Local Politics Educational Series

2020-2021

Adirondack Diversity Solutions LLC and the Tompkins County Democratic Committee partner to deliver a virtual series aimed at promoting civic engagement, transparency, and access to local government.  The virtual series brings local politicians, Board of Elections leaders, and campaign experts to provide community members with deep dives into what it takes and what it means to hold a local office.  

To check out the recordings, click here!

Race in the Adirondacks: What’s behind NY’s effort to make the region welcoming to all

September 3, 2020

Tourism is a $1.5 billion industry in the Adirondacks, with many residents in the park dependent on the dollars spent by visitors for their livelihoods. But the region’s residents and those who visit are predominantly white, while the state’s population is growing more diverse every day. And that has leaders in the Adirondacks and its tourism industry wondering about the future and suggesting that to thrive, the region needs to be more welcoming to minorities -- both to visitors and to prospective residents.

Read the full article here!

Connections: Discussing voting rights and voter suppression in America, past and present

June 23, 2020

By EVAN DAWSON & MEGAN MACK

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Long lines and malfunctioning voting machines in Georgia's primary election renewed conversations about voting rights, especially those for disenfranchised voters. The New York Times called the issues a "full-scale meltdown of new voting systems." Those systems were put in place after claims of voter suppression in 2018.

Discussions about voter suppression are happening throughout the country, with concerns about what could happen in November. This hour, we're joined by RIT professor Donathan Brown to discuss voting rights and policies. His research focuses on race and public policy, and he's the co-author of "Voting Rights Under Fire: The Continuing Struggle for People of Color." He helps us understand voting issues throughout the country, both past and present.

Listen to the full audio here.

How Should You Be Talking With Employees About Racism?

June 5, 2020

Diversity and inclusion experts weigh in. One throughline: It's better to grapple with the issue openly than say nothing because you're afraid of getting it wrong.

Read the full article here!

Adirondack Diversity

CAPITOL PRESSROOM

April 22, 2019

with Susan Arbetter

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Earth Day is an annual reminder to cherish and protect the natural wonders of this planet but sadly some people don’t get to enjoy areas like the Adirondack Park. We’ll hear from the co-founders of Adirondack Diversity Solutions LLC, Dr. Donathan Brown and Cindy Rodriguez, on the work they are doing to ensure people of all backgrounds feel welcomed when exploring New York’s Adirondacks.  

Listen to the full audio here.

State Creates Adirondack Diversity Program

April 1, 2019

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NYS budget includes $250,000 for Adirondack North Country Association Diversity Initiative.  Read the full press release here!

Adirondack Discrimination

CAPITOL PRESSROOM

May 3, 2018

by TIM WILLIAMS

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Several incidents involving white racial bias against black men and women in the Adirondacks are raising alarm bells. One organization pushing the state to do more is the Adirondack Council.  Listen to the full audio here.

Addressing Racism in Travel and Tourism, with Cindy Rodriguez

October 21, 2020

Destination on the Left is joined by Cindy Rodriguez, Co-founder of Adirondack Diversity Solutions LLC. Her company is an HR consulting firm that designs and implements initiatives around their clients’ visions, missions, and values. As a result, they can capitalize on the social and economic benefits of a diversified work environment. With over ten years of human resources experience, Cindy delivers innovative human resources solutions that promote transparency in policy and procedures, communication strategies, community engagement. On our podcast, Cindy explains how this approach to HR ties into the ideas of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Listen to the full audio here!

Being Black in the Adirondacks: Why the drive to boost diversity is complex, and personal

August 18, 2020

How activists are fighting for diversity, equity and inclusion in the Adirondacks. 

Read the full article here!

State Agencies Advance Efforts to Address Environmental Justice and Support Disadvantaged Communities

June 23, 2020

DEC Announces Appointments to Climate Justice Working Group to Guide Just Implementation of New York's Landmark Climate Law.  The Climate Justice Working Group is comprised of representatives from Environmental Justice communities statewide, including three members from New York City communities, three members from rural communities, and three members from urban communities in upstate New York, as well as representatives from the State Departments of Environmental Conservation, Health, Labor, and NYSERDA.

Read the full article here!

Grants to help diversify two Adirondack destinations

January 20, 2020

By Gwendolyn Craig

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People of color are not often visiting two major attractions in the Adirondacks, and more than $330,000 in state and federal funding will go toward figuring out why — and how to change that. 

Read the full article here!

Diversity in the North Country

April 21, 2019

Black authors share differing perspectives of growing up in the Adirondacks. 

Read the full article here!

Adirondack Diversity Solutions LLC to Participate in the 4th Annual Travel Unity Summit

September 26, 2018

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In anticipation of its 4th annual Travel Unity Summit, Travel Unity, a nonprofit organization focused on increasing diversity in the travel space, is pleased to announce the participation of Adirondack Diversity Solutions LLC....read more.

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Teaching Inclusion in New York's Tourism Sector

CAPITAL TONIGHT w/Liz Benjamin

May 2, 2018

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The Adirondack Council and the group Adirondack Diversity Solutions LLC are calling on Governor Cuomo to require all state employees and state contractors to undergo similar inclusion training. Joining us to talk more about what is going on are John Sheehan from the Adirondack Council and Dr. Donathan Brown, founder of Adirondack Diversity Solutions LLC. Watch the clip.

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