VISION 21 IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE
WELCOMING COMMUNITY TASK FORCE: MANDATE
"BELMONT NEIGHBOR'S NETWORK"
Introduction: The Working Vision for Belmont’s Future, unanimously adopted by Town Meeting in April 2001, contains the following statements:
“Belmont is a desirable and welcoming community…”
“We make a commitment to preserving and enhancing our strengths as a community while respecting our differences as individuals.”
“We will welcome newcomers and value diveristy…
“We will promote the involvement of all residents in the life of our community…”
“We will preserve our small-town community atmosphere…”
Charge:
The Welcoming Community Task Force will develop, recommend to the Vision Committee, and implement a model or models so that Belmont may become a more “welcoming” community.
Process: The Task Force will
*survey near-by communities to find out what kinds of programs are offered for newcomers;
*design and recommend one or more models (programs) for Belmont to meet the goal;
*develop a realistic implementation plan including:
-action steps and time-line;
-recommendations for responsibility for implementation, including a proposal for how leadership might develop and turn-over to assure continuation of the programs;
-strategies for identifying and recruiting newcomers.
*as appropriate, develop longer-range goals and strategies
*launch the initial programs.
Criteria: The recommended program(s) will meet these criteria:
*there will be no cost to the town;
*community in-put in developing the proposed model(s) is essential.
Timeline: Within three months of convening, the Welcoming Community Task Force will submit a progress report to the Vision Committee.
Membership: The Task Force membership will be designated by the Vision Committee and will consist of approximately 6 - 8 residents of Belmont who have lived in town for varying lengths of time. It should include, if possible, a representative from the Belmont Religious Council and a representative from Belmont Against Racism.
Draft # 4, 10/23/02
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