Demographics are changing both within the Shoreview community and nationwide. Shoreview wishes to remain a community that is welcoming and inclusive to all, and to maintain their role as a strong and progressive leader in the community. Shoreview understands that government has played a role in creating and perpetuating racial inequities throughout history and now must play a critical role in dismantling those inequities through review and examination of their policies, procedures, and structural organization. As well as encourage and support the same review and examination throughout the larger community.
Educating and raising employee awareness will create a more welcoming organization for people of color. This includes learning about race and racial awareness, learning how to have conversations with others about race, and evaluating city programs and policies to determine if they achieve equity – a fair distribution across geographic, racial and income groups.
With the support of the City Council, the leadership in the City, an open-minded workforce, and the financial resources to sustain this effort, racial equity will be seen as a priority in their organization and community. Without intentional actions, institutions, structures, business, educational systems, housing, and the community will continue to perpetuate racial inequities. Shoreview has the ability and opportunity to affect change that will benefit all members of their community and will partner with others to move the community forward in this area.
Shoreview is participating in the 2017 Minnesota Advancing Racial Equity introductory cohort.