Speakers

Jill Evans, the Director of Community Justice Center - Essex, will update Essex Rotary on the comprehensive process started in Essex to adddress issues associated with racial inequities in Essex.  This includes policing and municipal services and climate.  The Community has emarked on a process of listening, learning and action aplanning among community members, police and municipal leaders.  

Racial Justice in Essex Discussion has scheduld two events to gather information from the general public on Oct 14 and Oct 21.  Jill will update Essex Rotary on the results of the community conversation and next steps to help create a welcoming community.  

The Racial Justice in Essex website can be accessed here. 

COMMUNITY LISTENING SESSIONS. We will gather community feedback about public safety and policing through four listening sessions and an online survey. Please see dates and details below

a.   Wednesday, October 7, 6:00 - 8:00 pm on Zoom. The session is an affinity group for people who identify as Black, Indiginous or people of color. Tabitha Moore will facilitate. We are offering a stipend of $50 to all affinity group participants.
b.   Wednesday, October 14, 6:00 - 8:00 pm - Virtual session open to all people who live or work in Essex
c.   Wednesday, October 21, 6:00 - 8:00 pm - Virtual session to all people who live or work in Essex
d.   TBA -  We will also be engaging community members whose first language is other than English. Details coming soon.

Matt Dunne, former candidate for Governor in Vermont and a Google staff innovator, started CORI - the Center on Rural Innovation, based in Hartland, Vermont.  CORI aims to build sustainable economies in rural areas that have been left behind as technology has come to dominate successful regions of the USA.  Expanded support for entrepreneurship and universal broadband services are central to CORI's work.  

Again, Steve Schmida served as the catalyst that encouraged Matt to share his remarkable community development story with Essex Rotary.  

Matt's impact has recently (Dec. 15, 2020) been recognized by New York Times opinion writer Tom Friedman.  Please take the time to read Friedman's  piece where he credits Matt, in part, for his thinking on a rural development strategy for the next 4 years.  Please take the time to read the column here. 

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Jay Chikobe is an Associate who focuses on design and innovation services for Resonance.  He will share insights about his work in Africa to support the development of entrepreneurs - and creating a culture and climate that allows innovation to thrive.  As an Associate at Resonance, Jay works with Essex Rotary member Steve Schmida to promote sustainable development in emerging economies.  

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