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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWomens Commission - Minutes - 10/05/1987r, r CITY OF FORT COLLINS OFFICE OF EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT Commission on the Status of Women Minutes of October 5, 1987 Council Information Center, 300 LaPorte Avenue Members Present: Cindy Hoff, Facilitator Valerie Mauksch Mary Jo McDermott Janet Abbey Jim Banning Alma Vigo -Morales Kay Short Ginny Webster Martha Denney Pat Connor Young Liza Daly Carole Wallace Linda Cowan, Secretary I. Minutes - Members Absent: Jacque Strickland Staff Present: Mike Powers A. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved with minor corrections. B. Liza suggested that we make corrections on our own copies of the minutes rather than have corrected copies included in our packet in an effort to conserve resources. II. Bonding Exercise - A. The meeting was opened with a bonding exercise led by Ginny Webster. B. Suggestions had been made to Cindy to continue the bonding exercises, but in a different format, such as a quarterly social gathering. It was also recommended that we have a "check -in" time instead of an organized bonding exercise at the beginning of each meeting. C. After discussion, it was decided that the term will be changed to "check -in" time, and a bonding exercise will be held once every four meetings at the beginning of the meeting. --- -- -^� •• - � �+�� DEVELOPMENT wun.., l UlurGUU OVJGG • kJWl ZZ 1-tnjo r E Commission on the Status of Women Minutes of October 5, 1987 Page 2 III. Committee Reports - A. Basic Needs Committee - Alma reported that the committee met and decided the following: I. Priority will be to work on Task Force recommendations. 2. Alma will meet with Wendy to determine which ones have already been addressed, etc. 3. Recommendations will then be prioritized. 4. Pat discussed doing Position Papers for Council. B. Community Outreach Committee - Kay reported that the committee has held two meetings, mainly devoted to tapes by Vicki Bailey of the series "Concerning Women." , 1. The committee is planning to publicize the tapes (print a flyer, possible advertising on grocery bags, etc.) 2. We will be obtaining one copy of the tapes for the Commission, will make a copy for Crossroads, and will contact other organizations such as the Women's Center, library (already has a set), and video stores for distribution. 3. Jacque will be checking on local information that can be included on each tape. 4. Janet acquired the latest information on Women's History Month (theme: Reclaiming the Past - Rewriting the Future), and has written to other organizations informing them of this event planned for March. She will plan to write a letter to the schools as well. C. Legal/Government/Economic Development I. Cindy reported that the committee met and discussed the proposed AA -EEO Plan for the City of Fort Collins. 2. Mike reported that the suggestions for changes in the plan fell into three categories: a. radical changes that legally cannot be made, sexual preference was added to the list of items for which one cannot be discriminated against. c. general concerns such as "who are the minorities", "which group will carry out certain tasks", etc. 3. For legal reasons, it will not be possible to accommodate a three year commitment to the AA -EEO Plan. This plan must cease and a new one submitted after one year. 4. Jim suggested that we should request a yearly status report on the AA -EEO Plan. i Commission on the Status of Women Minutes of October 5, 1987 Page 3 5. The group expressed interest in devoting time in a future meeting for a presentation by Mike to provide us with specific information on the City's Pay Equity Program. It was suggested that the HRC be invited to that meeting. 6. The letter regarding our support of the proposed AA -EEO Plan for the City of Fort Collins was approved. IV. Quality of Life Survey - A. Liza contacted Ken Waido with concerns about the survey (why gender was not included, why emotional well-being questions were not addressed, lack of questions about day care, women and economic opportunities, and safety). It was felt that there should have been more questions specific to women. It was suggested that we write a letter to the Quality of Life Commission expressing these concerns. Martha will draft a letter to the Community Affairs Officer as well. Jim volunteered to follow-up on data, meet with Ken, and find out methodology used, etc. Cindy will contact Jim prior to the next meeting. This issue will be carried over on future agendas. V. Speaker's Bureau - A. Cindy asked for volunteers to form a Speaker's Bureau, as we need to be able to respond to community requests as well as increase our visibility. B. It was suggested that we need to reach some influential groups in the community. Valerie will share a form used by PVH to keep track of data such as topics covered, contact persons, etc. C. We have been invited to participate in a panel discussion April 7th entitled "Women in Politics: How to Become Involved." D. Several other points discussed included: 1. the need for us to have a Speakers Bureau to let others know what we are doing, 2. the suggestion that we have one person to be our Speakers Bureau contact person, 3. the possibility of us inviting highly visible groups to come speak to us. E. Cindy, Carole and Ginny will put together a "check sheet" with Val, volunteering as a resource person for the committee and possible input from Wendy and Sue Walston. VI. Other Business - A. Our relationship to the Human Relations Commission was discussed with possible suggestions of exchanging agendas with the HRC and having the HRC and Commission on the Status of Women's liaisons exchange minutes of our respective meetings. Commission on the Status of Women Minutes of October 5, 1987 Page 4 B. Cindy updated us on a meeting that had been called by Susan Kirkpatrick shortly after our work plan had been submitted: I. We were commended for turning in a work plan. 2. There was support expressed for our efforts to work with the library to establish a Women's Resource Center. 3. Council would appreciate knowing what programs in the community they could recognize that are addressing the concerns of women. 4. We were reminded that we are "policy advisory" in nature. 5. We were commended for our involvement in Safety Awareness and Workshop on Boards and Commissions. 6. Concerns were expressed over our brochure (e.g., our intent). C. It was felt that we should try to be represented at the Children's Care Coalition Meetings. They will hold a quarterly meeting Friday, October 16th at the University Holiday Inn, 2:00 - 4:00 PM. An NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) representative will discuss the proposed national Act for Better Child Care. D. Cindy asked that a spokesperson be selected from each committee. E. Members were asked to come up with specific suggestions in writing that Cindy can take to Mary Schultz of the AAUW as they have some money and want to look at issues of concern to the women of Fort Collins. F. Members were reminded to contact Cindy or Wendy with items to be included on the agenda, or if unable to attend a meeting. G. Deb Soldan (NOW) says they are interested in putting together a Women's Resource Directory and would like our input. H. We discussed doing something special as a group for Kathy O'Bear who lead our "retreat", such as a certificate or special gift. I. Carole suggested that we have a column in the newspaper to answer questions from women and address concerns. J. Liza reminded us about activities being sponsored at CSU that relate to women, and also upcoming community events such as the Peace with Justice Week which will hold a workshop on Violent Play that examines the way play is influenced by toys and the media. VII. The meeting was adjourned.