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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019 - Human Relations Commission - Annual Report Human Relations Commission 2019 Annual Report 2019 ANNUAL REPORT Page 1 HRC Mission Statement As community leaders and advisors, the Human Relations Commission collaborates, educates and advocates for equity and inclusion in the City of Fort Collins. INTRODUCTION The 2019 Human Relations Commissioners: Colleen Conway, Phil Walker, Eva Amason, Cindy Davis, Sean Dellenbach, Julia Mackewich, Wendy True, Jean Runyon and Victor Smith. 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 2019 the HRC researched, deliberated and took proactive and responsive measures to promote the dignity of individuals and groups in Fort Collins. The HRC held an all-day facilitated retreat to introduce new members to the HRC, evaluate the HRC duties and mission and make plans for 2019. In 2019, 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. A number of guest speakers were invited or requested to speak to the HRC including: Christine Macrina, Board and Commissions Coordinator, reviewed introduction to B&C video. Jenny Lopez-Filkins, Senior Assistant City Attorney, expanded upon her role as our legal liaison. Delany McNally, Intergenerational Conversations, initiative expanding to Fort Human Relations Commission 2019 Annual Report 2019 ANNUAL REPORT Page 2 Collins Emily Gorgol, City Councilmember, conducted a Periodic Review, reviewed HRC projects and how she can support as liaison Lexie Kuznick, Women’s Commission, discussed current efforts to support the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) Jan Iron, Peter Jacobs, Meg Bonahoom, Northern Colorado Intertribal Powwow Association (NCIPA), discuss activities and volunteer opportunities around Northern Colorado Powwow HRC INITIATIVES After conversations with Mary Ontiveros of CSU in 2018, the HRC has worked on materializing the idea of a Crisis Response Team for the City of Fort Collins. CSU has such a group; they are responsible for a public, swift and inclusive response to acts of hate or bias within the campus community or student body. The HRC met with City Manager Darin Atteberry, Mayor Wade Troxell and Councilmember Kristen Stephens to hear their thoughts on the HRC’s recommendation of adopting a similar approach through City Council and City Management.. The HRC purchased Transforming White Privilege, curriculum from World Trust, with the intention of expanding our educational work on inclusion and bias within the City of Fort Collins in partnership with Social Sustainability and the HRC City staff liaison. There was interest identified in including a Student Liaison role with the HRC. This would encourage youth perspective and participation in our community. There were initial joint meetings with Jenny Lopez Filkins, Carol Thomas, Colleen Conway and Julia Mackewich to discuss interpretation of the HRC’s functions within City Code. The HRC would like to amend City Code to allow this role and is in discussion with Councilmember Emily Gorgol about this possibility. The City has alerted boards and commissions to wait on amending codes or bylaws while efforts are underway to Reimagine Boards and Commissions as a Council initiative.. MEMO TO CITY COUNCIL Human Relations Commission 2019 Annual Report 2019 ANNUAL REPORT Page 3 A memo to City Council was sent regarding: Input to Council re: Welcome and Request for Action, May 3rd, 2019 This memo welcomed new members to Council and asked City leaders to be brave in their response to and admonishment of hate or bias motivated events. Commissioners: Colleen Conway, Eva Amason and Cindy Davis went in person to Fort Collins City Council meeting on May 7th, 2019 to read the memo during public comment. HRC COMMITTEE REPORTS Media/Community Recognition Committee Organized the annual Human Relations Awards ceremony to celebrate those in the community who work to advance human rights and well-being. By partnering with the Women’s Commission on their Marcile N. Wood award, we were able to be more effective in our audience reach, use of resources, time and promoting collaboration between boards and commissions. Human Relation Awardees below. Johanna Ulloa Giron Adult recipient Delaney McNally Youth recipient Mary Ontiveros Senior recipient Kate Kimble Police and emergency services recipient Compass Community Collaborative School Organization recipient Government Relations Committee Attended and monitored City Council meetings. Monitored the City Council Calendar to stay informed about upcoming issues. Monitored public input at Council meetings for topics that were relevant to the HRC. Began communications with Department of Social Sustainability and City leaders on Principles of Community. Executive Committee Scheduled agendas for HRC monthly and special meetings. Human Relations Commission 2019 Annual Report 2019 ANNUAL REPORT Page 4 Ensured appropriate communication with the Council Liaison and City Council. Delegated issues to committees as appropriate. Provided support to HRC committees as needed. Education and Outreach Committee This committee built upon our history of sharing Cracking the Codes: The System of Racial Inequity, an educational workshop. The HRC was able to offer multiple sessions of this workshop to the community throughout 2019. This committee organized advertising, marketing and facilitation. Multiple facilitators shared their perspectives and expertise in this area by coaching a group to a deeper understanding of unconscious bias. This event was in alignment with City Outcome Areas of Social Health and Safe Community and consistent with HRC Bylaws. CONCLUSION This annual report was based on HRC’s 2019/2020 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. In 2020, this commission will advocate for equitable advancements in our community, while remaining alert and responsive to current events. The HRC will continue to act in an advisory capacity to City Council, with a vision to enhance acceptance and respect in our growing community.