JUSTICE
“Social justice is the view that everyone deserves equal economic, political, and social rights and opportunities.” A just society will be one in which all of our people will have the means and the motivation to participate. A just society will be one in which personal and political freedom will be more securely ensured than it has ever been in the past.
EQUITY
The term “equity” refers to fairness and justice and is distinguished from equality: Whereas equality means providing the same to all, equity means recognizing that we do not all start from the same place and must acknowledge and make adjustments to imbalances. An equitable society is one in which all can participate and prosper. The goal of equity must be to create conditions that allow all to reach their full potential.
DIVERSITY
“Diversity” is defined as the practice or quality of including or involving people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds and of different genders, sexual orientations, etc. A diverse society embraces people from all social, political, religious, ethnic, and territorial environments. All the people are free to profess their political, religious, gender identity, social values, and follow their own culture.
INCLUSIVITY
Social inclusion is the process of improving the terms on which individuals and groups take part in society, improving the ability, opportunity, and dignity of those disadvantaged on the basis of their identity. An inclusive society is a society that overrides differences and ensures inclusion, equality of opportunity as well as capability of all members of the society.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
JEDI was founded by Richard and Claudia Rogers, Evi Greenman-Baird, and Donna McMahon in April 2023 in response to two events.
First, the Montrose Regional Library Board was facing opposition to the inclusion of LGBTQ+ books in the library. Several Library Board meetings featured comments from community members that reflected a disregard for the rights of gay individuals based on ignorance and religious bigotry.
Second, at an LGBTQ allies meeting during this time, the moderator challenged attendees to do something about changing the perception of the LGBTQ community held by some members of the Montrose Community.
JEDI was founded in April 2023 with seven members. By the end of 2023, there were 14 members.
OUR PLANS FOR 2024
- Sponsor and provide planning assistance for Montrose Pride 2024
- Grow the membership of JEDI to include representatives from marginalized communities
- Assist with the election of reasonable, supportive candidates for public office
- Support community partners to help make Montrose a welcoming community for all
Stop and visit our booth! We would love to meet you!
OUR MISSION
JEDI is a subcommittee of the Montrose County Democratic Party. Its mission is to embrace and empower under-represented individuals to be an active part of the political landscape and promote an environment where everyone can thrive.
OUR PURPOSE
The purpose of JEDI is to support and encourage the political and social participation of Montrose County’s marginalized communities.
Examples of our work:
- Monitor public meetings and proposed legislation
- Provide information regarding the importance of diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice
- Encourage political involvement and discussion
- Represent the county democratic party at events to promote the mission
- Educate the community on the challenges and barriers faced by marginalized individuals
- Counter misinformation regarding voting, elections, public education, racism and intolerance
OUR WORK
The work of the JEDI subcommittee is addressed through two committee workgroups:
The Political Group is responsible for:
- Monitoring government public meetings and proposed local, state, or federal legislation that might affect the lives of marginalized communities;
- Advising the committee on key issues and recommending actions to address these issues;
- Vetting candidates for public office to ensure JEDI values are being addressed;
- Encouraging and facilitating the active participation of marginalized communities in local, state, and federal elections;
- Advocating for marginalized communities to take an active part in political discussions that affect their communities.
The Advocacy Group is responsible for:
- Researching information regarding the importance of diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice;
- Educating the Democratic Party and the greater Montrose community on the challenges and barriers faced by marginalized individuals;
- Responding to issues identified by the Political Group as needing action and promoting these activities;
- Providing information to the community in an effort to promote marginalized community rights and advocates for a welcoming environment in which everyone can thrive.
The JEDI subcommittee intends to counter misinformation regarding voting, elections, public education, racism, and intolerance.
The JEDI subcommittee meets on the last Thursday of the month at the Montrose Democratic Party headquarters at 1500 E. Main Street in Montrose, Colorado.