By Andrea Cordle
Grove City Editor
Last year, the city formed the Grove City Community Diversity Advisory Task Force.
The goal of this advisory group is to encourage a community dialogue regarding all aspects of diversity, including but not limited to race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. The task force recommends programming and policy that is shaped by citizens and business representatives from within Grove City.
Miracle Reynolds, the chair of the diversity task force, said the advisory group has been hard at work over the past year and she updated city leaders on the group’s progress at the Sept. 18 council meeting.
“We want to make Grove City the best place to live for everyone,” said Reynolds.
One duty of the task force is to engage with community members to improve understanding of issues and concerns that may be present. According to Reynolds, the group has fulfilled that requirement by conducting community surveys and holding public meetings.
Another goal of the diversity task force is to evaluate city policy, procedures, and practices as it relates to diversity. Reynolds said to fulfill that requirement, the task force members have met with city administrators, the law director, and staff from the development department to learn about the city’s current policies.
The diversity task force consists of 12 members. Six of those members were selected applicants, one was appointed by the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce, one was appointed from the Heart of Grove City, and one was chosen by Visit Grove City. In addition, the Grove City Parks and Recreation Department selected one senior member and two youth members. The task force also includes city councilwoman Christine Houk as the ex officio member.
According to Reynolds, in the coming year, the diversity task force will work to identify key areas that require more exploration and a larger community discussion. The group plans to suggest areas where educational programming could be valuable to the community.
“In year two, we are looking forward to capitalizing on the momentum we started to advance our journey with this work,” said Reynolds.
The task force has also requested that the council amend city legislation to accommodate current and future replacements to the task force. The council will vote on that change at a future meeting.
“This is important work in a challenging time,” said Houk of the advisory task force.
The Grove City Community Diversity Advisory Task Force meets the second Monday of each month from 6 to 7 p.m. in City Hall, 4035 Broadway. The meetings are open to the public.
For more information on the task force, visit grovecityohio.gov.
