Wellesley Freedom Team

A group of volunteers in Wellesley have developed a non-partisan, community-based initiative to support individuals who feel victimized by racism and bias and to respond to such incidents in our town. The newly-formed Wellesley Freedom Team was established in response to reports from residents, employees, and employers who experienced incidents of racism and bias that are not defined as hate crimes, and therefore, cannot be addressed under the law. The Freedom Team aims to provide a confidential and respectful space to air concerns and to help develop actionable next steps to resolve situations for victims.

The Freedom Team is reactive, proactive, and retroactive. Members include community leaders, educators, and faith leaders, with the support of Town officials. The team’s intent is to respond with urgency whenever members become aware of individuals who experience threats, harassment, or violence related to race, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, or class. The Freedom Team will be available to discuss past and current incidents, as well as fears of future victimization, and will offer both victims and witnesses a listening ear, support, recourse, and/or opportunity for reconciliation.

Wellesley residents, employees, and employers are encouraged to contact the Freedom Team if they experience or witness bias-motivated threats, harassment, or violence. All calls and emails will remain confidential, discussed only by members of the Team.

To contact the Freedom Team:

· Hotline: 339-216-0124

· Email: WellesleyFreedomTeam@gmail.com

Residents who fear for their safety should call 911 immediately.

When a message is left on the Freedom Team hotline, or an email is sent, callers should expect a response within 12 hours. A Freedom Team member will offer a telephone, virtual, or in-person meeting to assist the victim.

If an incident constitutes a hate crime, the Freedom Team will connect victims to the Wellesley Police Department. Hate crimes include bias-motivated assault, battery, and property damage.

The work of the Freedom Team is in partnership with Human Relations Service (HRS), the Wellesley Police Department, and the Wellesley Select Board.

The Wellesley Freedom Team is part of the Freedom Team Network, which includes the Natick Freedom Team, Waltham Freedom Team, Hopkinton Freedom Team, and Franklin Freedom Team.