About the Department of Racial and Social Justice
The Department of Racial and Social Justice (RSJ) leads the City of Somerville’s equity efforts and collaborates with city departments, constituents, and stakeholders to eliminate the institutional and structural systems that create racial inequities, social disparities, and injustices.
Contact Information
Amanda Nagim-Williams
Director
617-625-6600 x2063
anagimwilliams@somervillema.gov
Haakon Brooks
Public Information Officer
Office: 617-625-6600 ext 2066
hbrooks@somervillema.gov
Beth Beaverson
RSJ Investigator
(617) 625-6600 x2067
bbeaverson@somervillema.gov
Adrienne Pomeroy
ADA Coordinator
(617) 625-6600 x2059
apomeroy@somervillema.gov
Elijah Booker
Project Specialist
(617) 625-6600 x2064
ebooker@somervillema.gov
Leonor Galindo
Community Engagement Specialist
(617) 625-6600 x2061
lgalindo@somervillema.gov
Hours
Monday - Wednesday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Thursday
8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Friday
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Employee Directory
Jump To:
Online Resources
- https://www.ohchr.org/en/indigenous-peoples/e-learning-tool-rights-indigenous-peoples
- United American Indians of New England - UAINE
- Home | Native Knowledge 360° - Interactive Teaching Resources (si.edu)
- https://www.mfa.org/event/open-house/indigenous-peoples-day
- https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/informational/columbus-day-myths
- https://plimoth.org/plan-your-visit/explore-our-sites/historic-patuxet
- native-land.ca
- https://booksforlittles.com/student-ignition-society/sis-resources/tool…
The Youth League is a paid opportunity for Somerville youth that is designed to help foster civic engagement and learning opportunities through a social justice lens. Participants will receive professional development opportunities, learn about and get involved with Somerville City government, conduct research, and more. The program is open to youth aged 14-18 who live in or attend school in Somerville. The 25-26 Application will remain open through Monday, September 22. Youth can apply online and reach out to our team with any questions at rsj@somervillema.gov.
You can find program materials, including an overview document, the flyer, and social media graphics, online here. Feel free to share these resources with anyone that might be interested!
The City of Somerville is committed to eliminating institutional and structural racism and its intersections with other forms of oppression. The work of the RSJ Department has prioritized five key areas:
- Public Safety for All
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Commissions (SCPD, SCW, HRC)
- Hate-Bias Incidents Complaint Process
- Creating Structures for Equity
Accessibility Services & ADA Compliance
The City's ADA Division, which leads and manages the City in policy-setting, coordination, and training for ADA compliance, and proactively ensures the City's programs and services are compliant with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable state and local disability rights laws. This division also acts as the City staff liaison to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities and key City staff.
The RSJ Department oversees and supports the work of the Human Rights Commission (HRC), the Somerville Commission for Women (SCW), and the Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD) through staff attendance and participation in monthly meetings, activities, and events.
1) Contact us: Text the RSJ Department at 781-808-7502 or email rsj@somervillema.gov.
2) Sign up for the Somerville Justice Journal — RSJ's monthly newsletter that highlights updates and announcements from our department, ongoing work from the commissions, and events happening around Somerville.
Programs & Initiatives
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