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In an unprecedented move in Georgia, the Gwinnett County Government will host an event aimed at creating relationships with members of the Muslim and Southeast Asian communities. The Building Bridges Meet & Greet is scheduled for Wednesday, March 23rd from 5pm-7pm at the Gwinnett Justice & Administration Center in Lawrenceville.

This event is the inaugural event for the county’s Community Outreach Initiative, which was created to engage diverse constituencies. Developed by Gwinnett County Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash, this initiative hopes to build bridges among the different ethnic and religious groups in the county in an attempt to increase representation.

Through this initiative, the Chairman wants county representatives to better understand their constituency so they can learn how to best serve them. “Government is looked at as a far reaching entity and we want to break down that stereotype and be a government that serves and engages the constituents”, said Nicole Hendrickson, the Community Outreach Program Director. Hendrickson believes that understanding the differences between different faith communities helps to understand the different nuances necessary in order to best serve them.

Wednesday’s event will consist of a conversation with community members followed by a meet and greet. Featured guests will include county leaders including Chairman Nash and other commissioners, local judges, State Representative Pedro Marin, the Gwinnett Fire Chief, the Gwinnett Police Chief, and other representatives from various county agencies. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak to county officials about their concerns but also build relationships with various departments for future collaboration or needs.

Members of the Muslim & Southeast Asian Community are invited to attend. RSVP is required and can be done online here.

This event is the first of its kind in Gwinnett County, and in the State of Georgia. Chairman Nash plans to host similar events for members other minority communities to further build relationships. For more information about the Community Outreach Program and to learn more about their goals you can visit their page online.

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