Agenda Text
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That the Administration invest in the Commission for Women by hiring a full time Executive Director.
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Official Text
WHEREAS: The Somerville Commission for Women (SCW) has been endowed with powerful responsibilities to help women in the city; however, it needs an appropriate level of resources to fulfill its mandate; and
WHEREAS: The mandate for the SCW is:
“To ensure the equal status of women in educational, economic, political, health, legal, and social spheres …”
1 To act as a centralizing force in the City of Somerville addressing women’s issues including provision of information, referrals, and guidance,
2 To provide technical assistance to other public agencies and private organization engaged in activities intended to eliminate discrimination against women,
3 To take any action considered appropriate by the SCW to ensure the equal status of women of every race, creed, color, national origin, age, and sexual orientation,
4 To design and implement programs which promote equality, well-being and social justice for all women,
5 To make policy recommendations to all city departments and governing bodies regarding the status of women in the city,
6 To initiate and support legislation at city, state, and federal levels to promote the equal status and well being of all women,
7 To investigate and act in any manner determined appropriate by the SCW on behalf of women who are subjected to discrimination,
8 To raise funds for the use of the SCW; and
WHEREAS: The SCW bylaws call for the Mayor and City Council to staff the commission with an Executive Director (ED), with the advice of the SCW. Currently, the Community Services Manager for Health and Human Services is appointed to support the commission on a part- time basis, contributing 3-5 hours a month in the role of Staff Liaison; and
WHEREAS: The SCW advises that proper staffing of an ED role is one with a dedicated focus / time spent on advancing SCW’s mission, engaging in policy level responsibilities, recruiting and training commissioners, coordinating activities with constituent groups, maintaining relationships with community partners, managing critical projects to gauge the status of women in Somerville and communicating policy, programming & fundraising needs, etc.; and
WHEREAS: In the absence of a functional ED role, the responsibilities depend on the Chair/commissioner for SCW; and
WHEREAS: In the absence of a functional ED role, there is a lack of continuity for community partnerships that are crucial to carrying out the work of the commission. The SCW has begun to re-establish relationships with community partners as part of listening tours, but term limits and likely turnover will require constantly continuing to rebuild those relationships; and
WHEREAS: In the absence of a functional ED role, vacancies become more challenging to fill. SCW currently has 11 vacancies, 10 of which have been outstanding for well over a year. According to bylaws, vacancies are supposed to be filled within 30 days; and
WHEREAS: In the absence of a functional ED role, there is a gap advocating for the needs of women. Examples of recent issues that the SCW needs more capacity to fully engage on:
1 Preliminary findings from listening tours with community partners reveal the need for more advocacy and investment in women initiatives,
2 Youth Gender Equity Resolution, July 10, 2020 by Councilor Ballantyne for equitable financial “Investment in Girls,” and all genders,
3 A Resolution for a Better Future for Somerville’s Female Workforce in 2021 and Beyond, Feb 25, 2021 by Councilor Strezo for State of Emergency on the Economic Status of Women; and
WHEREAS: In an era of social justice and reform, to forgo a functional ED role for the SCW is to defund one of the primary groups mandated to advocate for equity solutions for the one of the city's vulnerable populations; and
WHEREAS: The City of Somerville is creating a disservice to the vision of the city as one of equity and inclusion; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED: That the City of Somerville and the Administration should invest in a full time Executive Director and correct the system of inequity which impacts our women and girls.