Degree Name

MA in Conflict Management

First Advisor

Jeff Unsicker

Abstract

Vermont has a predominantly white population with a small percentage of ethnic and racial minority populations. However, a comparison between census data from 2000 and 2008 shows that the number of minorities who live in Vermont has been showing a significant increase. With the increase in diversity come different needs and issues that require better enforcement or changes in current policy or the making of new ones. One way to achieve this is the participation of minorities in state boards and commissions to make their voices heard..

This paper has three sections. The first section includes a description of the Vermont Partnership for Fairness and Diversity (VPFD), a conceptual background and the data collection process and limitations.

The second section of the paper, which is a report of the survey and research submitted to VPFD, includes topics on demographic shift in Vermont, challenges Vermont minorities face, causes for these challenges, current policy analysis and gaps on inclusion and the need for policy implementation, development or changes. It contains a presentation of data from the demographic survey of boards and commissions, a comparison with laws and practices of the state of Iowa regarding diversity and gender balance, a discussion of solutions and recommendations, a reference of materials consulted during the research, appendices with web shots of both Vermont and Iowa governors’ official websites comparing the display of information on boards, and commissions and their contact persons.

The third and last section of the paper covers an evaluation of my experience and lessons learned from my internship in general and this research project in particular, followed by references consulted for this project.

Disciplines

Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration | Race and Ethnicity

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