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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021 - Human Relations Commission - Annual Report Human Relations Commission 2021 Annual Report 2021 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 2021 Human Relations Commissioners included Eva Amason, Denise Favela Apodaca, Oscar Felix, Beth Jaeger, Julia Mackewich, Jean Runyon, Victor Smith, Wendy True, and Phil Walker. 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, the HRC researched, deliberated and took proactive and responsive measures to promote the dignity of individuals and groups in Fort Collins. The HRC held a retreat in January to introduce new members to the HRC, evaluate the HRC duties and mission, and make plans for 2021. MONTHLY MEETINGS A number of guest speakers were invited or requested to speak to the HRC in order to build community relationships, learn about issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion in Fort Collins, and to advocate for social justice. Some of the HRC’s monthly meeting guests included: Tom Gonzales, Larimer County Public Health Director; Katie O’Donnell, Public Information Officer, and Sergio Torres, COVID- Human Relations Commission 2021 Annual Report 2021 ANNUAL REPORT Page 2  19 Outreach Specialist, discussed how the County is addressing COVID vaccine hesitancy and ensuring equitable access to the COVID vaccine. (2/21) Patricia Miller, Executive Director, Alianza Norco; Claudia Perez, Program Manager, La Cocina, discussed the proposed Fort Collins Immigration Legal Defense Fund. (4/21) Mayor Pro-Tem Emily Francis discussed City Council priorities and HRC alignment with these initiatives. (5/21) Kit Baker, Fundraising Manager, Colorado Indigenous Peoples Day, discussed a potential resolution to establish an Indigenous Peoples Day in Fort Collins. (5/21) Kathleen Mitchell, Director, Front Range Community College Law Enforcement Academy, discussed efforts to address equity, inclusion and diversity in the Academy’s curriculum. (6/21) Rabbi Hillel Katzir and Reverend David Williams discussed religious discrimination in Fort Collins and provided an overview of the “Our Commitment to Self and Society” community initiative. (7/21) Mayor Jeni Arndt and Mayor Pro-Tem Emily Francis discussed City Council’s 2021-2023 priorities and the HRC’s potential role to support issues related to equity, inclusion and diversity. (8/21) Chief Jeff Swoboda, Fort Collins Police Services, discussed FCPS’ diversity, equity and inclusion policies and practices. (9/21) Claudia Menendez, Chief DEI Officer, City of Fort Collins; Kauline Cipriani, Vice President for Inclusive Excellence, Colorado State University; and Abenicio Rael, Executive Director of Equity and Inclusion, Front Range Community College, discussed their priorities as diversity, equity and inclusion leaders. (10/21) HRC INITIATIVES The HRC offered a two-part training, “What About White Privilege?” to the community on October 18th (19 participants) and October 28th (24 participants). Both sessions were held at the Fort Collins Senior Center and facilitated by Tony Goggans, President, Rubicon Institute for Inclusion. The purpose of the training was to advance racial equity by offering participants an opportunity to: Human Relations Commission 2021 Annual Report 2021 ANNUAL REPORT Page 3   Increase their awareness of how white privilege operates  Learn more about how to instigate change in their spheres of influence  Increase their confidence in talking about white privilege  Advance their ability to make a compelling case for addressing white privilege  Have additional tools to work towards racial equity After the completion of this training, several program participants took the initiative to establish a “book club” to discuss books related to diversity, equity and inclusion issues. MEMO TO CITY COUNCIL The HRC sent a memo to City Council and City leaders regarding the following topics:  Requesting HRC participation in the selection of the new leader of the City’s Equity and Inclusion Office. (2/21)  Requesting support for and allocation of funds to establish an Immigration Legal Defense Fund. (4/21)  Advocating for the establishment of the Amache National Historic Site. (5/21) HRC COMMITTEE REPORTS Media/Community Recognition Committee:  Organized the annual Human Relations Awards ceremony to recognize individuals and organizations in our community that promote equity, inclusion and diversity. The Awards Ceremony was held on December 7, 2021 at City Hall and celebrated the following recipients: Youth Award: Dylan Lindsey Individual Award: Miriam “Mims” Harris Individual Award: Pastor David Williams Organization Award: Interfaith Solidarity and Accompaniment Coalition of NOCO (ISAAC) Human Relations Commission 2021 Annual Report 2021 ANNUAL REPORT Page 4  Public Service Personnel: Anne Million, Poudre River Public Library District 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. Education and Outreach Committee:  Organized and delivered the “What About White Privilege?” training in October 2021. 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 2021 Work Plan. Some goals were altered due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with unexpected resignations of three HRC members due to professional and personal reasons. As we enter 2022, the HRC is excited to begin its work. The commission will continue to advocate for equitable advancements in our community, while remaining alert and responsive to current events. The HRC will act in an advisory capacity to City Council, with a vision to enhance human rights and social justice in our growing community.