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Diversity Council finalizes format and accessibility plan for "Words Matter" public event
Summary
Council members finalized the panel format, confirmed panelists and accessibility plans for the "Words Matter" event, agreeing to provide core questions in advance while allowing the host limited follow-ups; they also discussed outreach, promotion and logistics including ASL interpreters and local vendor support.
The Bristol Diversity Council spent the bulk of its meeting finalizing plans for the upcoming "Words Matter" public event, a one-hour panel and a second interactive segment focused on how words and communication shape community relationships.
Organizers confirmed panelists (poet Tom Legasse, journalist/author Dawn Lehi, a local teacher and a diversity council member) and agreed to supply core questions in advance to ensure concise responses while giving the host, Alyssa, the latitude to pursue one or two follow-ups where a deeper point emerges. "We should definitely take advantage of Alyssa's professional skill set," Interim Chair Marcus Patton said, supporting limited follow-ups to draw out useful detail.
Accessibility measures were prioritized: the council confirmed that the Persons with Disabilities Council will arrange ASL interpretation for the event and discussed adding simultaneous translation or sign-language specialists for any follow-up session dedicated to communication styles. Several members urged the event include neurodiversity perspectives: one member who identified themself as autistic described how scripted approaches and different listening styles affect comprehension and recommended the panel be explicit about variation in nonverbal cues.
Logistics discussed included a printed mini-agenda/program, a planned 90-minute overall booking (one-hour panel, 30-minute feedback and rapid interactive segment), a short mid-program break, and a plan to solicit a couple of audience questions via the Facebook event discussion prior to the session. Promotion steps cited included a paid Facebook boost and postings to Bristol Talks; members noted that engagement—including negative comments—still helps algorithmic visibility.
Food, beverage and on-site comfort items were assigned: volunteers will secure coffee and donuts (local vendors Harvest and Cafe Real were mentioned), water, plates and napkins, and a volunteer list was drafted for setup. The council also discussed a subsequent deeper session on communication styles—inviting sign-language users and simultaneous translators—if there is appetite and time by spring.
The organizers agreed to finalize a short set of two to three major questions (two deep questions plus one from the audience) to occupy the one-hour panel and to limit panelist remarks to keep time for audience feedback and a final interactive "word smack" segment.
