SALEM — Four seats are available on the newly-created Race Equity Commission.
The City of Salem is inviting residents to apply to serve on the new Race Equity Commission, which was established based on the recommendations of the Race Equity Task Force.
“I am so grateful to the members of the Race Equity Task Force, who developed the plan for this permanent commission,” said Mayor Kimberley Driscoll. “The work before the commission is exceptionally important and urgent. I encourage all Salem residents who believe they may be able to contribute constructively and positively to this effort to submit their application for consideration.”
There are four seats currently open on the commission for three-year volunteer terms. Members will be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the City Council.
Salem’s human resources director, city solicitor, superintendent of schools, and liaisons from the Police Department and City Council will also sit on the commission. The city’s director of diversity, equity, and inclusion will be supporting the commission as well.
The commission will be responsible for implementing the city’s Race Equity Action Plan and updating it as needed. It will advise city departments and officials on how to avoid and reduce systemic racism and bias while developing programs, policies, budgets, and other ordinances.
Members of the commission will work on developing and proposing new initiatives, programs, and policies to help reduce systemic racism and bias in Salem. They will design hiring and recruitment programs and advise on employee training and retention programs intended to increase the diversity of the city’s workforce and the cultural competency of its employees.
The commission is also expected to support and guide community organizations, businesses, nonprofits, and other city entities in improving racial equity in the community.
To carry out its work, the commission will seek grants and other sources of support and funding.
“The Race Equity Task Force created an exceptional and thorough report that outlines a strategy for the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work in the City of Salem,” said DEI Director Regina Zaragoza Frey. “The Race Equity Commission is a part of that strategy, and the people who serve on this commission will have an opportunity to create positive change in the City of Salem, address systemic racism and make history.”
Zaragoza Frey said members of the commission will be doing critical and urgent work.
Residents interested in applying for a seat on the Race Equity Commission should submit an up-to-date resume and brief statement describing why they are interested in the appointment to Dominick Pangallo, the mayor’s chief of staff, at [email protected].
