Collaboration Builds ‘Bridges to Belonging’ in Oneonta

SPRINGFIELD—The Oneonta Equity Coalition is a partnership between members of Hartwick College, SUNY Oneonta and the Community Foundation of Otsego County. Dedicated to supporting positive relationships between students, community members, and the City of Oneonta, the OEC’s efforts include working with local businesses, community leaders, and residents to provide equitable opportunities and support a welcoming community for all.

According to a recent press release, the OEC is conducting a survey of local businesses and organizations now through Monday, November 10 to help assess needs and barriers business owners and leaders may face in their efforts to support equity and inclusion in their line of work. Business owners and leaders have received an invitation to the online survey via postcard, officials said. The survey is also available at cfotsego.org/oneonta-equity-coalition-announces-survey-of-local-businesses. Results from the survey will be shared with respondents and will be used to develop targeted initiatives and actions to support local businesses and organizations.

In 2023, students from diverse backgrounds from both Hartwick College and SUNY Oneonta met with CFOC staff to discuss how Oneonta can improve as a welcoming and inclusive community for all and expressed the desire to help support that goal.

“Thus, the Oneonta Equity Coalition was born,” the release reads.

The coalition includes students and staff from both campuses, guided by a student intern from each campus and members of CFOC. The OEC develops materials and creates experiences that help students understand how to advocate for themselves and offers local businesses and organizations opportunities to connect with students, officials said. Currently, the OEC is working with several small businesses, including Oneonta Public Transportation, as community partners in efforts to support inclusive best practices in the greater Oneonta area.