2021 Community Conversations

Listening to Differing Perspectives: The Power of Symbolism

A Community Conversation that explores the mental models of framing, perspectives, the importance of listening and the impact symbols have on people. Jillian Harvey, Arlington’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Division Director co-facilitated the discussion with Allentza Michel of Powerful Pathways. This conversation is also co-sponsored by the Arlington Human Rights Commission.  Learn more about the speakers

Who Can Live Here, Who Decides & Why?

Did you miss, "Who Can Live Here, Who Decides & Why?”, a Community Conversation panel discussion focusing on fair housing in Arlington, in cosponsorship with the Department of Planning & Community Development. Read about panelist. View the conversation below.

Check out the presentation from the panelists and the Fair Housing Action Plan.

Outdoors for All

On May 11, 2021 Arlington was pleased to welcome environmental educator and conservation advocate Parker McMullen Bushman as both the featured speaker at EcoWeek and also the first presentation in the 2021 Community Conversation series. Ms. Bushman believes in the importance of community-based environmental education programs to empower local community members to take an active role in sustainable development of their communities while protecting their environmental resources. Her background in the education, conservation, outdoor recreation, and interpretive fields spans over 23+ years. Teachers, students, administrators, and parents are especially encouraged to join this conversation. View the conversation below.

2020 Community Conversations 

FAQ from this series

Session 7 Sept. 22: Town Session with Richard Pedrini: Apology & Acknowledgment

Read a note from session organizers: Reflection, Healing & Growth

Read Lt. Pedrini Incident and Subsequent Town and Police Actions compiled by Legal Department.

00:08 Open with Adam Chapdelaine, Arlington Town Manager Introduction beginning of program
04:29 Introduction by Michael Curry, Esq, former President of the Boston NAACP.
06:00 Richard Pedrini Apology (live due to technical difficulties)
08:35 Moderated discussion between Mr. Curry, Esq. and Lt. Pedrini
52:00 Reaction Panel
• Drake Pusey, Resident, Human Rights Commission
• David Valdes, Resident
• Zane T. Crute, President NAACP Mystic Valley
• Scott Jones, Resident, Bedford Police
• Susan Ryan-Vollmar, Resident, Rainbow Commission
• Greg Christiana, Resident, Envision Arlington Co-chair
• Doralee Heurtelou, AHS Alum
• Phedjina Jean, AHS Alum
1:44:45 Allentza Michel closing remarks
1:50:07 Town Manager closing remarks

Session 6 July 29: Arlington Public Schools Listens to Suppressed Voices

Families of Color are Invited to Share their Experiences within APS with Building and District Administrators Wednesday July 29, 2020 7:00-8:30 PM
Moderated by Jillian Harvey, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Coordinator for The Town of Arlington and Allentza Michel of Powerful Pathways. The objective of this second parent forum in our summer series is to provide an opportunity for the families of color within the Arlington Public Schools to share their experiences, stories, questions and concerns.

Session 5 July 27: VISIONS, Inc. Diversity/Equity/Inclusion Climate Assessment of APD

Dr. Michelle Holmes and Doug Weinstock of VISIONS, Inc. will be presenting on the Arlington Police Department: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Climate Assessment and Final Report that that they conducted in January. The presentation will review the process of conducting the assessment, and the findings and recommendations, along with information about review of several of the Department’s policies. You may view the assessment and policies review & recommendations here.  

Session 4 July 21: Elevating Suppressed Voices

Elevating Suppressed Voices will be a conversation in which strictly POC (people of color) community members will be heard, but the session is open for all to attend. Far too often community members of color are spoken for or on behalf of. This session is meant to highlight the voices of People of Color that go unheard or are drowned out by the loudest and most vocal voices. Perspectives and experiences will be shared, concerns can be voiced and visions of change will be explored. We will be talking with long time and new residents, youth including students who are a part of the METCO program and individuals who work in town. Watch this session

Session 3 July 15: Arlington Public Schools Talk About School Discipline

Arlington Public Schools administrators will present findings on school discipline, and answer questions posed by Arlington families. The panel will include Superintendent Kathleen Bodie and Assistant Superintendent Roderick MacNeal, Jr. They will be joined by Principals from Arlington High School, Ottoson Middle School, and the Gibbs School, as well as several elementary school Principals. All district families have been invited to register for the talk and to submit a question ahead of time. Prior to answering questions, the panel will share recent discipline data together with an analysis of it, and the district’s current plan to address issues of disproportionality. Learn more about the speakers.

Session 2 July 2: Community Conversations: Racism and Housing

Due to broad public interest, the Town is adding another community conversation on July 7th. This session will discuss the intersection of race and housing and how past government policies created massive inequities.  Residents are encouraged to watch this short film, narrated by Richard Rothstein, author of “The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How our Government Segregated America,” to familiarize themselves with this topic of the next session on July 7 at 7:00 p.m. We encourage that questions be submitted before the event. Read details and panelists bios.  Watch the second session below.

Session 2 References

Study: Qualified Renters Need Not Apply: Race and Voucher Discrimination in the Metro Boston Rental Housing Market
Siteline Institute: This is How You Slow Walk Into A Housing Shortage
Housing Politics Lab  
Racism & Housing: Manisha Bewtra Presentation

Session 1 June 23: Calling Out the Issues - A Time of Reflection and Action

Moderated by Jillian Harvey, DEI Coordinator and Allentza Michel, DEI Community Consultant- Powerful Pathways, the panel discussion with town leadership will reflect upon the roots of systemic racism, its implications for Arlington and acknowledge the calls for action now. Topics will cover town racial equity initiatives and goals, school data and racial disparities, and policing policies. Panelists will include Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine, Police Chief Juliann Flaherty, and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Roderick MacNeal Jr. Attendees will be able to submit questions before hand and during the event. Watch the first session below.