Community Dialogue: Next Steps for Police-Community Relations Following “Boston Straight Pride Parade” & Counter-Protest

Monday, January 8, 2020

As part of its multi-pronged response to resident concerns regarding the “Boston Straight Pride Parade” and counter-protest of August 31, 2019, the City of Somerville invites all members of the public to participate in a community dialogue. The forum will be held just outside of Union Square, in the Argenziano School Cafetorium at 290 Washington St., on Wednesday, January 22, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
 
In an effort to ensure that the voices of all who were affected by this event can be heard and engage in a constructive discussion, the City is working with an outside consultant - the Consensus Building Institute - to facilitate the dialogue. The forum aims to provide an opportunity for members of the community to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas regarding the relations between the Somerville Police and the community; listen and hear from others about these same issues; and work together to develop options for next steps and ongoing actions to improve relations and increase trust between the Somerville Police and Somerville residents. We will also be discussing different ways for the community to engage in this process going forward.
 
For more information about the City’s follow-up process to the “Boston Straight Pride Parade” & Counter-Protest, the Somerville Police Department’s After Action Report is available at this link, and the administration’s memorandum to City Council regarding next steps is available here.

Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact Nency Salamoun, at 617-625-6600 x2323 or NSalamoun@somervillema.gov. 
 
Interpretation into Spanish, Portuguese, or Haitian Kreyol is available upon request (at least 5 business days advance notice please) by contacting the SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs at somerviva@somervillema.gov or calling 311 (617-666-3311 from cell phones).