Cuppa Joe with DEI Director Pamela Nolan Young

Source: amherstma.gov

The June Cuppa Joe will be held on Friday, June 12 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at West Street Coffee and Tea, 450 West Street. Town Manager Paul Bockelman will be joined by Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pamela Nolan Young.  All community members are welcome at this informal event, which is often also attended by other town leaders.

The town established the Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in 2022, and Nolan Young was hired as its first Director. The department focuses on fostering and maintaining a safe and welcoming community through educational trainings, vibrant programming, ensuring equitable access to services, and overseeing relevant town boards and committees.

This year, the department is celebrating the second year of hosting the Amherst Global Village Festival and the upcoming Amherst Pride Parade and Celebration on June 28. They also host a variety of community conversations and sponsor youth empowerment programming each year. The department supports the Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Community Safety & Social Justice Committee, Human Rights Commission, and the Amherst Black Reparations Committee.   The discussion at this months Cuppa Joe can address DEI topics or any other town-related issues. These events are held monthly and rotate locations around Town. Each time, Bockelman is joined by a different town department head or official who provides insights into their area of focus. Residents and others are welcome to share their concerns, offer suggestions, or just get to know each other.  

For more information on the work of the town’s DEI department, check out their web page or the June issue of their monthly newsletter.