Promoting diversity and inclusion in Jones Co.


The Jones County Coalition sponsored a Diversity and Inclusion Workshop on July 12 in Anamosa. The training helped attendees understand the dynamics of diversity in Jones County. (Photo submitted)
By: 
Jeffrey Meyers
ASAC Certified Prevention Specialist

     On July 12, the Jones County Safe and Healthy Youth Coalition was proud to sponsor a Diversity and Inclusion Workshop at Anamosa’s Lawrence Community Center. The training was facilitated by Richard Tapia, a former Associate Director of the Illinois Board of Higher Education, as well as Rick Sanborn, a former Anamosa City Council member. The training was free and open to the public, garnering 23 attendants in all, encompassing members of the Coalition, as well as those with background in education, human services, corrections, and law enforcement, including Sheriff Greg Graver and Anamosa Police Chief Bob Simonson.

     The training was an opportunity to both understand the dynamics of diversity, including its benefits, challenges, and characteristics, as well as an opportunity to understand what inclusion means and how to achieve it. Part of the training was also dedicated to a group participation activity in which attendants separated themselves into as diverse groups as possible to brainstorm solutions to diversity issues they felt were of importance. Topics included: working with non-English speaking youth and adults, welcoming those new to our communities, and promoting substance abuse awareness among the different demographics in Jones County.

     One consistent theme throughout the training was the need for open, frank, and honest dialogue. Terms like diversity and even inclusion can be charged words, with different perspectives and definitions. The workshop emphasized the need to understand the concerns and backgrounds of all, so as to find common ground. This led to a number of positive comments from participants, who felt free to express opinions without judgment, and were ultimately refreshed by the openness that was achieved during discussions.

     As a substance abuse prevention coalition, the Coalition felt it important to hold this training as a way of underscoring the universal need for education and support. Substance abuse issues know no bounds when it comes to race, sex, culture, or really any other innate characteristic. This is why it is critical that organizations, like the Jones County Safe and Healthy Youth Coalition, understand how to reach the many populations of people in Jones County in a way that’s respectful and effective for them, as we seek to promote a safe and healthy community.

     Those with questions regarding the training or for those interested in joining a diversity task force to examine these issues further are encouraged to contact Richard Tapia at oneflewby@gmail.com.

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