Charles County Blue Ribbon Commission on Diversity and Intergroup Relations

The Charles County Board of Commissioners recognizes the special importance that cultural diversity and intergroup relations contribute to the health and vibrancy of the Charles County community.

On May 23, 2007, the Commissioners took the suggestions of numerous County citizens and formed a special commission to further the visions and goals that emerged from the first Unity in OUR Community Diversity Forum, held on January 20, 2007. The Commissioners agreed that the formation of Charles County Blue Ribbon Commission on Diversity and Intergroup Relations is in the best public interest of the residents of Charles County.

The formation of the Charles County Blue Ribbon Commission on Diversity and Intergroup Relations is an important milestone is our County's history. The Blue Ribbon Commission is not a grievance processing or problem-solving body. These tasks will remain part of the official schedule and agenda of the five elected County Commissioners.

PURPOSE
According to the resolution set forth by the County Commissioners, the Blue Ribbon Commission on Diversity and Intergroup Relations was established:

• To focus on current community issues regarding diversity and intergroup relations, including relations between long-term residents and newcomers, relations between age groups, and ethnic, racial, religious, and cultural differences;
• To identify opportunities for existing governmental agencies, civic associations, and religious organizations to consolidate and coordinate their resources in ways that promote a better understanding of the important of diversity and intergroup relations
• To publicize activities and services of interest to the community
• To encourage educational and job training opportunities
• To identify current or potential problems in the community and to recommend possible solutions to those problems to the County Commissioners for their consideration
• To promote public forums on diversity and intergroup relations
• To promote continued equal opportunity in education, employment, sports, health care, and other matters in the community
• To operate at all times an in all matters as a non-political, non-partisan commission

CURRENT MEMBERSHIP
The following individuals, who are from diverse backgrounds, have a focus on concerns of diversity and intergroup relations, and reside or work in Charles County were appointed by the Commissioners to serve on the Blue Ribbon Commission on Diversity and Inter-Group Relations:

COMMITTEES
The Blue Ribbon Commission has established four subcommittees to address specific components of the group’s mission:

1. Education – The mission of the Education Committee is to collect, analyze and process information from county citizens and organizations about Diversity and Inter-Group training and educational opportunities and programs throughout the county. Current training and educational opportunities, and the availability of county resources to enhance the understanding of Cultural Diversity, will also be included. Recommendations will be made to the Executive Committee for review and forwarded to the County Commissioners. Cultural Diversity, Intergroup Relations, and Public Awareness/Relations.
2. Cultural Diversity – The mission of the Cultural Diversity Committee is to identify diversity issues that affect inter-group relations in Charles County. The committee will define, collect, explore, and analyze community input and prepare recommendations for improvement. Recommendations will be made to the Executive Committee for review and then forwarded to the County Commissioners.
3. Intergroup Relations – The mission of the Intergroup Relations Committee is to identify opportunities for governmental, civic, religious, and business groups to work together to promote and foster better understanding between long-term and new residents, and between different age groups. Recommendations for these opportunities will be made to the Executive Committee for review, and then forwarded to the County Commissioners.
4. Awareness/Public Relations – The mission of the Awareness/Public Relations Committee is to develop, disseminate, recommend, and implement public information strategies to inform Charles County residents on the mission, programs, hearings and progress of the Charles County Blue Ribbon Commission on Diversity and Inter-group Relations. Recommendations will be made to the Executive Committee and forwarded to the County Commissioners.

UPCOMING MEETINGS
Meetings of the Blue Ribbon Commission are held monthly. Public hearings will be announced. All political parties, religious and fraternal groups, unions and associations, social clubs, and all Charles County residents are urged to participate in the hearings and deliberations of the Commission.

DEFINITION OF DIVERSITY
Diversity: The differences in beliefs, values, skills, attributes, and characteristics of individuals and groups.

*In the event of inclement weather, the forum will be canceled.
If you have special needs in order to attend,
please call the Maryland Relay Service at TTY/TDD: 711 (in Maryland) or 1-800-735-2258.