The Danvers Human Rights and Inclusion Committee updated attendees on several community initiatives and resources during its Nov. 20 meeting.

Dr. Desmond (identified at the meeting as the HRIC grant lead) said the HRIC grant application process opened in October and the committee extended the application deadline to Dec. 6. He encouraged residents and groups to submit proposals that align with HRIC priorities; reviewers will include Dr. Desmond, Paul and Sarah Goodale O’Brien. Application materials are posted on the town website and the HRIC site, and committee members who could not find the form were invited to request it by email.

Karen reported that Danvers will hold its annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration on Jan. 19 (the committee described this as the town's 27th year celebrating MLK). The event, themed "Move Like King," will feature Danvers Public School artwork, music from Vocal Alliance and youth- and adult-focused engagement from 3 to 5 p.m.; the committee invited volunteers to help plan and staff the event.

Committee members also discussed community fridges as a potential anti-stigma approach to food access. The library expressed interest in partnering but clarified any fridge on library property would require trustee approval and DPW sign-off. The committee characterized this as a preliminary conversation; no funding request was made at the meeting.

Separately, the committee announced its menorah lighting will be held Dec. 15 and asked for volunteers to help with weekday lighting responsibilities.

Dr. Desmond encouraged residents to review grant materials online and to bring project ideas forward; the committee emphasized it intends to make grant access simple and community-focused.