The public is invited to participate in virtual community conversations happening in January and February 2023 for a process to create a local Welcoming Community Statement.
"In response to several incidents of racism, homophobia, religious intolerance, and more instances of harm that our fellow citizens and visitors have experienced over the last year, community members have come together to recognize the responsibility we each have to create a community and culture in Stratford that prioritizes the well-being (dignity, safety and belonging) of each of us," says a news release from Destination Stratford.
Participating host organizations include:
• The City of Stratford
• Stratford Festival
• Downtown Stratford BIA
• Stratford Public Library
• InvestStratford
• United Way Perth-Huron
• Stratford and District Chamber of Commerce
• Stratford-Perth Pride
• Destination Stratford
The group's intention with this project is to collaboratively define what it means to be a “welcoming community.” The results will be presented to Stratford City Council for formal recognition to continue EDIAR (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism) awareness and action within the Stratford community.
Community Conversation Goals
The overall goals of this process are to:
• Meaningfully engage with a diverse group of local citizens and community members, in a way that is inclusive, equitable and accessible, for the purpose of collectively defining “welcoming community” for Stratford.
• Build a draft definition of “welcoming community” based on the input that is received and present this definition to Stratford City Council for formal recognition of Stratford’s vision of being a “welcoming community” using this collaboratively developed, living and evolving definition.
• Reach out to the local workforce and community stakeholders, especially businesses with public-facing staff and those in the manufacturing sector, to work towards the aspirational goal of being a truly welcoming community with everyone drawing from the collective definition.
Community Conversation Information
There are four virtual community conversation sessions being held on Zoom, with each session offering separate breakout room spaces for community members to participate from their experience of an aspect of their identity. It is designed to prioritize safe sharing and participation.
The dates and times available are Monday, Jan. 23, 2023 at noon; Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023 at 10 a.m.; Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023 at 4 p.m.; and Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023 at 6 p.m.
Participants will be invited to share any accessibility needs to support participation during the registration process.
Community Survey Option
Those unable to take part in a virtual session may contribute by way of online survey.
Visit the website for more information and registration details. Questions may also be directed to 519-271-5140.
