Andover Seeks Volunteers For Diversity Commission

ANDOVER, MA — Andover is seeking community members to serve on the town's new Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

The creation of the commission is the latest step of the town's public attempt to address racism in town, launched in response to local and national Black Lives Matter protests beginning in May, 2020.

The commission will include 13 appointed members:

• 5 individuals who live and/or work in Andover
• 3 Clergy representatives
• 2 Youth representatives
• 1 Andover High School staff representative
• 1 Philips Academy representative
• 1 Andover Police Department representative
• 1 Andover Select Board member liaison
• 1 Andover School Committee member liaison

Each member will be appointed by the town manager and serve a three-year term.

"Andover’s Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will work to combat the realities of racism and intolerance in Andover by supporting programs, initiatives, education, outreach, policies, and institutional change which contribute to an inclusive Andover," the town said. "Appointments to the commission will be made with an eye to diversity to ensure historically marginalized communities have a seat at the table."

Anyone who is interested should complete the Talent Bank Form at andoverma.gov/volunteer. Anyone with questions should contact Jemma Lambert, director of community services at Jemma.Lambert@andoverma.us or by phone at (978) 623-8312.