In a progressive move towards fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment, a dedicated group in Fergus Falls has joined hands with the University of Minnesota Extension to conduct a comprehensive assessment. The initiative aims to understand the dynamics of inclusivity in various social sectors within the community and identify areas for improvement.
The “Fergus Falls Welcoming and Inclusive Communities Assessment,” slated for November and December 2023, is designed by the University of Minnesota Extension to evaluate both organizational and community-led efforts in embracing diversity.
The assessment focuses on seven key social sectors: The School system, Health care system, Law enforcement, Local government, Non-profit organizations (including social services, service clubs, and local foundations), Religious organizations, and Business community/chamber.
Recognizing that each sector may encounter and adapt to change differently, the assessment aims to gauge how each sector addresses inclusion.
Residents are encouraged to participate in the assessment by completing short surveys for as many sectors as they wish.
The survey, accessible through buttons corresponding to each sector, is designed to be user-friendly and time-efficient, taking only about 5 minutes per survey.
The deadline for completing assessments is Sunday, December 10.
The assessment introduces a glossary of terms to provide clarity on the language used.
Some key definitions include:
Inclusion: Creating spaces for growth through collaboration and action to unite people and remove barriers to equal opportunity and responsibility.
Exclusion: Acts intended or unintended that prevent people from participating fully or feeling a sense of belonging to the community.
Lived Experience: First-hand accounts of living as a person who has been underrepresented or excluded from participation.
Equality: Treating everyone the same, which works only if everyone starts at the same place.
Equity: Ensuring everyone has what they need to be successful, with policies, practices, and procedures promoting equitable outcomes.
Racism: Addressing policies and practices that allow inequity, beyond individual acts of bigotry.
Following the completion of the assessment, the University of Minnesota Extension will evaluate the responses and share its findings in January 2024.
This initiative demonstrates a step towards fostering positive change within Fergus Falls, emphasizing the importance of community feedback in shaping a more inclusive future.
The website site for the assessment is sites.google.com/umn.edu/fergusfallswelcoming/home or you can scan the Assessment QR code which will direct you to the assessment directly.
For any inquiries about the assessment, individuals are encouraged to contact Scott Chazdon, Extension Evaluation and Research Specialist, at 612-624-0982 or via email at schazdon@umn.edu.