Response & Advocacy Committee
Have you felt discriminated against or bullied because of your race, gender, class, ability, or religion? Have you been the target of offensive remarks or harassment due to your sexual orientation, gender expression, or identity? Would you, or someone you know benefit from a confidential conversation about how to deal with bias or exclusion?
The RAC provides:
Support, consultation and advocacy for individuals who have experienced or witnessed intolerance, bias, harassment, hate or discrimination. Our response is planned in collaboration with the individual(s) requesting our services and is determined by their needs or wishes.
Examples of RAC responses include:
- Support for and sensitivity to experiences and practices of religious minorities.
- A private, confidential consultation
- A public statement of support
- A meeting with the individual(s) who have had a negative impact
- A facilitated conversation
- An action requesting change in a policy or practice of a local business or town department
We conduct advocacy designed to address institutional policies or practices that have resulted in discrimination or exclusion. Do you have ideas about how our community can further promote equity and inclusion?
Examples of what the RAC has advocated for include:
- The ballot question supporting the rights of transgender people
- Fair health insurance benefits for Winchester retirees
- Equal access for people who are hearing impaired
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- Civil and racism-free public discourse
Support for and sensitivity to experiences and practices of religious minorities
For more information, please contact the Network at 781-729-7100 or email us
Volunteer
If you have an interest in protecting our community members’ civil rights or a background in community organizing, we would love to have you on our committee. Email us for more information.