Chelsea Human Rights Commission launches civility survey to strengthen the “Chelsea Way.”
Residents, business owners, workers, and visitors are invited to share their experiences and help identify where Chelsea can do more to make everyone feel respected and welcome.
The Chelsea Human Rights Commission (HRC) is asking people who live, work, own businesses, or spend time in Chelsea to take a short survey about civility in the city.
The survey is designed to help the commission understand where Chelsea is succeeding, where people may feel unseen or unwelcome, and what steps could strengthen the community’s reputation for kindness, cooperation, and respect.
“Civility is not just about being polite. It is about whether people feel they belong,” said HRC Vice-Chair Howie Brooks. “We’d like to hear directly from the community so we can focus our attention and resources where they will have the greatest impact.”
Chelsea has already shown the world what community care can look like. In 2024, Serendipity Books’ book brigade drew national and international attention as residents worked together to move thousands of books by hand through downtown Chelsea. The commission hopes the survey will help build on that spirit and make clear that the “Chelsea Way” is not a one-time story, but an ongoing commitment.
A more civil community can benefit local businesses, schools, neighborhoods, and visitors by making Chelsea a place where people want to gather, shop, learn, work, and return.
The survey will help the commission:
- Better understand the lived experiences of residents, workers, business owners, and visitors.
- Identify gaps in people’s experiences of welcome, respect, and belonging.
- Guide future outreach, public education, and community resources.
Community members are encouraged to complete the survey to share their honest perspective. The results will help the Chelsea Human Rights Commission recommend the next steps to strengthen civility across the city.
The survey can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JYN85F6 or via this QR code
