AMHERST — An initiative aimed at creating a more inclusive and welcoming community for all residents, the town is embarking on a Liberatory Visioning Project that includes three dialogue sessions and a community survey.

The town’s Department of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is bringing people together to develop a shared vision, through a partnership with Barbara J. Love, a local author, speaker and consultant on liberation and transformation and professor emerita of social justice education at the University of Massachusetts.

Liberatory Visioning was created by Love as a framework for justice, equity, belonging and inclusion, with an overall aim of creating communities that work well for everyone.

“This project is an essential step toward addressing the harm caused by systemic oppression and ensures that Amherst town policies, services and practices are free from bias and discrimination,” DEI Director Pamela Young said in a statement. “We are so grateful to be working with Dr. Love on this important initiative.”

The idea for the Liberatory Visioning Project comes out of the Community Safety Working Group and a recommendation in its final report from October 2021. That report emphasizes the importance of dismantling white supremacy, healing the harm it has inflicted, and creating a community characterized by equity, fairness, justice and liberation.

“We welcome all members of the Amherst community to this important initiative,” said Town Manager Paul Bockelman. “All voices are vital in shaping a community where everyone feels valued and empowered. Together, we can work toward dismantling barriers and fostering an environment that embodies the principles of equity, justice, and liberation.”

The three dialogue sessions for discussions on how to create a more equitable community start later this month.

The first is on Feb. 27 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Glass Room in the basement of the Bangs Community Center and via Zoom at https://amherstma.zoom.us/j/81777356617

The second is March 5 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the cafeteria at Amherst Regional Middle School and via Zoom at https://amherstma.zoom.us/j/81777356617

The third is March 12 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Town Room of Town Hall and via Zoom at https://amherstma.zoom.us/j/81777356617

Facilitators are being sought to guide the conversations, encourage participants and capture key themes and ideas. A mandatory facilitator training is being held Thursday at 5 p.m. at the Glass Room at the Bangs Community Center. Those who agree to serve as facilitators must be able to attend at least one of the dialogue sessions.

In addition, an online Liberatory Visioning Survey is being conducted. That survey aims to capture a wide range of perspectives and insights on how Amherst can move forward in creating a liberatory community that works well for everyone. The survey, open through March 14, can be accessed at www.amherstma.gov/LVPsurvey

A final summary and reactions to the summary will then be shared with town officials, including the Town Council and Bockelman. This summary will also be published on the town website.

For more about the Liberatory Visioning Project, go to www.amherstma.gov/3834/Liberatory-Visioning-Project.

— SCOTT MERZBACH