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Dear Community Members,
We are pleased to share the conclusion of the Weymouth Community Needs Assessment, a comprehensive effort undertaken to understand and address the needs and aspirations of our community. This assessment, conducted in partnership with By Design Consulting, LLC, has provided valuable insights into how the Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities can better serve you.
The primary aim of this assessment was to ensure that Weymouth Center becomes a fully inclusive cultural venue that reflects the diversity of our community. We employed a variety of methods, including surveys, focus groups, document reviews, and event observations, to gather comprehensive data and feedback from community members.
Key findings from the assessment include:
Inclusivity and Belonging: While 70% of respondents reported a strong sense of belonging at Weymouth, feedback suggests that there is still a perception of the center catering mainly to affluent White demographics. This indicates a need for ongoing efforts to foster a more inclusive environment.
Barriers to Participation: Identified barriers include the center’s remote location, pricing, and a lack of diverse programming. 35% of respondents cited high prices as a significant barrier, and 45% expressed a need for more culturally diverse programming.
Diverse Representation: The demographic analysis revealed that the current staff and programming do not fully reflect the diversity of our community. There is a clear need to recruit staff, board members, and volunteers from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds and to curate events that celebrate diverse cultures.
Based on these findings, By Design Consulting, LLC, along with their team members Keisha Jones (CEO), Dr. Abraham Dones (Independent Consultant), and Dr. Alex Kappus (Research Consultant), provided a series of recommendations aimed at enhancing inclusivity, accessibility, and community engagement at Weymouth. These recommendations are currently being reviewed for potential implementation.
We are committed to making the necessary changes and continuing our efforts to make the Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities a welcoming place for everyone. We value your input and look forward to your continued support and participation as we strive to better serve our community.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to By Design Consulting, LLC, and their team for their dedication and expertise in conducting this assessment and providing us with invaluable findings and recommendations.
Thank you for being an integral part of this journey. Together, we can create a more inclusive and vibrant community.
Executive Summary
Executive Summary
This comprehensive report outlines the strategies implemented and achievements realized in the effort to enhance inclusivity and belonging at the Weymouth Center for Arts & Humanities. The initiatives were based on targeted community outreach and feedback involving a comprehensive survey and focus group designed to engage and include marginalized populations.
The purpose of the Community Needs Assessment (CNA) was to comprehensively understand the needs of the broader community and identify opportunities where the Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities mission can effectively align and address those needs. By living the mission of providing a place of inclusivity and offering literary and cultural experiences that inspire and enrich the lives of our community, Weymouth aims to evaluate additional ways to serve the community more effectively. This includes exploring potential adjustments or additions to our current vision, goals, and strategies that align with their mission while maximizing impact on the community's needs. To achieve this, By Design Consulting, LLC worked closely with the Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities to conduct the CNA.
Project Context and Objectives
Aim: To establish the Weymouth Center as a fully inclusive cultural venue that reflects the diversity of its community.
Strategic Focus:
Address Participation Barriers: Identifying and mitigating obstacles that prevent marginalized populations from participating in Weymouth's programs and events.
Enhance Program Diversity: Ensuring that the programming at Weymouth reflects the cultural and artistic interests of a diverse community.
Ensure Facility Accessibility: Making sure that all physical spaces within the Weymouth Center are accessible to individuals with disabilities and other needs.
Methodology
Survey and Focus Group Participation: A total of 93 respondents contributed to the Community Needs Assessment. This included 39 electronic submissions, 34 paper submissions, and 20 participants in focus groups. The diverse input gathered from these sources was crucial in shaping the inclusive strategies and initiatives outlined in this report.
Data Collection Methods: The data collection methods for the Community Needs Assessment included a survey, focus groups, a review of documents and the physical environment, and attendance at various events. These methods ensured a comprehensive understanding of the community's needs and perceptions.
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