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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 - Human Relations Commission - Annual ReportHuman Relations Commission 2015 Annual Report HRC Mission Statement The Human Relations Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the City Council and serves community members of the City of Fort Collins. The HRC discourages all forms of discrimination and promotes acceptance and respect for diversity through education, programs and activities. Introduction: Consistent with city Code and HRC’s Mission Statement, as community leaders and advisors to City Council, in 2015 HRC researched, deliberated and took proactive and responsive measures to promote the dignity of individuals and groups in Fort Collins. The 2015 Human Relations Commissioners were Colleen Conway, Myles Crane, Christy Doyon, Christine Hays, Joseph D. Leske, Jimena Sagas, Preety Sathe, Victor Smith, and Mary Vivo. HRC continued with a broad plan for supporting human relations issues that were pertinent to the City of Fort Collins, aligning its goals with City Outcome Areas of Community and Neighborhood Livability, Safe Community and High Performing Government. A variety of speakers shared their insights at Commission meetings addressing various social sustainability issues, community inclusivity and those issues consistent with City Outcome areas that also addressed respect for diversity. There was an increase in public input and comment with community members contributing to most HRC meetings in 2015. Fort Collins citizens are engaged and involved with making their city a safe and welcoming community. HRC remains responsive to City Council requests for review and advice on various issues brought to them by citizens. In 2015 the HRC connected with the evolving City Council Work Plan to enable the commission to be more proactive to advise Council on issues relating to the HRC mission and mandates. HRC recommended an action regarding the Public Indecency Ordinance. HRC recommended an action regarding the Camping Ordinance. Recommendations on Dr. Clayton Hurd's “ Social Inclusion and Sustainability Project” was tabled for action in 2016 to include the second part of his research and to allow HRC more time to evaluate his research and recommendations. An initial HRC recommendation for a street crossing for the Buckingham neighborhood was discussed. HRC Committee Reports: Educational Outreach Committee • During the past year HRC’s Educational Outreach Committee co-sponsored with the Poudre River Library Public District a series of bi-monthly forums on Mental Health. The topics covered in 2015 were Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: Resources for Disaster Survivors, Veterans, Emergency Caregivers, and Abuse Survivors; Mental Health Issues Impacting Law Enforcement and the Penal System; Mental Health Issues Impacting Homelessness, Joblessness, and Poverty; Community Input: How to De-Stigmatize Mental Health Issues. The Office of the City Attorney confirmed to the HRC that these Forums would be consistent with HRC’s mission because the stigma attached to mental health can often result in discrimination in employment and inclusivity in a community. • Due to the success of the Mental Health Forums as well as the partnership with Harmony Library, the EOC began planning for a series of forums promoting diversity. Media/Community Recognition Committee • The HRC conducted a search for individuals, groups, companies and organizations that inspire contributions and leadership on behalf of minority or disadvantaged residents for the betterment of the community. • The HRC provided extensive communications about the Mental Health Forum series to City Council and members of the community on cable local radio, letters and soapboxes published in the Coloradoan and other print media. • A Media and Community Recognition Committee member participated at the City’s Multicultural Conference at Colorado State University Mountain Campus. • On December 1st the HRC Awards were attended by the Mayor and several members of City Council as well as representatives from the City Manager’s office. The presentation of the awards coincided with the Mayor’s proclamation of International Human Rights Day. Recipients were chosen for actively promoting acceptance and diversity in Fort Collins. The recipients and categories were: Kidee Akullo, Youth; Leah Barrett, Adult; Alma Vigo-Morales, Senior; Homeless Gear, Non-Profit Organization; Wirestone, For Profit Organization; Sergeant Kent Robinson, Police and Emergency Services. Government Relations Committee • Meetings at City Council, Citizen Review Board, and American Civil Liberties Union were attended or monitored. • Sergeant Kent Robinson of Fort Collins Police Services provided the annual training for the Citizen Liaison Program. • After each HRC meeting, HRC sent meeting highlight summaries to City Council and other Boards and Commissions. • HRC Commissioners monitored the City Council Work Plan to stay informed about upcoming issues. • Community input to Council was monitored for topics that are relevant to the HRC. Input regarding homelessness and the Tres Colonias neighborhoods are two of the topics HRC will continue to explore. Executive Committee • Scheduled agendas for HRC monthly and special meetings. • Ensured appropriate communication with the Council Liaison and City Council. • Delegated issues to committees as appropriate. • Provided support to HRC committees as needed. Conclusion: This annual report was based on HRC’s 2014-2015 Work plan. The two year plan was an experiment at the time and requires HRC planning to be fluid in order to address issues that arise. HRC looks forward to continuing its advisory capacity to City Council and building bridges in the Fort Collins Community in 2016.