TAUNTON DIVERSITY NETWORK INC

TAUNTON, Massachusetts, 02780-1947 United States

Mission Statement

Taunton Diversity Network (“TDN”) TDN Motto: “United Never Divided” Mission The mission of the Taunton Diversity Network is D.I.V.E.R.S.I.F.I.E.D Diversity, Inclusion, Voter Rights & Education, Economic Excellence, Right to Remain Silent, Social Justice, Identifying & Investing in Leadership, Forward Movement, Identifying Systemic Change Needed, Embracing & Encouraging our Youth, Do it by any means necessary We strive for Excellence in Leadership Integrity: Leading through honesty and acceptance of personal responsibility Self-Renewal: Flexible, responsive leadership that makes good use of experience Fortitude: Acting with courage and confidence in the face of challenge Perceiving: Looking beyond current details to the big picture Judgement: Knowing what needs to be done and accurately anticipating consequences Performing: Getting results by overcoming barriers to effectiveness Boldness: An uncompromising approach that involves facing problems head-on Team Building: Accomplishing results through others by getting them to work together Collaboration: Sharing rewards and responsibility with others in the group Inspiring: Energizing, motivating, and encouraging others to pursue leader-defined goals Serving: Taking cues from followers and providing assistance that others can’t get on their own Accountability: Being reliable and helping others understand their responsibilities Enthusiasm: Pursuing objectives with passion and optimism, and attracting others to the cause.

About This Cause

The Taunton Diversity Network Inc. emerged in June 2020 as a powerful response to the peaceful protest held for George Floyd. Comprising lifelong Tauntonians deeply connected to the community both professionally and personally, TDN has rapidly become a vital force for positive change. In its relatively short existence of just over three years, the network has established a robust presence and cultivated numerous trusted partnerships. TDN's journey has been marked by the successful planning, execution, and collaboration on over 40 programs and projects directly benefiting the community. These initiatives encompass a wide range of areas, reflecting the network's commitment to addressing diverse needs within Taunton. One of the defining aspects of TDN is its extensive network of partnerships. The organization has forged strong collaborations with key entities such as the local community college, nearby universities, vocational school, chamber of commerce, business owners, local political leaders, probation, DCF, police department, community corrections center, churches, local housing authority, and local afterschool programs including YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, Girls Inc. Additionally, TDN has established meaningful connections with the family resource center, MassHire, and various community leaders. These collaborations underscore TDN's dedication to fostering unity, inclusivity, and positive transformation within Taunton. By engaging with a diverse array of stakeholders, including educational institutions, businesses, government bodies, and community organizations, TDN has positioned itself as a dynamic force for change. As the network continues to evolve, its strong foundation and extensive partnerships lay the groundwork for sustained impact and continued service to the community. Board and Staff Breakdown: The Taunton Diversity Network (TDN) takes pride in its majority volunteer-based organization, founded on collaboration from individuals representing diverse backgrounds and walks of life. The leadership team reflects a rich tapestry of identities, including Black, Indigenous, Hispanics, Cape Verdean, Italian, and French Canadian. The team brings together a wide range of professional expertise, including Licensed Social Workers, School Administrators, Teachers, Nurses, Accountants, Office Managers, DTA Benefits Coordinators, Real Estate Agents, Entrepreneurs, Retail Managers, Law Enforcement professionals, and Community Activists. Many leaders within TDN have personal experiences related to overcoming challenges such as discrimination in public schools, negative police encounters, addiction, and mental health challenges. Their diverse lived experiences contribute to a well-rounded perspective, enhancing TDN's ability to understand and address the needs of the community. Primary Population Served: TDN's reach extends across the socio-economic spectrum, embracing individuals from the very wealthy to those struggling to make ends meet. This broad reach enables the organization to develop projects that cater to the unique needs of diverse community members. The Taunton area faces disproportionately high numbers of arrests and incarcerations, particularly impacting Black and Latino citizens. TDN recognizes the strong correlations between poverty, drug-related issues, and post-incarceration challenges leading to generational poverty cycles. The organization is committed to meeting people where they are, offering simple solutions to complex problems. TDN focuses on eliminating barriers for everyday people, especially those facing employment obstacles and economic disparities. The goal is to provide a voice to the unheard, break down barriers to education and success, and offer resources, contacts, funding, and support. Community Engagement and Outreach: TDN engages the community through various initiatives, both in-person and online. The organization conducts one-on-one meetings to assist individuals in launching businesses, successfully aiding three people in establishing nonprofit and for-profit ventures. TDN also hosts Facebook live web discussions on topics such as college readiness, financial aid, trade careers, grants and scholarships, SAT & ACT prep, and Supporting Women in Unique Businesses. To build trust within the community, TDN emphasizes in-person interactions, being visible and present at housing developments, community events, and voter registration drives. The organization corrects misinformation about voting rights and redirects individuals to accurate resources. TDN's approach involves empowering the community by offering assistance in any way possible, either directly or by connecting individuals with the right resources. The organization remains flexible, engaging the broader community in large or small settings, online or offline, to fulfill its mission of breaking down barriers and helping community members achieve their goals.

TAUNTON DIVERSITY NETWORK INC
20 Kings Court
TAUNTON, Massachusetts 02780-1947
United States
Phone 7742184657
Unique Identifier 852630673