Mayor Jorge Elorza today announced the One Providence Initiative, an effort in which the City of Providence will be announcing a new inclusive policy, initiative, or event to give reassurance to the city’s most vulnerable and marginalized residents that the City will continue to support them. The announcements will be released each week leading up to the presidential inauguration.
“I am more convinced than ever that the work we do at the local level is essential to safeguarding the values that define us as a community,” said Mayor Elorza. “We cannot stand idly as members of our community are bullied, targeted and scapegoated on the national stage. With so much uncertainty ahead, it’s important that we come together as a city to support one another, in every way we can.”
These efforts reflect Mayor Elorza’s commitment to doubling down on his vision of “One Providence” and on advancing a society that reflects values such as inclusion, equity and respect for the dignity of each individual.
These weekly announcements will touch on:
• Local Immigration Reform
• Implicit and Embedded Racism
• Criminal Justice Reform
• Police-Community Relations
• Environmental Justice
• Support for Women and Families; Muslims and Religious Minorities; and the LGBTQ community
“These announcements are an expression of our values as a city,” added Mayor Elorza. “While folks may feel threatened by what they hear at the national level, I want them to know that they are supported and they are safe here in Providence.”
As part of the initiative, a community forum is scheduled for this upcoming Wednesday, November 16, at 7:00PM at Iglesia Vision Evangelica, which is located at 1014 Broad Street. The event will serve as an opportunity to bring neighbors together, connect residents with available community resources, and allow input on what their biggest concerns are in light of the results of the presidential election.