The Delano United Diversity Task Force (DUDTF), which began as Delano United in the spring of 2017, is a grassroots group of Delano area folks whose mission is to make Delano a more welcoming and equitable community. Activities of the group have included bringing diversity-related speakers to town, coordinating book discussions, supporting the high school’s LGBTQ group, supporting a parents’ group working to address tolerance, equity, and anti-bullying efforts, participating in two 4th of July parades, writing a weekly column (On Welcoming) for the Delano Herald Journal, coordinating with the Sesquicentennial Committee to raise awareness of the Delano area’s Indigenous history, and advocating for affordable housing.

City administrator, Phil Kern, was cited in the Delano Herald Journal, May 1, 2017… “(Delano United) was formed when representatives from the city, school district, clergy, Chamber of Commerce, and community groups got together to do something to make a statement…We want to see a grassroots effort. We want to see a lot of people get involved in this and not just be six to eight people sitting in a conference room trying to determine what happens.”

In the summer of 2017, the Mpls. Star Tribune featured Delano in its quarterly Sunday magazine. The U.S. Dept. of Justice recognized the DUDTF and sent reps to town (twice) to support the formation of the group’s organizational structure.

The feature article, “Delano: The town saying no to hate… An act of racism stunned Delano. Now residents are fighting for a better future – for all” was written by John Reinan and published in the Mpls Star Tribune in June of 2017. https://www.startribune.com/delano-the-town-saying-no-to-hate/431034233

Candle Light Vigil

Community Organizational Meeting

4th of July Parade

During 2025, a subcommittee of the DUDTF researched the Delano area’s pre-settlement history and supported Marcia Brakke as she developed the chapter in Delano’s Sesquicentennial book about the Indigenous background of Minnesota. In addition, we shared Indigenous information with Leanne Wurzer, the artist of the mural, connecting her to Hoċokata Ṫi, the Dakota cultural center in Shakopee. https://shakopeedakota.org/culture-history/hocokata-ti-cultural-center/

We also offered Indigenous-related suggestions to Nick Neaton for Senior Center field trips. In our “On Welcoming” column, we highlighted past and present experiences of Indigenous people.

The DUDTF continues to look for ways to partner with local groups and spread the message of inclusion and a sense of welcome for Delano area citizens and newcomers. It's a community volunteer group, and future events depend on volunteers to make them happen.

The closing of each On Welcoming column reads, If you are interested in helping make Delano a more welcoming community for all who want to live, work, play, and pray here, please contact the Delano United Diversity Task Force by email at delanouniteddiversity@gmail.com. You can also find us on Facebook: “Delano United – Diversity” where you’ll find our weekly newspaper columns.