome baskets to each new household in Glover. Each basket includes information about the town, its organizations and services, local products and gift certificates to local businesses. The Glover Equity co-sponsored, with the Glover Public Library, a book discussion group dealing with racism. And the committee has actively supported the passage of Proposal 2, the constitutional amendment to abolish slavery in all forms that will be on the ballot in November 2022.
The committee applied for and received a $10,000 Inclusive Communities grant from the Vermont Community Foundation for educational programs that will include a racial literacy training, cultural events and non-violence training.
How can I help or get involved?
The Glover Equity Committee welcomes new members. The committee meets once a month, the first Tuesday of each month at 3 p.m. at the Town Hall.
The committee will publicize information about upcoming events. Please join us. Learn more about the work of the Equity Committee at https://gloverequity.org/