Department of Racial and Social Justice

Neighbors Talking to Neighbors

About Neighbors Talking to Neighbors

Neighbors Talking to Neighbors (N2N) is a new City initiative aimed at strengthening community connections via open, respectful conversation. The dialogue series will be led by Somerville’s Department of Racial and Social Justice (RSJ) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and will offer a series of facilitated dialogues, trainings, and panel discussions focused on building understanding across different lived experiences. 

The pilot series will focus on four pressing topics to both Somerville and the US at large:

• Race
• Immigration
• LGBTQ+ Community
• Interfaith Relations

Session topics were identified based on feedback from multiple City departments and partners, including the SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs, Somerville Public Library, Somerville Public Schools, and the Somerville Police Department.

How It Works

Each of the four sessions will be professionally facilitated and open to all residents. Participants will agree to shared community guidelines designed to foster a respectful, welcoming environment. All sessions are free to attend, but registration is required. Some topics will have separate times for youth and adults to facilitate age-appropriate conversations.

Attend An Upcoming Session:

• Session Topic: Race
  • Date: Wednesday, May 7
  • Place: Virtual  
  • Time:  
    • Youth Session: 3 – 4:30 p.m. Due to low registration, this session will be rescheduled for a later time.
    • Adult Session: 6:30 – 8 p.m. RSVP here
       
• Session Topic: Immigration
  • Date: Friday, May 9
  • Place: Virtual
  • Time:
    • Youth Session: 3 – 4:30 p.m. Due to low registration, this session will be rescheduled for a later time.
    • Adult Session: 6:30 – 8 p.m. RSVP here
       
• Session Topic: LGBTQ+  
  • Date: Wednesday, May 14
  • Place: Virtual
  • Time:
    • Youth Session: 3 – 4:30 p.m. RSVP here
    • Adult Session: 6:30 – 8 p.m. RSVP here
       
• Session Topic: Interfaith Relations POSTPONED — STAY TUNED FOR FURTHER DETAILS
  • Date: Wednesday, May 28
  • Place: Somerville High School Highland Forum (81 Highland Ave.)
  • Time: 7:30 – 9 p.m. RSVP here
     

If you have questions about N2N, contact the Department of Racial and Social Justice at rsj@somervillema.gov 

Initiatives

The City of Somerville is committed to eliminating institutional and structural racism and its intersections with other forms of oppression. The work of the RSJ Department has prioritized five key areas:

• Public Safety for All
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Commissions (SCPD, SCW, HRC)
• Hate-Bias Incidents Complaint Process
• Creating Structures for Equity

Accessibility Services & ADA Compliance

File a Complaint or Request

Commissions

The RSJ Department oversees and supports the work of the Human Rights Commission (HRC), the Somerville Commission for Women (SCW), and the Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD) through staff attendance and participation in monthly meetings, activities, and events.

Get Involved & Stay Informed

1) Contact us: Text the RSJ Department at 781-808-7502 or email rsj@somervillema.gov.
 

2) Sign up for the City Newsletter for announcements and updates.

RSJ Open Data