Geneva’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force will be hosting a virtual inclusive language session from 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, May 11.

Residents and community stakeholders are invited to participate in the free online session, which will focus on why the words we use are important to promote healthy conversations. The Task Force’s facilitator will moderate the session to review guiding principles on keeping up to date, honoring preferences, and navigating up to 24 categories of diversity.

The session will be conducted via Zoom. The event will be recorded and later be available to watch on the City’s YouTube channel.

Created in 2021, the Task Force has developed a mission statement, identified 13 key areas of focus, and met with various advocacy groups. The focus areas include ADA accessibility, City practices, community partnerships, community policing, economic empowerment, gender/sexual orientation, healthcare, housing, language access, public engagement, race & ethnicity, senior citizens, and youth.

In addition to the inclusive language session, the Task Force will conduct other public engagement events in the coming months and develop a community survey. Based on the findings and community feedback, the facilitator will assist the Task Force in formulating a recommended action plan that will be presented to the City Council in 2023.

More information about the City’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force is available on the City’s website.