On Wednesday October 19th, over 40 people spent the evening together in the lower level of the Main Maplewood Library as The South Orange/Maplewood Coalition on Race provided its annual Report to the Community.
Executive Director Nancy Gagnier opened the evening by reiterating the history of our community as a place that was welcoming to all when it created materials back in the 60s about fair housing. Gagnier noted that we still have work to do since “our two towns are anomalies of integration in a primarily segregated state.” Gagnier noted that there is a groundswell of interest in developing relationships and communication with surrounding communities to share information about how we enhance and sustain our pro-integrative area. Click here for full speech
Gagnier noted that the Coalition on Race works to “nurture integration” through the work of the organizations’ various committees. Each CCR committee* gave a brief report on its activities and accomplishments for the year:
*Full explanations and definitions of The CCR committees can be found on the CCR website.
Neighborhood and Civic Engagement Committee:
- Has been developing stories on the Coalition website about successes of local block and neighborhood associations (NAs).
- Has made a conscious effort to connect with more NA as well as blocks via attendance at NA/block events
- Had been developing a “Volunteer handbook” — a tool to help groups achieve and retain a diverse and dedicated volunteer base.
- Material will be available on the CCR website; a printed version as well as slides will be available to the public.
Schools Committee:
- Efforts to date include: “Talking to Children about Race,” BOE Candidates Night and completion of brochures about school success and achievement for elementary through high school children.
- The 10th annual Pre-school Open House slated for November 2nd
Monitoring/Evaluation/Testing Committee:
- A short review of the latest census data showed that South Orange/Maplewood have been successful in their goal of stabilizing the community (property values, etc) through integration.
Interfaith Outreach Committee:
- Major effort for the committee is the annual MLK celebration open to all residents of the two towns.
- 2011 marked the inclusion of Columbia High School’s Special Dance (to the
“I have a Dream” Speech by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.) as part of the event.
- The IOC encourages people from all faiths to connect to the CCR.
Marketing and Communications Committee:
- The Committee supports the work of the Coalition with both external and internal communications strategies. Use of advertising, public relations as well as an eNewsletter, web based and printed materials to communicate to the community at large and beyond.
- This year, the committee launched a community wide survey to gain candid feedback and input from the community about the organization.
- The survey is available on paper, via QR Code with Smartphone, or via the link from Coalition website: www.twotowns.org.
- Initial data shows that a majority of the takers support the mission of the Coalition and believe that it serves a benefit to the community.
- The Committee indicated that is looking for volunteers whose skill-set includes: writing, media relations, advertising, social media and enewsletter design.
Touring Committee:
- The Committee has been more proactive this year in response to the downturn in the housing market.
- Tours of the two towns have been given to newly-hired municipal employees, new teachers and members of the real estate community in an effort to introduce them to the gamut of areas and residents within the two towns.
Finance and Development Committee:
- The Finance and Development committee reiterated that while the CCR does receive funding form both Maplewood and South Orange, 58% comes from fundraising efforts and individual donors; and that over 70% of all funds are used for programming for the two communities.
- The Committee reported that revenues and donations were up in the year and that between that and the success of the ad journal created for the CCR annual Gala dinner, it is clear that the community supports the organization.
Financial Incentives Committee:
- The Committee is in a holding pattern as new regulations are established by financial institutions.
- The Committee was designed to reward entities for making choices in housing that support integration.
- The committee continues to look at various options and to understand what draws and keeps people in eh area.
Integration Through the Arts
- This year brought success in both children’s entertainment and photography.
- Nearly 4400 people came together for the CCRs presentation of Dr. Suess’ “The Snitches,” a operatic interpretation of the classic story.
- Through the Lens of Integration was a photography course culminating in an exhibition by residents which showed participants’ visions of integration.
- This committee will be holding the two towns sign-along beginning in November.
- The committee noted that it continues to gain affirmation of the benefits of cultural integration; it has already secured a grant for 2 children’s program for 2012 including a children’s production of the opera Aida and another Dr. Suess story.
