We welcomed Sonia Razzetti to the meeting.  Participants shared why they are on the committee and what they have been reading lately related to DEI work.  The book Despite Best Intentions: How Racial Inequality Thrives in Good Schools by Amanda E. Lewis, John B. Diamond, et al.; The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater and Passing by Nela Larsen were all book sthat were suggested.

Discussion focus what what other community based organizations (CBOs) might suppose us in extending the Parker community to diverse communities to increase our diversity in enrollment and employment?

Questions that were raised: 

What is our Theory of Action? We discussed how if we partner in authentic and meaningful ways with non-profits that serve underserved populations, then we will better able serve and understand families we hope to serve.  

Have we asked current families how they learn about Parker? Why do they stay at Parker? Why do they leave (when they do leave)? What are the drivers? 

Do we access Army Reserves military dependent children on the South Base?

CBOs listed during conversation:

Boys & Girls Club

Organizations that work with immigrant families/populations

Spanish American Center of Leominster

Physicians who serve underrepresented populations in Leominster and Fitchburg

Cleghorn Community Center of Fitchburg

Community Health Connections

United Way

Our Father's House

Public Libraries

Scouts

Arts and Cultural organizations

Final question: What was the impact of our faces investment? What percentage of families used this resource?

Next month we will talk about when/how we will meet next year as well as how to actualize Parent of Color Corp for next school year?