ABOUT US
The Committee was founded by Ordinance #2407-21 to celebrate equity, diversity and inclusion within the Lawrence community. The DEI Committee will advise Town Council on opportunities to promote engagement, education, and discourse that foster open-mindedness, compassion and inclusion within our diverse municipality and beyond.
Our Mission
The DEI Committee will identify, recommend, evaluate and promote programs that address issues related to race, ethnicity, culture, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, national origin, veteran status, socioeconomic class, religion and professional status.
Values
Through Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, we strive to identify opportunities for everyone in our community and thus be a safe and vibrant community for all. Past and present impediments to access will be identified through respectful communication within spaces that invite meaningful and challenging conversations. Greater understanding and broader perspectives will enhance any future recommendations made to Town Council with special attention given to eliminating barriers to advancement and service.
Goals
The DEI Committee will provide recommendations to Town Council for review and possible implementation on matters related to diversity, equity and inclusion in events, celebrations and policy decisions. The committee will encourage the Township to celebrate its diversity and history by publicizing events and by creating themed content throughout the year. In addition, the committee will create a space for dialogue on matters related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Definitions
Diversity: Diversity encompasses all the various characteristics that make one individual or group dissimilar from another.
Equity: Fair and appropriate treatment based on needs rather than group identity.
Inclusion: Creating spaces where all individuals and groups feel welcome, respected, supported and valued.
Survey
The goal of this survey is to determine how members of the Lawrence Township community perceive and experience the town as it relates to feeling welcome, included, and supported. We will then analyze the responses to determine if there are initiatives we can implement to help correct for any shortcomings. We appreciate any feedback you’re willing to share.
Use this link to complete the survey: https://forms.gle/KFSDBxK3ZrvVZmfa6
If you have a question, an experience to share, or are interested in getting involved, please contact us at: cdinwoodie@lawrencetwp.com.
For a glossary of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) Terms, please visit: https://edib.harvard.edu/files/dib/files/dib_glossary.pdf
Please share your experiences of feeling welcome, included, and supported in Lawrence Township. Your feedback will assist us in identifying the community's needs and developing initiatives to address them. Thank you for participating!
Members & Liaisons
Current Members:
- Andrea Allen (Through 12/31/25)
- Patricia Deeney (Through 12/31/25)
- Paige Johnson (Through 12/31/25)
- Daphne Lyon Obeng (Through 12/31/27)
- Riya Patel (Through 12/31/25)
- Yingxin Zhang (Through 12/31/25)
- High School Student, Shahrin Akhtar (Through 12/31/25)
- Police Officer, (Through 12/31/25)
- Vacancy Through (12/31/26)
- Vacancy (Through 12/31/27)
- Vacancy (Through 12/31/27)
If you are interested in applying for a position on this or any board/committee, please complete this form.
Current Liaisons:
- Council Member Mayor Patricia Hendricks Farmer, Township Council Liaison
Click here to access the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee Agenda.
Resources
National Disability Employment Awareness Month