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Home My WebLink AboutHUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION - MINUTES - 09/12/2024 Human Relations Commission REGULAR MEETING Thursday, August 8, 2024 – 5:30 PM City Hall: CIC Conference Room, 300 Laporte Ave and Zoom 1. CALL TO ORDER: 5:32 PM 2. ROLL CALL a. Commission Members Present – Beth Jaeger, Barb Kistler, Phil Walker, Rachel Bryan, Miho Yoshioka (late arrival), Coronda Ziegler (late arrival) b. Commission Members Absent – Teresa Cribelli, Masood Ahmad c. Staff Members Present – Liz Messenger, Lead Equity & Inclusion Specialist, Brigid Hinterberger, Lead EO Investigator d. Guest – NONE 3. AGENDA REVIEW Chair Jaeger reviewed the agenda. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – JULY 11, 2024 Commission member Bryan motioned to approve the July 11, 2024 minutes. Commission member Walker seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0 5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION No members of the public were present. 6. BUDGET REVIEW Chair Jaeger shared the budget remains the same as last month with about $5100 remaining of the initial $6100 budget. She noted that the HRC spent $1000 in February for the DEIJ Networking Event. She indicated that $1000 will be allocated in October for educational programs, $1500-2000 for the September DEIJ Networking Event, and $1500 in December for the HRC Awards. The HRC is projected to spend an additional $4500 by the end of the year. 7. NEW BUSINESS a. DISCUSSION WITH ARPI MILLER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ISSAC Arpi Miller explained Isaac (Immigration Solidarity and Accompaniment Coalition) was formed in 2017 as a community response to immigration issues. The organization aims to create a safe and supportive environment for immigrants, focusing on individual support and community building. When COVID-19 hit, Isaac shifted its focus to provide more direct support to affected communities, particularly those facing barriers to accessing resources. ISAAC works closely with various organizations in the community including, Interfaith Council, BIPOC Alliance, and Poudre School District to address issues such as housing, education, and healthcare. Their approach is highly collaborative, often partnering with other organizations to avoid duplicating services. During the pandemic, Isaac provided financial assistance to those impacted by COVID-19, especially undocumented individuals who were ineligible for government aid. They distributed donations and checks to help with rent, utilities, and other essential needs. The organization also assisted with vaccine appointments and other support services. One of the major issues Isaac is currently addressing is the lack of accessible ESL (English as a Second Language) programs. This gap affects workforce mobility and integration. Recent funding cuts to local language learning resources have exacerbated the problem, leaving many learners without options to continue their education. Isaac continues to provide emergency financial assistance for housing insecurity and other critical needs. They are also developing workforce programs, including commercial driver's license training and services for those experiencing housing insecurity. The organization emphasizes creating inclusive spaces and offers multilingual educational programs on various topics. Arpi emphasized the importance of collaboration and avoiding duplication of services. They're working on initiatives like improving childcare access and creating dialogue spaces to address community needs. The organization is focusing on fostering connections and understanding among diverse community members, with regular meetings and events to discuss ongoing initiatives and future directions. b. UPDATE RE: SEPTEMBER 22ND DEIJ NETWORKING EVENT Vice Chair Kistler stated the next meeting will take place on Monday, August 19. Invitations will be able to go out after the meeting takes place and the materials are finalized. A finalized plan will be shared with the Commission at the meeting on September 12. c. FOLLOW-UP RE: FORT COLLINS MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS: “SKIN: LIVING ARMOR, EVOLVING IDENTITY” AND “BIAS” AND COMMUNITY CONNECTION (JULY 15TH MEETING) Chair Jaeger stated that there was conversation at the July meeting where attendees were hoping to connect and promote. It seemed to her that there could be a connection between this and the DEIJ Networking event. She asked Commission members to keep this in mind and to be thinking of ideas. Vice Chair Kistler stated that the next meeting will take place on August 26th. 8. OLD BUSINESS a. COMMITTEE REPORTS: • EDUCATION OUTREACH – UPDATE RE: OCTOBER 9TH “CROSS CULTURAL COMMUNICATION” AND AUGUST 4TH “HUMAN LIBRARY” PROGRAMS Commission member Yoshioka stated they have a rough timeline for the Cross-Cultural Communications training of when things need to be completed by. As the event gets closer, there will be more movement. Yoshioka shared that the Human Library was very successful with approximately 180 people showing up, including books, volunteers and readers. Overall, there was a good impression. Commission member Ziegler shared that the volume of the books was difficult for her where some were really loud, and some were not able to be heard as well. Commission members agreed that overall, it was a great event. They were all very appreciative of everyone’s effort that went into planning and executing the event. • MEDIA/COMMUNITY RECOGNITION COMMITTEE – FOLLOW-UP: PLANNING FOR 2024 HUMAN RELATIONS AWARDS – WORK PLAN REVIEW, CALL FOR NOMINATIOS MEMO, AND DISABILITY ADVISORY BOARD COLLABORATION Commission member Bryan stated the flyer has been completed. She explained it was not recommended to create a flyer for all events, so individual flyers will be created. Bryan stated the Disability Advisory Board chose not to issue an award but will attend as guests. Chair Jaeger stated that Alma Vigo-Morales translated the call for nominations and asked Bryan to combine the documents. Jaeger further stated she received an email from Sarah Kane who supports Mayor and Council, confirming the attendance of several Councilmembers. • GOVERNMENT RELATIONS – GENERAL UPDATE Vice Chair Kistler provided an update that the City does not have any conversations planned at this time regarding the new gun legislation. Kistler found that several communities are choosing to not participate in the law such as Douglas County. She is hoping to get more information as to what Larimer County and the City are considering. • EXECUTIVE – MARKETING/COMMUNICATIONS PLANNING FOR 2024 HRC EVENTS Chair Jaeger explained they have several events coming up where the same core group of individuals and organizations will be contacted. She initiated a marketing strategy to keep them engaged and asked for input from Commission members. Commission members discussed who the target audiences will be for each of the upcoming events and the timing of when the emails should go out. 9. ANNOUNCEMENTS Commission members agreed to not invite any other guests to the remaining meetings in 2024 to allow them time to focus on their upcoming events. 10. ADJOURNMENT – The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 pm. Amended Minutes approved by the Chair and a vote of the Board/Commission on 09/12/24 8/9/24 – MINUTES Page 1