THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, November 13, 2020 Page 7 Civic education class underway at Middlesex Jail & House of Correction A new initiative aimed at enhancing civic engagement is now underway at the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction: Individuals, all of whom are participants in the Middlesex Sheriff ’s Offi ce (MSO) emerging adults program, are taking part in a modified version of Project Citizen – an educational initiative that promotes competent and responsible participation in community aff airs and government. It helps participants learn how to monitor and infl uence public policy, particularly at the local and state levels. Like other civic education programs of its kind – though a national forerunner in terms of its correctional facility setting – Project Citizen aff ords participants the opportunity to build on other educational opportunities and resources off ered by MSO and to develop skills necessary for future success. Among the skills highlighted in this and other programs are eff ective oral and written communication skills, critical thinking skills, eff ective teamwork and leadership. The program is being facilitated by Melrose School Committee Chair Ed O’Connell, who was himself formerly incarcerated. “It’s an honor and privilege to be able to work with a group of young adults who are committed to not only improving their own lives, through educational opportunities aimed at personal development, but who are also committed to developing the skills necessary to make a positive impact in their communities,” O’Connell said. “Upon release from incarceration, these young men will be ready to engage in the civic life of their communities as active CIVIC | SEE PAGE 18 Project Citizen facilitator Melrose School Committee Chair Ed O’Connell (left) and Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian spoke with program participants at the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction on Friday, November 6. (Courtesy Photo) Malden City Council votes to consider Mayor’s Diversity Officer funding request By Th e Advocate A s part of Mayor Gary Christenson’s UniteMalden 2020 initiative, several important goals were identified, one of which is the establishment of a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion position. This past week, Mayor Christenson submitted a financial paper to the City Council with a request to fund this newly created role. “This person will play a critical part in our organization by increasing the focus on diversity, equity and inclusion both inside city government and across the city,” said Mayor Christenson. The proposal is to include the position as part of the Mayor’s Office staff at the outset and then revisit whether there is more synergy with another department. The responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, participating in the recruiting and hiring of staff (including Boards and Commissions) to ensure that city government refl ects the diversity of the city, establishing and maintaining relationships with community organizations representing our diverse population and reporting regularly on metrics measuring our progress. The City Council voted unanimously to refer the paper to the Finance Committee, where the funding request will be vetted further. The plan is to start the advertising and search process as soon as the request is approved.
8 Publizr Home