Mayor Tom Henry and Fort Wayne UNITED announced the curriculum and schedule for the 2021 United Front Initiative.
The cultural competency program was revealed in September, and aims to improve racial healing, equity and education by developing shared knowledge and understanding around various topics related to diversity and inclusion in Fort Wayne.
The program will offer 60-90 minute keynote sessions customized to meet the mission of Fort Wayne UNITED. The following sessions will be offered:
- People Leader Virtual Sessions - designed for hiring managers, organizational leaders, human resource professionals, and others in leadership
- Education Virtual Sessions - designed for individuals in the education field - early childhood education, K-12, higher education, etc.
- Criminal Justice Virtual Sessions - designed for individuals working directly in or with the criminal justice system
- Front Line Virtual Sessions - designed for individuals interacting directly with the public
- Community Virtual Sessions - designed for individuals who are part of the community
- Diversity & Inclusion Leads Virtual Sessions - designed for professionals and volunteers involved in D&I work inside an organization
Interested residents can register online for these sessions at UnitedFrontInitiative.com.
In a statement, the city states that “150 businesses and organizations and over 5,500 individuals” have already signed on to participate in and support the initiative.
Fort Wayne UNITED was formed in 2016 “to enhance opportunities, advance youth advocacy and help create a safer city for all, but more specifically for black men and boys.” UNITED has been active during the pandemic, hosting several virtual forums focused on families and relationships that can still be viewed any time on its Facebook page.
