MVGH Diversity Task Force Update
It was mid-June that MVGH Board's Residents Relations Committee sanctioned the formation of a Diversity Task Force. The task force was commissioned to consider ways that MVGH might respond to the current Black Lives Matter movement and our community's historical lack of diversity and the larger church's participation in systemic racism, albeit unintentional. The assignment was to focus our efforts on increasing the diversity of our board of trustees and the resident population, along with assuring equity in the MVGH workforce.
The task force includes Jane Atkins Vasquez, Lynn Cheyney (facilitator), Debbie Herbert
(CEO), Sandra Mader (board president), Barbara Mathieu, Don Smith (trustee), Jim Symons, Norm Thomas (resident trustee), Dean Thompson, John Toay (REC president and resident trustee), and Dave Winters.
The Task Force has been meeting twice each month. Our lively arid thoughtful discussion has included examining issues of systemic racism, understanding the economics of MVGH living, the wide disparity of clergy incomes within local presbyteries, inclusive marketing, gathering information on those nearing retirement or honorably retired within the Synod of Southern California & Hawaii, securing funding that will allow us to accomplish our hopes, and more.
Along the way, we crafted what we are calling a Statement of Intention, which has been forwarded to the Residents Relations Committee and then the Board for their review, adoption and inclusion in our communications. It reads:
MVGH strives to live out the Christian value of radical inclusivi91, intentionally creating and nurturing a community of welcome that reflects the love of God and the rich diversity of the human family.
Your Diversity Task Force will be in touch soon, inviting you to consider the names of colleagues nearing or already in retirement who would be a good fit here at the Grove, with specific focus on persons of color. Thank you for your prayers as we undertake this important work on your behalf.
— Lynn Cheyney