Update: In March 2022, NENA’s Board of Directors has put the Green Initiatives Committee meetings and projects on hold. The Board is focused on strategic planning and hiring a new executive director during the first part of the year. The DEI Committee will return later in 2022.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee
Interested in working on diversity, equity, and inclusion issues in our community? We are gathering community members who are interested in working together on some of the most pressing issues for our community and city. Come to a committee meeting and check it out. All residents, property owners, and business owners and employees of the Nokomis East neighborhoods can join NENA committees.
Joining means you attend committee meetings, design projects, and implement strategies to make our community even better!
Committee Purpose Statement
The purpose of the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee is to provide guidance and services to NENA members and NENA Board of Directors and staff to ensure the furtherance of Nokomis East Neighborhood Association’s organizational goals for identifying and dismantling oppressive structures in our community.
Grounding Statement: NENA believes every person has the right to a safe, healthy home and a welcoming community that values Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Link to full NENA DEI Statement of Principle.
This new committee is a safe space for community members who share these same values. Together we will identify barriers such as systematic racism, xenophobia, religious intolerance, classism, sexism, heteronormative culturalism, transphobia, ableism, ageism, and other forms of oppression affecting our community members. Our first efforts will be directed towards anti-racism projects in response to the neighborhood’s desire for more ways to engage after the murder of George Floyd and the civil uprising.
Join us and let us know what you are working on, what issues need to be addressed, and how we can start this important work together. NENA is holding the space. You are invited to come and co-create this group with your neighbors. New-to-DEI-work folks and established champions will find a welcoming space here.
- To advise the Board of Directors, staff, committees, and members with regards to diversity, equity, and inclusion issues,
- To improve awareness concerning issues that may impact diversity, equity, and inclusion issues in NENA’s neighborhoods,
- To advocate for programs that address the improvement of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues, and
- To advise the City of Minneapolis and other government agencies on diversity, equity, and inclusion issues in Nokomis East.
What are NENA Committees?
NENA Committees are where projects come to life. Many NENA grants, events, and project ideas were generated by committees. There are currently four committees:
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Green Initiatives
- Fundraising Events Team
- Housing, Commercial and Streetscape Committee
Who can be on a committee?
Anyone who lives, works or owns property in Minnehaha, Morris Park, Keewaydin or Wenonah, yes! There are no other qualifications, no committee elections. You do not need to be an expert to get involved, we will make sure you get all the background info you need.
How much time commitment is involved?
Only one 90 minute meeting a month. Committee members are welcome, but not required, to volunteer additional time.
When can I join?
The committees are open, so you can join anytime. Just show up to a meeting.
