on the path
By Sarah Robinson
Community Well-being
The city and school district are diving headfirst into diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
A Citywide Effort
The new Inclusion Diversity and Equity Action (IDEA) committee is composed of residents and representatives from various community organizations, such as Healthy New Albany, the Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, the New Albany-Plain Local School District, the New Albany Commu-
nity Foundation, Joint Parks District and the Columbus Metropolitan Library New Albany Branch. “The city has organized and launched the IDEA committee with the aim of suggesting ways in which the city can improve the engagement of our diverse community and provide additional events and offerings that better embrace and support our diversity,” says Scott McAfee, chief communications and marketing officer for the city. “The city of New Albany believes that community connects us. City leaders and staff are committed to making our community welcoming to all our residents and we look forward to working with the IDEA committee to take action on improving our outreach and inclusion to all of our residents.” The committee was formed as a result of two major events. The first is as part of the Engage New Albany strategic plan
Dr. Hasan Jeffries, a civil rights and Black power movement history professor at The Ohio State University, speaks in a community forum about diversity and inclusion organized by New Albany-Plain Local Schools. 16
www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com
Photos courtesy of New Albany-Plain Local Schools
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t should come as no surprise that a community so dedicated to health and well-being is stepping up to the plate to address diversity, equity and inclusion with renewed vigor and dedication. From the city’s IDEA steering committee to the community forums hosted by the school district, here’s an inside look at the groundbreaking work being done right at home.
