Background
In early 2012, community members began to take notice of challenges related to diversity, equity and inclusion in Dubuque. Individuals were having trouble accessing needed services and connecting to parts of the community, neighborhoods were experiencing struggles related to demographic changes, and businesses were reporting difficulty attracting and retaining a diverse workforce. With a shared desire to understand challenges and engage community members, leaders from business, nonprofits, education, government, philanthropy and the faith community came together.
This dynamic group of individuals developed a vision for an initiative called Inclusive Dubuque. Inclusive Dubuque is a peer-learning network of partners committed to creating an informed, equitable and inclusive community where all people are respected, valued and engaged.