About the Department of Racial and Social Justice
The Department of Racial and Social Justice (RSJ) leads the City of Somerville’s equity efforts and collaborates with city departments, constituents, and stakeholders to eliminate the institutional and structural systems that create racial inequities, social disparities, and injustices.
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The City's ADA Division, which oversees the City’s policy-setting, coordination, and training for ADA compliance, is undertaking the ADA Community Survey on behalf of the administration to better understand the Somerville community’s needs and priorities for the City’s ADA Plan as well as the public’s experiences with accessibility in Somerville. The ADA Transition Plan identifies current barriers that limit the accessibility of programs, activities, or services in the City of Somerville.
How to Submit: Survey Closes Friday, June 30, 2023
The survey will run for two months and close on Friday, June 30th. Responses can be submitted online, emailed to apomeroy@somervillema.gov, or hand-delivered or mailed to Somerville City Hall, Attn: Adrienne Pomeroy, ADA Coordinator, 93 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 02143. Community members can also pick up printed copies of the survey at the Somerville City Hall front desk or by calling the RSJ Department at (617) 625-6600 x2059.
All responses are confidential.
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
The City's ADA Division, which leads and manages the City in policy-setting, coordination, and training for ADA compliance, and proactively ensures the City's programs and services are compliant with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable state and local disability rights laws. This division also acts as the City staff liaison to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities and key City staff.
The RSJ Department oversees and supports the work of the Human Rights Commission (HRC) and the Somerville Commission for Women (SCW) through staff attendance and participation in monthly meetings, activities, and events. Any questions on these commissions should be directed to Steven Flythe, Deputy Director at sflythe@somervillema.gov, or (781) 808-7502.
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.
3) Take the ADA Community Survey: The City's ADA Division, which oversees the City’s policy-setting, coordination, and training for ADA compliance, is undertaking the ADA Community Survey on behalf of the administration to better understand the Somerville community’s needs and priorities for the City’s ADA Plan as well as the public’s experiences with accessibility in Somerville. The ADA Transition Plan identifies current barriers that limit the accessibility of programs, activities, or services in the City of Somerville.
4) Apply to join the Anti-Violence Working Group: The Anti-Violence Working Group will consist of community members who live or work in Somerville, as well as representatives from several local nonprofit organizations, other key stakeholders, and subject-matter experts. The group will collaborate closely with the Urban Peace Institute on community safety and violence reduction including gun and gang violence in Somerville.
How to Apply: Deadline Friday, May 19
The Anti-Violence Working Group application is available online. Community members can also pick up printed applications at the Somerville City Hall front desk or by calling the RSJ Department at 781-808-8344.
Applications are due by 7 p.m. on Friday, May 19, 2023. Applicants can fill out the online form, email their responses to rsj@somervillema.gov, or hand-deliver or mail them to Somerville City Hall, Attn: RSJ Department, 93 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 02143.
5) Attend sessions from the Public Safety for All (PSFA) Informational Series: In advance of the release of the Public Safety for All Report, the Department of Racial and Social Justice is hosting a series of live and pre-recorded webinars to help inform the community about public safety systems, models, and providers currently in place in Somerville as they relate to the PSFA Report.
5/17 Session 1 - COHR: Learn about Somerville's Community Outreach, Help and Recovery (COHR) program and hear from panelists who provide mental health and substance abuse recovery services in Somerville.
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