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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017 - Human Relations Commission - Annual ReportFort Collins Human Relations Commission 2017 Annual Report 1 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 The 2017 Human Relations Commissioners: Kimberly Allison, Jimena Bretón, Colleen Conway, Johanna Ulloa Girón, Susan Mathre, Joseph Somodi, Victor Smith, Nancy Tellez, and Laura Vetrano. The 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: Neighborhood Livability and Social Health, Safe Community and High Performing Government. Consistent with City Code and HRC’s Mission Statement, as community leaders and advisors to City Council, in 2017 the HRC researched, deliberated and took proactive and responsive measures to promote the dignity of individuals and groups in Fort Collins. HRC responded to City Council requests to review and advise Council re: various issues brought to them by citizens. Public input and comments contributed to most HRC meetings in 2017. A variety of speakers shared their insights at Commission meetings by addressing issues re: homelessness, Outreach Fort Collins, immigration status, affordable housing, social sustainability, awareness of resources at CSU, inclusivity and respect for diversity. In 2017 the HRC continued to monitor the evolving City Council Six Month Planning Calendar to enable the Commission to proactively advise Council on pending issues relating to the HRC mission and mandates. HRC INITIATIVES In 2017 the HRC continued involvement with the Community Equity Consortium (CEC), a collaborative dedicated to furthering the cause of equity and inclusion with representation from various agencies throughout the community. The HRC collaborated with the Community Trust group and Fuerza Latina re: issues relating to fair and just treatment of members of the immigrant community. Fort Collins Human Relations Commission 2017 Annual Report 2 The HRC held an all-day retreat to introduce new members to the HRC, evaluate the HRC duties and mission and make plans for the year. The HRC took an active role to set up mediation re: allegations of racial slurs and discrimination based on race and sexual orientation. The HRC researched and solicited input re: the draft ordinance Appropriate Use of Public Spaces. The HRC was instrumental in fielding ideas and providing feedback for the proposed Community Trust Ordinance re: The City’s role in establishing clear guidelines for the treatment of all community members. The HRC provided suggestions for candidates to participate in the Human Right to Water panel. The HRC collaborated with Human Relations Commissions from several Front Range communities to share ideas about a possible co-sponsored 2018 conference. The HRC hosted the annual HRC Awards Ceremony to recognize people in the community who promote diversity, equity and inclusion. The HRC planned, produced and directed the first annual FoCo Speaks Out! event that was held in December at Bas Bleu Theatre. MEMOS TO CITY COUNCIL Memos to City Council were sent regarding: - Input to Council re: The Proposed Ordinance: Appropriate Use of Public Space. - Input to Council re: The Proposed Community Trust Ordinance. - A message to Council responding to the distribution of hate flyers in the community and suggestions for actions. HRC COMMITTEE REPORTS Education and Outreach Committee - Participated in ‘City to City’ Collaborative a multi-city Human Relations Commission collaborative which is planning a statewide forum for 2018. This statewide collaborative is in alignment with city Key Outcome Areas of High Performing Government and HRC By-laws. -Recognizing the Human Relation Commission’s mission of “discouragement of all forms of discrimination and promoting acceptance and respect for diversity” and in alignment with City Key Fort Collins Human Relations Commission 2017 Annual Report 3 Outcome’s Areas of Social Health, Safe Community and High Performing Government the HRC researched and identified potential high-profile guests to bring to Fort Collins for educational forums. This Included Dr. Peggy McIntosh a well know civil rights leader and educator on privilege. Commissioners contacted or met with city leaders, the City Attorney’s office and CSU leadership for advice and suggestions for meeting this goal. This also aligned with HRC Bylaws: “to collaborate and continue to develop liaisons with other organizations to present, cultural and educational activities to the Fort Collins community.” - In partnership with the Poudre Library District/Connect to Curiosity, CSU Office of the Vice President of Diversity and TILT, the HRC planned a presentation January 22, 2018, viewing of Cracking the Codes-The system of Racial Inequity with a facilitated discussion. This event met the HRC’s mission of “discouragement of all forms of discrimination and promoting acceptance and respect for diversity through education, programs and activities” This event will be in alignment with City Outcome Areas of Social Health and Safe Community and consistent with HRC Bylaws -The EOC met with CSU Vice-President for Diversity, Mary Ontiveros December 10th, 2017 to discuss potential 2018 events coordinating with CSU and other City and State leadership. This was in alignment with HRC’s mission “…to promote acceptance and respect for diversity through education, programs and activities.” And further aligning with City Key Outcome area’s High performing government Media/Community Recognition Committee -HRC Awards webpage was updated to include nomination forms that are multi-lingual. Past award recipients’ photos and profiles were added to the site to create a better reference as to the background of people who received the award previously and to create excitement among possible nominators. - The Annual HRC Awards Ceremony was held December 5th 2017. The Award Recipients were: Youth Award – Herman Chavez Adult Award – Dr. Janina Farinas Senior Award – Sue Ferguson Organization Award – ChildSafe Police/Emergency Services Award – Lt. Jeremy Yonce - The awards presentation coincided with the Mayor’s proclamation of International Human Rights Day which was accepted by Jimena Britón for the HRC. The HRC in partnership with Poudre River Library District, Ignite and other community volunteers presented - FoCo Speaks Out! a professional production held on December 6, 2017, at Bas Bleu Theatre, featured five keynote speakers, musicians and artists who encouraged community members to become more invested in the cause of diversity, equity and inclusion in Fort Collins. Government Relations Committee - Attended and monitored City Council and Citizen Review Board meetings. - Monitored the City Council Calendar to stay informed about upcoming issues. Fort Collins Human Relations Commission 2017 Annual Report 4 - Monitored public input at Council meetings for topics that were relevant to the HRC. - Drafted memos to City Council implementing Commissioner input. 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 2016/2017 Work Plan. Some goals were changed to further align with City Council’s Six-Month Planning Calendar and to respond to current events and requests from the community and City Council. HRC will continue to advise City Council and promote inclusivity within the Fort Collins community in 2018.