MCC Board Commits to Diversity

The McLean Community Center’s Governing Board has released a statement today on the center’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and access. McLean Community Center (MCC), an agency of Fairfax County Government, was built and is funded by residents of Greater McLean for their use through a real estate tax surcharge, the result of a 1970 bond referendum (Small District 1A-Dranesville). The 11-member Governing Board, which oversees the center’s budget and operation, is elected by citizens of the district and appointed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. MCC is located at 1234 Ingleside Ave.

The center offers a continuing program of activities for adults and children, including a wide range of classes, lectures, camps, art exhibits, theater performances and specialty shows. The center also sponsors major community activities such as McLean Day at Lewinsville Park in May and the 4th of July Fireworks at Langley High School. MCC’s divisions include The Alden Theatre and the Old Firehouse Center on Chain Bridge Rd.

MCC Executive Director Daniel Singh said, “The Board’s statement reaffirms the center’s focus on providing a safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment for everyone. The MCC Governing Board and staff are committed to the important work of equity. We envision a future where all aspects of our programming reflect this central focus on diversity.”

The statement reads as follows:

McLean Community Center Governing Board’s Statement of Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access

“Global events during the year and a half preceding this statement have brought to the forefront long-standing social injustices that many people of color, diverse faiths and the LGBTQ+ community experience every day. This complex environment presents the McLean Community Center (MCC) an opportunity to examine how its initiatives and activities affect the lives of all its constituents while illuminating pathways for the MCC to contribute to the work of advancing social justice and a just democracy.

The MCC Governing Board has made Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access (DEIA) a priority. The board is engaged with the MCC’s Executive Director and staff members to develop and align the center’s conduct and programming to these core values. MCC staff members are seasoned professionals who strive to present diverse and engaging programming. Their thoughtful approach provides a safe forum for our community to engage with familiar and unfamiliar topics. They are empowered to create a community center that welcomes all perspectives and contributions and provides equitable access to opportunities and resources for everyone. Through its arts and education programming, MCC is well-positioned to address difficult questions while creating a safe space to explore possible solutions—directly in keeping with our mission to foster civic, cultural and educational activities.

The MCC DEIA initiative aligns closely with Fairfax County’s One Fairfax Policy to promote a responsive, caring and inclusive culture, one in which all feel heard, valued, supported and hopeful. The MCC Board and staff continue to provide activities and initiatives that enable all individuals and families to be safe and healthy and realize their potential by delivering accessible, high-quality and affordable services that encourage broad participation.

The MCC Governing Board:

• Envisions MCC as an inclusive gathering place where residents of all socio-economic levels, races, religions, genders, backgrounds and orientations find a safe and nurturing community.
• Is invested in the physical, emotional and mental wellbeing of our staff and the McLean community.
• Commits to doing its part as caretakers and leaders in our community and the global movement towards diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.
• Resolves that MCC’s programming and civil dialogues will engage all participants with ongoing efforts toward inclusion and equity.

As such, we stand with the MCC staff members and fully support their work on diversity, equity, inclusion and access. We look forward to continued engagement with all of our stakeholders to strengthen these principles within our community.”

For more information, call the Center at 703-790-0123, TTY: 711.