There is an ostensibly noble push to create more diversity on Minneapolis neighborhood boards. Noble because the premise is sound; community organizations should at least somewhat mirror the demographics of the neighborhoods they serve. I characterize the current push as coming from a questionable place though, and that leaves me with doubts about whatever policy might come from any changes.
My entire twelve-year connection to north Minneapolis was spent as part of a neighborhood organization, either as a staff person or as a committee and board member - even two years as board chair. If there is one thing I learned as an absolute truth for community participation during that time, it is this:
Meetings don't make people come to meetings; issues make people come to meetings.
So when city staff, elected officials, or critics and opponents of these organizations make the accurate claim that some don't have enough people of color, renters, or other demographics in attendance or leadership roles, my first questions are...
