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Concord DEI Commission approves 2026 community survey, plans April 3 launch
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Summary
The Concord DEI Commission approved a revised 2026 community survey at its meeting, setting an April 3 digital launch with printed outreach and translation accommodations; commissioners emphasized confidentiality and that the survey is for statistical purposes, not case investigations.
The Concord DEI Commission voted to accept a revised 2026 community survey and set a digital launch date of April 3, with printed posters and postcards to support outreach in the days that follow. The commission said the survey is intended as a quadrennial tool to inform its next strategic plan.
A staff member reviewing the survey told commissioners the questionnaire will take about 20 minutes to complete and that "responses will be confidential and anonymous" and are intended "for statistical purposes only and not to investigate individual cases." The adoption vote followed discussion about format, definitions, and outreach logistics.
Commissioners heard that the survey's opening definitions for diversity and inclusion were updated to align with the commission's charge. The questionnaire includes three broad sections covering sense of belonging and experiences in town, questions about incidents of discrimination and harassment, and demographic items for cross‑tabulation; the draft adds Islamophobia, a "none of the above" option and an "other" write‑in where appropriate.
Staff described a two‑track outreach plan: immediate partner outreach (two days after launch) to share the link, and physical materials — posters, sandwich boards and postcards — distributed around town and mailed in at least one neighboring mailing list as noted in the draft. Commissioners also asked staff to provide printed copies and accessibility accommodations on request.
Commissioner Joe moved to accept the revised survey as presented; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The commission recorded affirmative responses from those present during the roll call and closed the item with staff directed to proceed with the planned launch and partner outreach.
Commissioners discussed language access and accommodations for respondents: staff said the survey platform can offer a language preference at the start and that translations and alternate formats can be provided. Commissioners also asked staff to coordinate with the town HR director and the hate‑and‑bias incident reporting work group to review and, where appropriate, incorporate the working group's suggested questions.
The commission expects to field the digital survey for roughly two months and use results toward a strategic plan update by the summer. Next procedural steps identified at the meeting included finalizing artwork and print materials and coordinating partner distribution lists.
