Citizens Addressing Racial Equity (C.A.R.E.)

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Representatives from Stratford's C.A.R.E. attended Everyday Democracy's first National Learning Exchange in April 2008.  From Left to Right: Marsha Mitchell-Davis, Jim Sinnott, Tammy Trojanowski, Chief John Buturla, Wanda Correa, Tom Coakley.

C.A.R.E. Action Teams are making Stratford stronger, more inclusive and vibrant by exploring practical ways to address racial equity and promote cultural competence.  It is a citizen coalition sponsored by the Office of James R. Miron in cooperation with the Stratford Youth and Family Advisory Board, Stratford Clergy Association and The Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport, Inc.

“Stratford is not unique in the challenges we face as a community. However, what is unique is the group of dedicated members of our community who, united by one common goal, to strengthen the relationships in our community, are talking about these challenges and effecting real, positive change."  ~ James R. Miron, Mayor

Why C.A.R.E.?

Stratford citizens and organizations, with the leadership and support from the Town of Stratford, have been working on issues of racial equity for a number of years. In 2006, Mayor James R. Miron reinvigorated local efforts by providing town personnel with cultural diversity training, requiring each department to submit a diversity plan, and designating responsibility to the Community Services department with developing a plan to engage the community.

Phase One of the community plan centered on bringing citizens of diverse backgrounds together for dialogue to address racism and inequities. It began with the Community Conversation on Race. Attended by nearly 100 Stratford residents, it launched the study circle dialogue groups that involved over 60 residents during a six-week period, culminating in the Community Action Forum on Race.

From the dialogue, citizens began to develop ideas for action to promote racial equity and cultural competence. The discussions about how to make Stratford a stronger, healthier community for everyone laid the foundation for the second phase centering on action. During the action phase three teams are engaged in problem-solving and strategies to enhance the educational experience for all Stratford children, improve police community relations and engage more community leaders that reflect the diversity of Stratford.

The following three C.A.R.E. Action Teams were launched in 2007:

Community Police Relations Action Team

Mission

To foster mutually respectful relationships between members of the Stratford Police Department and the community with the goal of enhancing race relations, trust and public safety through proactive education, open-minded communication and understanding with integrity and accountability.

Successes 

· Engaging citizens and police officers in honest and constructive dialogue to learn more about each other, building trust and respect

· Creating opportunities to bring police officers and citizens together, particularly youth

Supporting Police Department initiatives such as:
· Citizens Police Academy ~ opening Department doors to give residents a taste of police work
· State Accreditation ~ improving Department policies and enhancing professionalism
· Increased citizen-police interaction ~ walking and talking with residents during foot and bike patrols
· Community Resource Officers ~ focusing on problem-solving and youth interaction

Members

Chairs:  Bob Ault & Emma Brooks

Police:  Chief John Buturla, Deputy Chief Joseph LoSchiavo, Captain Joseph McNeil, Officer Robert Burroughs, Officer Brian Oliver

Clergy:  Pastor Johnny Gamble

Citizens:  Ty Bird, Susan & Dan Burns, Tom Coakley, Sybil Friedman, Marilyn Gardner, Marsha Mitchell-Davis, Ed Roberts, Ted Russell, Mike Sinnott, Carmen Torres, Jackie Vega

Youth:  Glen Fountain, Shana Soriano, Alex Volcy

Leadership Action Team

Mission

To gather data on the diversity of our Town’s leadership and identify perceived inadequacies with the goal of recruiting and developing Stratford’s leadership to reflect our community’s diversity.

Successes 

· Engaging citizens and leaders in discussion about affirmative action

· Advocating for cultural diversity training to Town employees

· Recommending ways to represent and engage Stratford’s increasingly diverse population in local government 

· Meeting with Town Council Candidates, the Mayor and the Human Resources Director

· Analyzing and collecting data

· Drafting a report for the Mayor with recommendations

· Simplifying the process and encouraging citizens to apply for positions on Town Authorities, Boards, Commissions and Committees

Members

Chairs:  Russell Payton & Jim Sinnott

Citizens:  Barbara Campbell, Wanda Correa, Barbara Gamble, Bernie Lynch, Ann Miron, Bill O'Brien, Dirk Rozarie, Tony Schirillo, Suzanne Solensky, Marcia Stewart, Katie Yanzo 

Education Action Team

Mission

To support the Stratford Public Schools’ mission “meet the challenges of a changing and increasingly diverse society” with the goals of increasing qualified minority candidates for administrative and teaching positions, providing system-wide diversity training for staff and students and promoting diversity celebration system-wide.

Successes

· Engaging citizens and school officials in conversation about diverse hiring practices and cultural diversity training

· Meeting with the Superintendent, Personnel Manager, and Lead Elementary and Secondary Principals

· Incorporating diversity training into new teacher orientation

· Distributing multi-cultural themed calendars to all library media centers

Members

Chairs:  Lucretia Duwel & Vera Rozarie

Clergy:  Pastor Johnny Gamble

Citizens:  Lynnette Baroni, Elene Crosby, Sylvia Ebron, Olivia Gombar, Marie Guman, Yvette Johnson-Parker, Mary Kraynak, Olga Pena, Gladys Ramos, Ann Stockman

National Recognition

Everyday Democracy selected Stratford’s C.A.R.E. as one of nine community programs in the United States to take part in its Communities Creating Racial Equity national initiative. C.A.R.E. is eligible for a $10,000 grant to support their effort.

Other C.A.R.E. Successes

· Promoting community awareness through a media campaign

· Recognizing outstanding Stratford citizens on the Town's Wall of Honor

Show You C.A.R.E.

C.A.R.E. volunteers work to open communication among residents of all ages, socio-economic groups, races and ethnicities in non-confrontational ways to break down stereotypes, build trust and find ways to work together.

Residents who share our commitment and C.A.R.E. about racial equity are encouraged to join us. 

For more information on how Stratford C.A.R.E., or to become a member, please contact Stratford Community Services at 203.385.4095 or send an e-mail to communityservices@townofstratford.com.  

C.A.R.E. Meetings

A special C.A.R.E. meeting was held on July 2, 2008.  Please click here for a copy of the minutes.  A special C.A.R.E. meeting was held Thursday, September 25, 2008.  Please click here for a copy of the minutes.  The next special C.A.R.E. meeting is October 6, 2007.  Please click here for the agenda.