Around mid-November we at ValpoLife.com teamed up with the Advisory Human Relations Council (AHRC) to help the Valparaiso community come together to affirm the statement they created. We've gotten some great feedback from those who have signed the affirmation so far, and we wanted to share those thoughts with our readers!
Keep reading for thoughts, ideas and experiences from others about why the Statement of Support is important for our community. We encourage everyone to sign and share your own thoughts on why the affirmation is important to you and those who live and work in Valpo. Click here to sign and add a note about why the Statement of Support is important to you! Share the petition on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn using #ValpoSupportsDiversity.
"Everyone has the right to equal opportunities. We should celebrate and learn from our differences."
-- Rhonda Zatezalo
"I believe in this statement and try my best to honor the meaning of this statement in the way I conduct my life everyday."
-- Jon Groth
"Equality matters for everyone. I'm glad to live in Valparaiso, and I welcome everyone who lives in our community. Together we create a stronger and healthier place to live!"
-- Sarah Degner Riveros
"I want to do my part toward actualizing a welcoming inclusive community"
-- Janet French
"Love this great town!"
-- Ben Lamb
"Valparaiso is a city that has a little bit of everything for everyone. What a great city!"
-- Kevin Loses
"Been here 12 years! Love this city and it's people!"
-- Alicia Baker
"I believe everyone should be given the same opportunity no matter any issue they may or may not have."
-- Sandy shelton
"Absolutely critical to building an even better community!"
-- John Albers
"This is important to me because while it is just words, I think it is important to affirm, to say out loud, and to have it help guide our thinking as a community."
-- Melissa Washburn
"Because we are ALL human beings, no matter where we come from, what color our skin, what language we speak..."
-- zahra nwabara
"Developing a culture of equity and inclusion is critical to the future success of the town and for ensuring a welcoming environment for all."
-- Carolyn Whittier
"Every person deserves to be treated with respect and have the opportunity to belong to a community."
-- Caren Furdeck
"I'm proud to be a member of this community and want to do everything I can to make it welcoming to everyone."
-- Stacy Hoult-Saros
Looking for more thoughts and comments, or just ready to sign? Click here to visit the Statement on Change.org, sign, and share your thoughts on why it's important to our community!