Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. -1 Peter 3:8
Hopewell Township has a Citizens’ Equity Advisory Committee (CEAC). In July 2020 the Township Committee adopted a resolution establishing CEAC with a maximum of nine members. The stated purpose was “to conduct a systematic review of existing and proposed Township regulations and practices for potential discriminatory effect and to offer suggestions on how to remedy such effects.” Township residents volunteered, and the committee held its first monthly meeting in September 2020.
CEAC’s recent Progress Report (January 2022) is available on the Township’s website or at the Township Building. It highlights the discussions and activities of the committee month by month. The committee has reviewed 14 of the 24 chapters of Township Ordinances, identifying potential equity issues and making recommendations on how to correct the problems. When the committee has concluded its review of all ordinances, a comprehensive document will be submitted to the Township Committee for its review and action.
In addition, CEAC has been briefed on the following: mental health issues and how police deal with such issues, the new position of Vulnerable Populations Outreach Coordinator in the Health Department, current police department policy and how to increase communication with youth in particular, the Housing Rehabilitation Program, and so on. Committee members raised potential equity issues on a wide variety of topics, including gender-specific township events, communications between residents and the Township Committee, bicycle lanes, and more. CEAC also created a list of Diversity & Inclusion Dates of Celebration and Remembrance for review by the township. CEAC’s Progress Report concluded with a long-term goal that the township create a permanent position of Diversity and Equity Inclusion Officer.
All meetings of CEAC are held virtually at 7p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. They are open to the public and provide an opportunity for the public to speak.