This is Gretchen Lee, Executive Director of Mountain Mediation Center (“MMC”). I read the City Staff and PCCF social equity reports which will be discussed at Thursday’s Council meeting and wanted to provide you with a brief update of MMC’s Community Conversation programming that we’ve recently completed as part of our special service social equity contract with the City. Our work is not mentioned in the reports and wanted to assure it was recognized here.
MMC received a contract from the City in December 2020 to facilitate a series of five “Community Conversations” in support of the City’s social equity goals.
MMC was successful in reaching a diverse group of community members, our goal being to enhance feelings of inclusion and understanding between individuals and also bring to light a range of unspoken concerns.
Conversation topics included gender identity, tenants’ rights, and the use of restorative justice practices in our community. Two of our Conversations were conducted entirely in Spanish.
In total, 169 community members attended these events. Our final Conversation, which was held earlier this week, was attended by 45 individuals interested in using restorative justice practices to prevent conflict, to resolve conflict, and repair harm when it occurs throughout the community. A diverse group of individuals, including area teachers, school administrators, law enforcement, academia, and community leaders attended.
Each MMC Conversation was led by trained staff members and/or volunteers to ensure adherence to restorative principles and practices.
I will submit our formal grant report next month, but wanted to assure you were aware of our work and progress.
City Council,
October 28, 2020
This is Gretchen Lee, Executive Director of Mountain Mediation Center (“MMC”). I read the City Staff and PCCF social equity reports which will be discussed at Thursday’s Council meeting and wanted to provide you with a brief update of MMC’s Community Conversation programming that we’ve recently completed as part of our special service social equity contract with the City. Our work is not mentioned in the reports and wanted to assure it was recognized here.
MMC received a contract from the City in December 2020 to facilitate a series of five “Community Conversations” in support of the City’s social equity goals.
MMC was successful in reaching a diverse group of community members, our goal being to enhance feelings of inclusion and understanding between individuals and also bring to light a range of unspoken concerns.
Conversation topics included gender identity, tenants’ rights, and the use of restorative justice practices in our community. Two of our Conversations were conducted entirely in Spanish.
In total, 169 community members attended these events. Our final Conversation, which was held earlier this week, was attended by 45 individuals interested in using restorative justice practices to prevent conflict, to resolve conflict, and repair harm when it occurs throughout the community. A diverse group of individuals, including area teachers, school administrators, law enforcement, academia, and community leaders attended.
Each MMC Conversation was led by trained staff members and/or volunteers to ensure adherence to restorative principles and practices.
I will submit our formal grant report next month, but wanted to assure you were aware of our work and progress.
Thank you.