HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 - Human Relations Commission - Work Plan1
Fort Collins Human Relations Commission
2015 Work Plan
As Community leaders and advisors to City Council, we research, deliberate and
take proactive and responsive measures to promote the dignity of individuals and
groups in Fort Collins. HRC Mission Statement
For 2015, the Fort Collins Human Relations Commission will continue with a
broad plan for supporting human relations issues that are pertinent to the City of
Fort Collins consistent with aligning their focus on City Outcomes such as
Community and Neighborhood Livability and Safe Communities. Responsibilities
are divided among HRC’s four Committees, but are not exclusive to any one
Committee. Our Commission has pledged to become informed about human
relations issues and events within Fort Collins and recommend appropriate
action to City Council.
Below are HRC’s Goals followed by a brief synopsis of HRC’s Standing
Committee structure, functions and ongoing responsibilities.
GOALS
HRC has established the following goals for 2015:
1. The HRC has developed this Work Plan for 2015 aligning its goals with
City outcomes for Community and Neighborhood Livability and Safe
Community.
2. The HRC will continue to recognize members of the community at an
annual HRC Awards event in collaboration with the Senior Advisory Board
and possibly the Youth Advisory Board.
3. The HRC will present a series of educational programs with the goal to
end stigmatization connected with mental health issues.
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4. The HRC will support educational outreach initiatives in collaboration with
various constituencies for Fort Collins to be recognized as a healthy age-
friendly community.
5. The HRC has communicated the Commission’s support to Council for a
multi-cultural diversity conference or other diversity activities as currently
under consideration by the City. If such events are approved, the HRC will
designate a commissioner or community member to participate in the
planning.
6. The HRC will streamline the publicity process for its event planning
including development of a media resources plan and kit consistent with
the City’s standards and practices.
7. The HRC will provide a mentoring program to welcome new members and
provide seamless integration to orient them to committee assignments.
8. The HRC will continue its role as a proactive advisory resource for City
Council concerning equity and social justice.
The EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE shall…
Determine meeting agendas for monthly HRC meetings and special meetings.
Maintain regular communication with HRC’s City Council Liaison and City
Council.
Delegate issues for resolution to standing or to special committees.
Provide support to HRC committees as needed.
Call special meetings when problem resolution of urgent issues is needed.
The GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE shall…
Act as primary point of contact for the Citizen Liaison Program which assists
citizens in filing complaints with Fort Collins Police Services. Coordinate with
Police Services to train people in the Citizen Liaison Program and to allow
effective utilization of the program within the complaint process. Maintain a list of
interpreters to assist with translation in filing complaints.
Keep a calendar of City Council meetings and solicit HRC members to monitor
City Council agendas and attend or view meetings as appropriate; develop
protocol for attendance at City Council meetings; specifically monitoring the
Community Open mic period at the beginning of Council sessions. Address City
Council as needed and report back to the HRC.
Attend Citizen Review Board meetings and provide assistance upon its request.
Help to educate citizens and recommend actions which promote positive
relations among community members, Fort Collins Police Services and the
Citizen Review Board.
Review proposed legislation, policy changes or other governmental action at the
federal, state or local level which may affect human rights and civil liberties in
the City in order to make recommendations regarding the same, as appropriate.
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Research and recommend actions necessary to achieve: equal employment
opportunities; equal housing opportunities; equal public accommodation
opportunities and the best possible Fort Collins government/community relations
in all fields of government.
The MEDIA/COMMUNITY RECOGNITION COMMITTEE shall…
Foster cooperative relations with media to increase visibility of HRC’s work.
Draft necessary articles or communication pieces to support the work of the
HRC.
Plan, coordinate and execute an Annual HRC Awards event.
Maintain the HRC website and brochure, working with the City staff.
The EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH COMMITTEE shall…
Create a better understanding of community inclusivity through educational
programs and/or events relating to cultural, ethnic, racial, gender, age, disability
and/or other diversity issues.
Keep the Commission current on topics involving diversity and equality and
advise Council on matters where action may need to be taken.
Increase our collaboration with new and existing committees and organizations
in Fort Collins as well as pursue opportunities to coordinate and collaborate with
City Boards and Commissions that have similar functions.
Partner with other organizations to assist in outreach programming and direct
responsiveness to queries and situations.
Submitted November 18, 2013