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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWomens Commission - Minutes - 05/16/1994MINUTES COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN MAY 16, 1994 Present: Amy Beuschlein, Sue Cottingham, Carolyn Duff, Audrey Faulkner, Lu Fisk, Dana Hiatt, Doreen Kemp, Stephanie Lane Absent: Stevie Honaker, Sally Miles, Lynne Warner, Chris Wood Guests: Mary Cosgrove Kathy Everett Staff Support: Joan Busch PROGRAM - Mary Cosgrove of Project Self -Sufficiency reported on this organization and the work being done to assist individuals with housing, personal or career needs. A high percentage of the participants are women who have been in abusive situations and have educational backgrounds varying from GED's to Master's degrees. Project Self -Sufficiency relies on funding from the United Way, CDBG grants, donations and volunteers. Volunteers are needed as tutors, or mechanics and client advisors. A long term commitment is requested from volunteer advisors. Clients are added to the program as more volunteer advisors become available. Minutes from the April 18, 1994 meeting were approved as written. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT - No Report. o Audrey circulated the Colorado Women's Agenda Newsletter. o Kathy Everett attended this Commission meeting as a guest and announced she would contact Chris Wood and forward Marcile Wood Award files on to her. Eight bills were passed which will strengthen domestic violence laws. OLD BUSINESS - Task force assignments were reviewed and it was confirmed that all current members have joined a task force which interested them. Commission on the Status of Women Monthly Meeting Minutes May 16, 1994 Page 2 NEW BUSINESS o Human Relations Commission Report Lu Fisk reported that the HRC award breakfast was held on May 6, and was well attended. At the last HRC meeting, and as a member of the Police Subcommittee, Lt. Pat Kelly reported on a situation that exists at the DMA Plaza. A few individuals are standing between the bus stop and the bus and panhandle in such a way that riders feel forced to give them money in order to safely board the bus. Currently, the City does not have a law against panhandling and so police are not able to stop them. Lt. Kelly wanted to make the HRC aware of this situation in an effort to possibly bring about changes in panhandling ordinances. Because the riders are primarily women, Lu felt it was important to share this with Commission members. Lu will keep in touch with the HRC and report back any additional information at the next meeting. TASK FORCE REPORTS: o Economic Equity Task Force Doreen Kemp reported that the statistical information found in the Colorado Women's Agenda Report was rather general and the Economic Task Force would not be able to use very much of it. o Domestic Violence Carolyn Duff reported on her meeting with Barry Feldman, Director of Options a court approved treatment program for domestic violence offenders. Carolyn asked Barry what the Commission could do to help meet their goals. Barry commented that he was pleased by the way agencies were working together; Gina Dersham was excellent and the system works well because of the individuals in place. He questions if these individuals were to leave, would the system work as well? Barry did not have any specific examples of how the Commission could assist them. Sally Miles attended the Domestic Violence Intervention Project Meeting and this group is updating a wallet -sized, laminated card which lists agencies' phone numbers. Commission members might be able to assist in distributing these cards. Carolyn commented that the Task Force is still fact finding. To address the prevention component, Sally is going to research Poudre Commission on the Status of Women Monthly Meeting Minutes May 16, 1994 Page 3 R-11s health curriculum to determine the possibility of "piggy backing" on a program already in place. o Task Force on Anti -Racism Sue Cottingham reported: . The Multicultural Advisory Committee (MAC) has almost completed the Oral History audio tape and soon will begin video taping. Vina Solano, member of the MAC, will participate on the interview panel for the Human Rights Officer scheduled for May 26. . Audrey, Sue, and Lynne attended the Diversity Summit on April 27 which was held as recommended by the Cultural Diversity Task Force. The Summit consisted of more awareness building, and dialogue about the need for economic support. There is commitment in establishing a Multicultural Commission. The City reported on sponsoring the Oral History Project, however the MAC was not mentioned. c Sexual Harassment Audrey reported that this task force hasn't met for some time and she will be talking with members to schedule a time when they can all get together. o Work Plans The Commission's 1994 Work Plan does not include work plans or timelines for the newly formed task forces. Audrey asked members if the Work Plan should be amended now or at the end of the year. Members preferred to wait and include information about these task forces' activities in the annual year end report. Audrey also reminded members to take minutes at their task force meetings and to advise Joan Busch when meetings are scheduled so dates and times can be posted. o Review of Traditional Activities Audrey asked if a chair had been appointed to this task force. As members were uncertain, Audrey will contact Chris Wood (informal chair) and ask her to draft a work plan and timeline for this task Commission on the Status of Women Monthly Meeting Minutes May 16, 1994 Page 4 force. o Youth Commission A Youth Commission is being formed and members discussed the possibility of having a liaison to this group. The Commission generated interest and indicated a need in this area about two years ago. o Multicultural Commission The Commission on the Status of Women was asked by the City Clerk to discuss the recommendation of a Commission member to serve on the Multicultural Commission which will be created with representatives from CSU, Poudre R-1, Chamber of Commerce and the City. Mayor Ann Azari and Council Member Gina Janett, will be interviewing interested representatives and selecting two individuals to represent the City. Amy Beuschlein expressed interest in serving on ' this new commission. It was moved, seconded and passed that Amy represent the Commission on the Status of Women. ADJOURN Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.