Shelburne equity committee debates restructuring to mirror Winooski model

At a June 8, 2026 retreat, the Town of Shelburne Equity & Diversity Committee discussed a proposal to change the committee’s structure to resemble Winooski’s Inclusion & Belonging Commission. Sarah McIlvennie, serving as meeting facilitator, presented the restructuring proposal and led the discussion.

Committee members debated whether the group should prioritize policy change or focus on project-based work, noting that the committee’s goals must be clearly defined before altering its structure. Members also said the proposed change is not currently reflected in Shelburne’s town plan and would require Select Board backing for any formal shift in authority or mission.

Participants emphasized messaging, relationship-building and listening as foundational steps if the committee moves forward, and raised the practical concern that Shelburne’s committee landscape differs from Winooski’s: “Winooski has five committees and we have many more,” the minutes note when members cautioned that the model must be adapted to the town’s context. Committee members said they were generally in favor of restructuring in principle but that it was too soon to vote until the proposal is fleshed out for Shelburne.

The committee assigned several follow-up tasks related to planning and research, including sharing an equity toolkit for consideration and updating staff about discussions at the annual in-person extended meeting. No formal vote to change the committee’s structure was taken at the retreat; members asked staff and subgroups to prepare additional detail before any formal action.

The committee adjourned at 8:08 p.m.