A RESOLUTION

BY:

NO.

RECOGNIZING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OAKWOOD INCLUSION COALITION.

WHEREAS, the city of Oakwood treasures diversity in every form and fashion, and strives to be a welcoming community for everyone who lives, works, visits, or passes through the city; and

WHEREAS, the city of Oakwood, Wright Library and Oakwood City Schools are concerned about the current climate in Oakwood and throughout America with regard to matters of diversity, and various forces in place that cause widespread tension and conflict throughout our cities, states and country; and

WHEREAS, the city of Oakwood recognizes the enormous value in having a diverse community in terms of religion, race, ethnicity, physical ability, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age and more; and

WHEREAS, the city of Oakwood is cognizant of the interest in the community to engage in dialogue on myriad topics involving racial matters, and appreciates the educational programs conducted over the past two years through Wright Memorial Public Library; and

WHEREAS, the city of Oakwood acknowledges the work that has taken place in our community over the past eight months in considering actions to take locally to make a strong statement in support of diversity, inclusivity and equity; and

WHEREAS, the city of Oakwood has received a document establishing the Oakwood Inclusion Coalition (OIC), a citizen-driven organization with the stated mission and purpose as follows:

MISSION

The mission of the OIC is to study, promote, and celebrate an inclusive, equitable, diverse and welcoming environment and community for everyone who lives, works, visits, or passes through Oakwood.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the OIC is to foster an inclusive community through education, development of programs and projects, communication initiatives, and regular attention to matters of intra- and intercommunity relations. The OIC is an organization of government, school, and library officials, private citizens, faith, ethnic and cultural leaders, and representatives from the business and media communities in the Oakwood area and beyond. Volunteer officers manage the organization and receive no compensation.

While the OIC will deliver a report annually to the Oakwood City Council, the Oakwood School Board and the Board of the Wright Memorial Public Library, no substantial part of the OIC’s activities or reporting shall involve the purpose of influencing, modifying, or suspending city, school or library legislation or policies. The organization shall not participate in, or otherwise intervene in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office or any issue put to vote before the public.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OAKWOOD, MONTGOMERY COUNTY, OHIO:

SECTION I.

The city of Oakwood hereby recognizes the creation of the Oakwood Inclusion Coalition as detailed in the attached establishing document. This recognition shall not be construed to make the OIC a public office or agency, or a public/private joint venture under the city’s control.

SECTION II.

The city of Oakwood expressed strong support of the mission and purpose of the Oakwood Inclusion Coalition, and welcomes the annual report planned for presentation to City Council each January by the OIC Leadership Team, said report to include a summary of the work, programming, events and accomplishments of the OIC.