In many respects the issues that our communities are facing in the wake of Covid-19 are in no way new. The problems of food insecurity, economic hardship, and disparities in access to healthcare and public services have always existed; this pandemic is just the most recent event that has brought this uncomfortable truth back to the top of a constantly shuffling deck of uncomfortable truths. In an effort to disrupt the cycle, the Town of Manchester looks to the work of the Equity and Inclusion Collaborative, a group of volunteers that represent an exceedingly diverse cross-section of the community. [Read the Community Engagement & Inclusion Strategy from the Manchester Equity & Inclusion Collaborative]

The recently developed collaborative is working to identify priorities that will not only address but effectively change the way the community responds to a lack of equitable access to information and services in times of crisis and beyond. While talking about the issues is one thing, the members of the Equity and Inclusion Collaborative know that to effect change conversations must lead to action; a principle they are increasingly aware of amid the current health crisis.