Wayland Human Rights, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

05/19/2026

And that's a wrap! 🎉 The Conversations for Change series at the Wayland Free Public Library has come to a close. We’re grateful to Dr. Eden-Reneé Hayes, of Pluralism Solutions, for leading us through such open, thoughtful and inspiring conversations. And thank you to every community member who showed up, spoke up, and listened with open hearts.

This series was sponsored by the Wayland Free Public Library, the Wayland Museum and Historical Society, and the Wayland Human Rights, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. It was made possible by the Gossels Family Fund for Human Dignity, the Marian Draper Fund, and the Friends of the Wayland Library. Funded in part by a grant from the Wayland Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

04/28/2026

Please read the Wayland HRDEIC’a statement about May Jewish American Heritage Month !

04/27/2026

Please read the Wayland HRDEIC’s statement about April Arab American Heritage Month!

03/03/2026

📖 Learn & Discuss

Who Gets to Belong… and Who Decides?

Reflecting on James Baldwin’s Stranger in the Village
Part of the Conversations for Change Series

📅 March 25 | 7–8:30 PM

📍 Wayland Free Public Library

Explore belonging, exclusion, and how division takes root.

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Join us in the Library’s Round Room for a series of discussions designed to deepen understanding, bridge past and present, create brave spaces for dialogue, and strengthen inclusion in Wayland and beyond. Facilitated by Wayland resident Dr. Eden-Reneé Hayes of Pluralism Solutions, each session wi...

03/03/2026

🌱 Learn & Practice

Conversations, Not Confrontations

📅 March 10 & April 14 & May 12 | 7–8:30 PM

📍 First Parish in Wayland Middle School

Build practical skills for engaging across differences — thoughtfully and constructively. The March 10 session will include exploration of thoughtful ways to respond to social media posts.

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Conversations, Not Confrontations Information and Registration When: 7-8:30 pm, February 10, March 10, April 14, and May 12, 2026 Where: First Parish, 225 Boston Post Road, Wayland – in person only Who: For parents and other adults who live, work, worship or send their child(ren) to school in...

03/03/2026

🌼 Celebrate

Interfaith Spring Holiday Celebration

📅 March 8 | 5–7:30 PM

📍 Location to be provided upon registration

An evening of storytelling, shared traditions, and delicious food honoring spring holidays across faiths and cultures. Open to all ages.

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Join Mosaic: Interfaith Youth Action, WaylandCAN, and the Peace Island Institute for an Interfaith Spring Holiday Celebration! This program will provide opportunities to learn about diverse religious traditions spring holiday traditions, networking opportunities, dinner with courses from each religi...

02/13/2026

Wayland CAN's upcoming community event in collaboration with Mosaic Interfaith Youth Action and the Peace Island Institute:

🌷 Interfaith Spring Holiday Celebration 🌷

Join us for an evening of storytelling, shared traditions, and delicious food as we honor the many springtime holidays celebrated across faiths and cultures—and come together in the spirit of renewal and hope. This event is open to all ages -- families and children are encouraged to attend!

Sunday, March 8, 2026
5:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Wayland (exact location shared after registration)

Register here: https://forms.gle/pTMFbBbtDrvzgMPm9

After hearing from our wonderful speakers, we’ll break fast together at 6:44 PM. For our Muslim participants, this marks the end of a day of fasting during Ramadan. Those who wish are welcome to fast in solidarity and share in this meaningful moment of reflection and community.

One of the highlights of the evening will be our community potluck—a chance to experience the richness of one another’s traditions through food! If you’d like to bring a dish, please note it in the registration form and email your recipe to [email protected] so we can accommodate dietary needs and practices.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you through conversation, food, and community. See you soon!

01/22/2026

You are invited to Conversations, Not Confrontations, a Wayland community conversation series led by jamele adams, educator, facilitator, and community peacemaker. This interactive series is designed to build skills and confidence for engaging in conversations across differences—both online and in person.

This program is for all parents and other adults who live, work, worship, or send their child(ren) to school in Wayland.

When:
7:00–8:30 pm
February 10, March 10, April 14, May 12, 2026
Attendance at all four sessions is encouraged but not required

Where:
First Parish, 225 Boston Post Road, Wayland
(In person only)

Register:
Registration is required. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScfrrk1g1hwh4eVGTKklicLhGSnxbwLDJVpSdZtM0YM0GL48w/viewform

We hope you’ll join us as we practice staying connected—even when it’s hard.

01/12/2026

WaylandCAN Presents - The Belonging Toolkit: What Actually Works

When: January 28, 2026, 7:00 - 8:30
Where: Wayland High School Library
Register: https://luma.com/jr4ezqgu

What: Join us for an inspiring and practical conversation with Nichole Argo, founder of the Needham Resiliency Network, the TogetherUp Institute, and the ReImagining Us podcast. Nichole will share how her data-driven, community-centered work is helping create spaces where people feel a true sense of belonging, even in challenging times.

What really helps people feel connected when the world feels divided?

How can insights from social science strengthen local relationships and build a more resilient, more connected Wayland?

And what simple, everyday actions can each of us take to help ourselves - and others - feel like we truly belong?

You’ll walk away with a set of “back-pocket” tools you can use right away to foster connection in your own life. This event is not only a chance to learn from Nichole, it’s also an opportunity to meet and interact with fellow Waylanders who care about strengthening our community.

Come be part of the conversation - and be the change that creates a more connected community. All are welcome!

Join us for an inspiring and practical conversation with Dr. Nichole Argo, founder of the Needham Resiliency Network, the TogetherUp Institute, and the…

01/12/2026

Wayland is commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution with a year-long series of activities. “Voices of We the People” invites residents and those who work, worship, attend school, or have children in school in Wayland to write a short personal essay exploring what the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, or the U.S. Constitution means in their lives today. This project aims to strengthen community connections, celebrate wide-ranging perspectives, and enrich Wayland’s shared cultural life.

Overview:"Voices of We the People" invites residents and those who work, worship, or have children in the Wayland schools to write a short personal essay reflecting on what the Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, or the U.S.