News from the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners
Shanel Y. Robinson, Commissioner Director | Sara Sooy, Commissioner Deputy Director
Melonie Marano, Commissioner | Paul Drake, Commissioner | Doug Singleterry, Commissioner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 20, 2021
Somerset County Seeking Community Organizations to Take Part in October Diversity Festival
Participants Will Have an Opportunity to Promote Their Diversity-Related Mission
SOMERVILLE, NJ – The Somerset County Diversity Festival committee is seeking community organizations to participate in the 2021 outdoor festival, which will occur on Oct. 9, 2021 from 12 to 4 p.m. Interested groups should have displays and materials that showcase what their organization is doing to promote diversity and to create opportunities for groups that are underrepresented, have access barriers, or have other challenges that make it hard for them to engage in community services. Materials related to what the organization is doing to promote diversity, equity and inclusion are also appropriate and would be welcomed at this event. The application deadline is Aug. 13.
Participation is voluntary and community organizations will not be paid to attend. Interested parties will be screened by the Festival Committee and preference will be given to organizations that have goals and objectives aligning with Somerset County’s diversity statement and the goals of the festival.
The Diversity Festival will occur on Saturday, Oct. 9, from noon to 4 p.m., on Grove St., located between Main and High Streets in Somerville. The free, public event will feature different entertainers that reflect the county’s diversity. Participating organizations will be stationed on Grove Street, Veterans Plaza and the courthouse lawn. Participants must provide a display table, should arrive at 11:30 a.m., and stay until 4 p.m. At least a week prior to the event, participants must sign indemnity forms and provide proof of insurance. For more information about participating at the Diversity Festival, contact Hector Burgos at 908-231-7020 ext., 6475 or send an email to Burgos@co.somerset.nj.us .
History of the Somerset County Diversity Festival
The first annual Diversity Festival was launched in 2019 to honor Global Diversity Awareness Month, and was also part of a broader Somerset County government initiative to bring greater awareness about diversity to employees and residents, show support for the county’s multi-cultural communities, and to embrace and celebrate diversity. The 2019 Diversity Festival attracted more than 500 attendees. In 2020, the festival was held online due to the pandemic, but in 2021 the festival will be held in Somerville and attendance is expected to surpass that of the 2019 Diversity Festival.
Diversity in Somerset County
The Somerset County Board of Commissioners embraces and commits to a philosophy of inclusion that respects the cultural norms of the county’s citizens and taxpayers, the current employees, and the future of Somerset County Government as a place of employment. This commitment is crucial to the services the county provides, its mission, and to continue to make vibrant connections throughout the county.
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