HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/08/2024 - HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION - AGENDA - Regular Meeting
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
City Contact Person: Melanie Clark, Executive Administrative Assistant, Office of Equity
& Inclusion – MCLARK@fcgov.com or hrc@fcgov.com
February 8, 2024, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
In-Person Location:
CIC Room, City Hall, 300 LaPorte Avenue
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1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. AGENDA REVIEW
4. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES – JANUARY 11, 2024
5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
6. BUDGET REVIEW
7. NEW BUSINESS
O FOLLOW-UP: FEBRUARY 4TH DEIJ NETWORKING EVENT; DISCUSSION OF
DEIJ “DIRECTORY”
O FOLLOW-UP: HRC SUPPORT OF PROPOSED RESOLUTION RE: CEASE FIRE
IN ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR
8. OLD BUSINESS
• COMMITTEE REPORTS:
O EDUCATION OUTREACH – UPDATE RE: “CROSS CULTURAL
COMMUNICATION” AND “HUMAN LIBRARY” PROGRAMS
O MEDIA/COMMUNITY RECOGNITION COMMITTEE – FOLLOW-UP: PLANNING
FOR 2024 HUMAN RELATIONS AWARDS
O GOVERNMENT RELATIONS – UPDATE RE: DISCUSSION WITH JENNY LOPEZ
FILKINS RE: LOCAL GOVERNMENT WEAPON ORDINANCES (REVIEW DRAFT
AMENDMENT TO 2024 WORK PLAN)
O EXECUTIVE – CONFIRMATION RE: MARCH 27TH MEETING WITH THE
LARIMER COUNTY EDI ADVISORY BOARD
9. ANNOUNCEMENTS
10. NEXT STEPS
O MEETING ACTION ITEMS
O NEXT MEETING – MARCH 14TH – AGENDA ITEMS?
O ADJOURNMENT
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
Thursday, January 11, 2024 – 5:30 PM
City Hall; 300 Laporte Ave, CIC Conference Room
Zoom: https://fcgov.zoom.us/j/99439209110
Webinar ID: 994 3920 9110
1. CALL TO ORDER: 5:32 pm
2. ROLL CALL
a. Board Members Present – Beth Jaeger, Barb Kistler, Phil Walker, Kevin Goff, Masood
Ahmad, Coronda Ziegler, Teresa Cribelli, Miho Yoshioka
b. Board Members Absent – Kyle Teramoto
c. Staff Members Present – Jan Reece, Lead Equal Opportunity Compliance Specialist,
Melanie Clark, Staff Liaison
d. Guest(s) – Cheryl Distaso, NoCo Liberation Corporation, Madeline Greg
3. AGENDA REVIEW
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. November 9, 2023
Masood motioned to approve the minutes from November 9, 2023. Teresa Cribelli
seconded the motion. Motion passed 6 -0
b. Review November 30, 2023 Special Meeting Notes
5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
a. Cheryl Distaso is currently working with NoCo Liberation Coalition, who are working to
raise awareness of the devastating situation in Gaza. Cheryl stated South Africa began
to make its case at the International Port of Justice, that Israel is committing genocide
against the Palestinians of Gaza. In that hearing it was indicated that 23,210 Palestinians
had been killed by Israeli forces during sustained attacks over the last three months. She
stated that at least 70% amongst those were women and children.
They will be asking City Council to join 15 other cities and pass the cease fire resolution
and are seeking the support of the Human Relations Commission for the resolution.
Cheryl stated that they are hearing that local governments only hear local issues . She
explained that City of Fort Collins has passed several resolutions in 1985, 2003 and in
2013 that were related to global issues.
Beth questioned the timing that this would be brought forth to Council. Cheryl stated that
they have started conversations, but it will likely be sometime in February.
Beth asked if there were any other cities in Colorado participating. Cheryl stated 15 cities
have passed resolutions. She explained that Denver is contemplating it and Boulder is
also looking at it.
Beth asked if they have written a draft resolution. Cheryl stated that they are in the
process and will send the draft to this Commission. Beth stated that it would be helpful if
Cheryl could forward a draft of the resolution to review so that the HRC would be ab le to
discuss.
Madeline shared that she is an organizer for NoCo Liberation and works in K12
education. She has been deeply impacted by the news coming out of the Gaza strip.
Over the last three months there have relentless assaults on the human rights of the
Palestinians. She is also deeply distressed that the Gaza strip’s area where 40% of the
population are children and about 40% of those killed by Israel in the last 90 days were
children. When looking at the death count, she realized that the number of children in
Gaza would be the equivalent of annihilating the population of her school 12 times over.
Madeline stated our tax dollars are used to fund packages as large as 14.3 billion dollars
to Israel and President Biden has gone as far as to override congress to adva nce these
packages. She feels powerless as her tax dollars are used to write blank checks to
funding genocide while also saying that justice initiatives important to this community
such as housing, education, combatting climate justice, and reparations for indigenous
people and the descendants of the enslaved Africans, are “too expensive”.
Madeline stated that we need an immediate cease fire.
Cheryl explained, when they did the Patriot Act Resolution, they included direction for
City Council to write to the President and all of our national Congress people.
The HRC will discuss its support for the Resolution in February after reviewing the draft
language.
6. BUDGET REVIEW
Beth shared that the budget as of December broke even for 2023.
7. NEW BUSINESS
a. Update February 4th DEIJ Networking Event; discussion of DEIJ “directory”
The planning committee has finalized everything except for the structure of the event but
are working on finalizing the details. So far, they believe they will have three different
phases.
The Larimer County Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Board has agreed to cohost
the event.
El Diablo will be catering the food.
The hope is to build a directory for those who are working in the community on DEIJ
issues. This idea came about as it was realized there were a lot of people doing this
work but may be siloed.
$1,000 has been allocated to the cost of the food. Other than that, the cost of the room
reservation are the only other costs.
Beth asked how other members of the HRC would be participating. Barb explained that it
is a networking event so it would be great if folks would like to come and help facilitate
folks meeting each other. She stated that the Larimer County EDI Advisory Board has
also been invited.
Beth encouraged all Commission members to attend as it is an opportunity to build their
own network.
The Commission will need to discuss how to build and maintain the directory.
b. Review: HRC Annual Report
Beth asked for feedback on the 2023 annual report, which is due to the City by January
31st. She congratulated Commission members for all the accomplishments in the last
year.
Barb motioned to approve the 2023 annual report. Masood seconded the motion. Motion
passed 7-0
8. OLD BUSINESS
a. Committee Reports:
• Education Outreach
Coronda stated that based on previous conversations and feedback from the
community they are considering a training around cross cultural communication.
The goal would be to talk about how people might communicate across different
cultures.
Barb and Alma have volunteered their time to facilitate the program.
Coronda asked Commission members to think about timing and location for the
event.
Barb shared that the commission considered the topic of white supremacy in
November of last year but couldn’t come up with who would be willing to
volunteer to facilitate.
Phil stated that he would be in favor of having this training every year.
Teresa shared that she used to teach race issues and has a lot of material she
could share and would be willing to facilitate in the future. She really likes what
is currently planned.
Coronda asked if the topic is good for everyone or should they consider
something different. Commission members agreed on the topic and hosting at
Senior Center again.
Barb shared that because the Human Library will take place in August, she
suggests hosting the event in October. Coronda agreed stating that it offers
opportunity to also share information about the Human Relations awards.
Melanie will look at room reservations for a Wednesday in October at the Senior
Center.
Beth shared an update regarding the Human Library program. She stated she
and Barb met with collaborators with the Museum in November. The Museum
received a grant to host this program. The money has to be expended by
September of 2024. The museum will be h aving two exhibits in the fall about
skin and bias. They just received agreement to move forward with the Human
Library.
Last year, they didn’t have strong administrative support to build a guide for
others to be able to host an event in their own communities. Solara Clark has
agreed to fill this role and support the whole project.
Beth stated this event is becoming part of the fabric of the City, which is really
exciting.
Coronda,Teresa, and Miho would like to be part of the planning committee. Barb
will share this with Laura Valdez who is coordinating the invitations for the
meetings.
• Media/Community Recognition Committee – December 5th Human
Relations Awards: Plus/Delta
Beth asked Commission members to share what went well and what they would
like to do different in relation to the call for nominations and selection process,
award program, date, location, refreshments and the overall event.
Call for nominations and the selection process:
What went well:
Melanie’s work with the City to make sure everything was updated and out
on time. We were able to have a full 5 weeks to receive nominations.
Went a lot better than in the past.
Much better to have categories and combining organization/team.
What should we change:
Include on nomination form, language that communicates to be full in the
nomination. Be more explicit about asking for stories and encouraging
nominators to be more detailed and specific.
How does the Commission get a fuller sense of the nominees. Ask more
detailed/specific questions in the nomination form.
Nominations seem to be based on who you know, but what about the
others that are doing work, but are not as well known? Is there a way to
bring them forward? Have an avenue to create a way for organizations to
showcase what they are doing all year. Create a vehicle where
businesses and organizations can be involved.
We can think about how we communicate and promote the award. Give
more time to market and promote. Start the nomination period earlier. Be
clearer in the criteria and questions asked. Also create a rubric for how the
Commission determines the award recipients.
Marketing – at Feb 4th event have information ready. Every time we meet
is an opportunity to remind folks.
Possibility to do a follow up email to those who nominated and those who
were nominated. This already happens. Everyone who is nominated and
nominates, receives an email and invitation to the ceremony.
Use the follow up email to remind folks that the awards ceremony takes
place every year.
Create a list serve to be able to send reminders to folks.
Beth stated that they will use the March meeting to do a 2024 program
mock up and look at how they would like to implement for December.
Award Program Date, Venue, and Refreshments:
What went well:
Beth’s organization was really appreciated.
Like the idea of it happening in City Hall, Council Chambers.
Gotten better every year.
Good process.
Really liked the food tables being along the back of the room and the flow.
It was a stellar event and everyone did a great job.
What should we change:
Would like for the event to happen on a night other than a Council meeting
night. It felt really tight at the beginning and end of the event with the
Council activities.
Length of the reception felt a little too long. Felt like folks really just wanted
to get into the ceremony.
Commission members liked the idea of shortening the length of the
reception, possibly to 45 minutes.
Should we create the space during the event for networking between
organizations and specifically say that this is an opportunity.
Name tag and ribbon to recognize nominees.
Consider reaching out to Art in Public Places to have local artists submit
artwork for a new award every year.
Beth proposed that a few Commission members get together with the
recommendations and move forward. Coronda, Masood, Kyle and Beth will be
the subcommittee.
• Government Relations – Meeting with Jenny Lopez Filkins re: local
government weapon ordinances
Barb shared that City Council has started their 2024 session. There is only one
turnover with Melanie Potyondy replacing Shirley Peel in District 4.
The petition against Land Development Code was successful. Council will be
going back to the drawing board to address this issue.
Beth and Barb met with Jenny Lopez Filkins to consider gun control in the City.
They did significant research on what has been done and found that local
entities can now introduce local laws. Boulder has implemented more localized
gun restrictions in particular in City owned facilities and spaces that are at risk
such as childcare centers.
They inquired if the scope of HRC would include pursuing gun control; after
review, Jenny will respond to the HRC with a decision.
Commission members were asked if they would be in favor of proposing
restrictions of carrying weapons in high -risk areas.
Masood motioned to approve looking at proposing restrictions. Coronda second
the motion. Motion passed 7-0. The HRC will discuss this issue further after
receiving additional guidance from Jenny.
Teresa shared that she attended a lecture where they talked about expensive
housing and how it is the biggest economic impact to Colorado. As well, there is
a major demographic shift of older folks. There are only 2 counties in Colorado
that have an abundance of young people (Weld and Pueblo Counties). This will
impact all other counties later as there will be less people to do the jobs as
people retire.
Teresa stated that she also heard that affordable housing is top on the list for
Colorado Legislature and it would be good to pay attention to what’s happening
in Denver too.
Barb stated that this would be a good opportunity to continue to network with
other Boards regarding housing. Affordable housing continues to be the most
critical issue.
• Executive – Final 2024 HRC Workplan; follow up re: March meeting with
the Larimer County EDI Advisory Board
Beth shared an invitation to attend a joint meeting with Larimer County EDI
Board. This builds on the idea the Commission have been talking about to build
a connection with the Board, get to know them and seek opportunities for
collaboration. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 27th. More
details will be discussed in February.
Coronda motioned to support the meeting. Teresa second. The motion passed
7-0
Melanie will look into whether this needs to be posted as a public meeting.
9. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Teresa stated that April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month and last
year President Biden designated April 2nd as Autism Awareness Day. This year,
she would like to have a proclamation reading and reception and has been
working on making this happen. It would be great for Commission members to
attend and support the event.
Teresa will attend the next Disability Advisory Board meeting to invite them and
offer the opportunity to collaborate on the proclamation and event.
Beth noted that in April the Commission will elect officers and asked all members
to be thinking about leadership roles.
10. NEXT STEPS
a. Meeting action items
b. Next Meeting – February 8, 2024 – Agenda items?
11. ADJOURNMENT
a. 7:26 pm
Minutes approved by the Chair and a vote of the Board/Commission on xx/xx/xxxx
xx/xx/xxxx – MINUTES Page 1
[PROPOSED]
RESOLUTION 2024-XXX
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
CALLING FOR AN IMMEDIATE AND PERMANENT CEASEFIRE IN GAZA AND OCCUPIED
WEST BANK, IMMEDIATE, UNHINDERED HUMANITARIAN AID INTO GAZA, AND RELEASE
OF ALL HOSTAGES AND ARBITRARILY DETAINED PALESTINI AN CIVILIANS
WHEREAS, the City of Fort Collins recognizes that all lives are precious, that Palestinian lives and Israeli lives
have the same value, that innocent civilians should never be collateral damage, and that the targeting of
civilians, no matter their faith or ethnicity, is a violation of international humanitarian law; and
WHEREAS, on October 7th, an estimated 1200 Israeli civilians were killed and 250 people were taken hostage,
and since October 7th, over 24,500 Palestinians in Gaza, including 10,800 children and 7,500 women, have
been killed and over 62,100 Palestinians have been injured, with at least 4,400 children still trapped under
rubble, 10,022 children left without fathers, and 8,352 children left without mothers; and
WHEREAS, civilian infrastructure must be protected in accordance with international law and based on the
same standards that all countries are bound to comply with, according to the Geneva Convention, however,
Israeli airstrikes have led to the widespread damage and destruction of approximately 70% of civilian
infrastructure in Gaza, including 359,000 housing units, 378 educational facilities, 157 mosques, one of the
world’s oldest churches, 135 health facilities, 122 ambulances, 53 health care centers, 30 hospitals; and
WHEREAS, the destruction of civilian infrastructure has led to the internal displacement of 1,930,000
Palestinians within the Gaza Strip; and
WHEREAS, ethnic cleansing refers to the creation of an ethnically homogenous geographic area through the
elimination of unwanted ethnic groups by deportation, forcible displacement, or genocide; Israel has and
continues to engage in an ethnic cleansing campaign by explicitly requiring nearly two million Palestinians to
leave their homes in Gaza or risk being killed by the IDF’s indiscriminate bombing campaigns; Israel has
bombed even in areas they had already designated as “safe” in addition to evacuation r outes; and
WHEREAS, millions of lives in Gaza are at imminent risk due to displacement, starvation, malnutrition, lack of
clean drinking water, diseases, infections, exposure to the elements, and lack of medical care, in addition to
continued attacks from the Israeli military if a permanent ceasefire is not immediately enacted by our
lawmakers and humanitarian aid is not delivered without delay; and
PROPOSED
WHEREAS, Israel’s military attack on Gaza has deliberately targeted journalists, health workers, and United
Nations Staff, with 119 journalists, 139 medical professionals, and 135 UNRWA workers killed, leading to the
deadliest period for journalists in 30 years, the worst ever total number of attacks on healthcare facilities and
their personnel, and the largest loss of life for United Nations Staff in the history of the organization; and
WHEREAS, a rise in settler violence and Israeli Defense Force (IDF) attacks in the West Bank have
simultaneously occurred with 7,220 reported settler attacks against Palestinians and over 300 Palestinians
killed, 3,800 injured, and 24,120 displaced in the West Bank since October 7th ; and
WHEREAS, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of Palestinians arbitrarily arrested and detained by the
IDF, with 6,090 Palestinians detained since October 7th for a total of 8,800 Palestinian detainees, including 355
children and 200 women, too often held without charge or trial ; and
WHEREAS, collective punishment goes against International law and rules of warfare as defined within the
Geneva Convention, and Israel’s repeated international violations and war crimes of collective punishment have
created a dire humanitarian crisis for over 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza; and
WHEREAS, the City of Fort Collins recognizes that the current crisis takes place within a long history of
occupation and apartheid and affirms that, for a pathway to lasting peace and justice to be developed, the root
causes of the crisis need to be addressed; and
WHEREAS, international organizations, including but not limited to, Amnesty International, the United
Nations, the World Health Organization, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the
International Rescue Committee, and many others have made a call for a permanent ceasefire in order to
prevent the further loss of innocent civilian lives and to be in accordance with international humanitarian law;
and
WHEREAS, to date 63 members of Congress have called for a ceasefire or cessation of hostilities in Israel and
Occupied Palestinian Territories; and
WHEREAS, sixty-one percent of American voters support a permanent ceasefire and de-escalation of violence
in Gaza, according to a December 5th 2023 Data For Progress Poll, and millions of people worldwide, including
thousands of people all over the state of Colorado and hundreds within the City of Fort Collins, have joined in
peaceful protests since October 7th to amplify this call; and
WHEREAS, at least 20 cities and counting across the United States, including Oakland, San Francisco, Seattle,
Detroit, Atlanta, Richmond, Iowa City and Dearborn among
PROPOSED
others have approved or are actively considering statements calling for a lasting ceasefire; and
WHEREAS, many members of our Fort Collins community have family and friends who live in Israel, Gaza,
and the West Bank, and have deep connections in the region, including many who have lost loved ones there
and would not want the importance of their deaths to be diminished, or be considered acceptable or justifiable
by Israel’s claims of self-defense; and
WHEREAS, Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian, anti-Arab bigotry, and antisemitism have risen significantly in Fort
Collins, in Colorado, across the United States, and around the world since October 7th, with direct impacts on
our local communities, from mosques and synagogues to schools, homes, offices, and places where
communities gather as well as at protests and rallies; and
WHEREAS, all of these forms of bigotry, violence, and oppression serve to divide our communities and
weaken our efforts to achieve collective safety, justice, and true multi-ethnic, multi-racial democracy here and
everywhere; and
WHEREAS, the enormous and unconditional military aid provided to Israel by the United States every year
ultimately deprives Americans of money for their own urgent local needs, with Fort Collins residents’ federal
taxes contributing $2,461,162 to Israel's weapons, which could instead fund, for example, 292 households with
public housing for a year, 856 children receiving free or low-cost healthcare, 26 elementary school teachers, or
cancel loan debt for 65 students; and
WHEREAS, the Federal government holds immense diplomatic power to save Palestinian and Israeli lives, and
local governments play a role in our democracy to urge needed legislative and policy changes at all levels.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS as
follows:
Section 1. That the City supports an immediate and permanent ceasefire by all involved parties in order to
prevent further loss of life. This permanent ceasefire must include Gaza and other areas of the Occupied
Palestinian Territories, including the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and a stop to Israeli military and settler
violence; and
Section 2. That the City maintains that the immediate and permanent ceasefire allow
for a humanitarian corridor to be immediately opened at the Erez Crossing in the North of the Gaza Strip and
the Kerem Shalom Border Crossing coming from Egypt, for the unrestricted provision of goods to civilians
throughout Gaza which are indispensable to their survival as required as a basic human right by international
humanitarian law, and that there be unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, including but not limited to basic
PROPOSED
supplies for survival such as clean water, food, fuel, clothes, hygiene, sanitary supplies, access to medical care,
and medical supplies; and
Section 3. That the City supports any and all delivery of humanitarian aid be implemented with international
oversight by an independent and impartial body; and
Section 4. That the City maintains that the immediate and permanent ceasefire must include the release of all
Israeli hostages and Palestinian civilians who are arbitrarily detained and held without charge or due process
under administrative detention by the Israeli government, demanding their safety, wellbeing and humane
treatment in compliance with international law; and
Section 5. That the City demands that there should be no ethnic cleansing, or current or future transfer or
displacement of the population of Gaza, the West Bank, or other parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territories,
and no annexation of any part of Gaza; and
Section 6. That the City urge that all displaced Palestinians, past and present, are granted the full right of return;
and
Section 7. That the City maintains that U.S. funding and military support must never be used in violation of
international law or to commit human rights violations; and, be it
Section 8. That the City Council requests City staff to identify and promote community education resources and
services to support Fort Collins’ residents and community members affected by the ongoing hostilities,
including counseling and mental health services, and support groups led by cultural and religious organizations;
and
Section 9. That the city urge the Biden Administration and Congress to reevaluate U.S. regional policies to
ensure security and justice in Gaza and the West Bank and for all in the region, and demand the United States
clarify strategic objectives for achieving de-escalation and stability in the region, including lifting the siege on
Gaza, which is in violation of international law; and
Section 10. That the Fort Collins City Council shall communicate in writing the contents of this resolution to
President Biden; Senators Michael Bennett and John Hickenlooper; Representative Joe Neguse; State Senator
Joann Ginal; and State Representatives Cathy Kipp and Andrew Boesenecker.
Note: Numbers were obtained using: War by Numbers by Slingshot on January 20, 2024.
PROPOSED
FORT COLLINS HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
2024 WORK PLAN
November 30, 2023
DRAFT – with Amendment - 2.8.24
MISSION
As community leaders and advisors, the Human Relations Commission collaborates, educates, and advocates for equity and inclus ion
in the City of Fort Collins.
VISION
Embracing differences and giving value to every human being.
PURPOSE
The Fort Collins City Council established the Human Relations Commission (HRC) in 1964 to promote acceptance, equity, inclusi on and
respect for diversity through educational programs and to act in an advisory capacity to the City Council.
LONG RANGE GOALS
Cultivate relationships with the community and media that support the mission and vision
Provide educational outreach that promotes equity and inclusion
Advocate for an equitable and inclusive environment in city government and community
The Fort Collins Human Relations Commission will continue a broad plan for enhancing productive human relations and
supporting social sustainability issues that are pertinent to the City of Fort Collins and are consistent with the City Chart er
and the City Code.
The Commission will strive to be informed about diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice issues within Fort Collins an d
will recommend appropriate action to City Council.
The Commission will recommend programs, policies, and activities that promote positive human relations and equitable
outcomes and greater opportunities for all. The Commission also may create and deliver programs and activities in
furtherance of this objective.
HRC goals and responsibilities are divided among four standing committees for procedural reasons, but are not exclusive
to any one committee.
THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE SHALL:
• Determine meeting agendas for monthly and special HRC meetings
• Maintain regular communication with the HRC’s City Council Liaison and City Council
• Collaborate with and support the City’s Office of Equity & Inclusion programs and initiatives
• Delegate issues for resolution to standing or special committees
• Provide support to HRC standing committees as needed
• Call special meetings as needed
• Adopt an “open door” policy and meet with Commissioners as needed
• Explore opportunities to collaborate with other Boards and Commissions, and DEI-focused organizations in the
community
THE MEDIA/COMMUNITY RECOGNITION COMMITTEE SHALL:
• Plan, coordinate and execute an annual Human Relations Awards event; consider both “live” and “virtual”
options; promote early nominations for Award recipients; redefine award categories as needed to better reflect
community diversity and inclusion
• Recommend updates and refinements to the HRC website content so that its message and branding are clear
• Expand HRC’s community and media relations by maintaining and building an updated contact list
• Organize and track efforts by developing, in collaboration with the City, detailed communication plans for
specific programs and events
• Report monthly to the HRC
THE EDUCATION OUTREACH COMMITTEE SHALL:
• Create a better understanding of equity and inclusion through educational programs and events, including, for
example, collaborating with community organizations to host a “Human Library” event.
• Seek to deliver programs and events in the most accessible and equitable way
• Plan and deliver interactive public forum or discussion sessions
• Propose collaboration opportunities with local organizations or other boards or commissions to respond to new
or long-standing community issues or topics as identified in the City’s Equity Plan
• Educate citizens and recommend actions that promote positive relationships and outcomes within our City
• Document committee events to increase efficiency in future programming
• Evaluate the impact of programming by surveying participants
• Recruit speakers and facilitators
• Report monthly to the HRC
THE GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE SHALL:
• Monitor City Council activity and attend meetings as needed
• Review proposed legislation, policy changes or other governmental actions at the Federal, State or Local level
which may affect human rights in Fort Collins and recommend actions as appropriate
• Establish consistent lines of communication with community leaders and partners, including periodic meetings
with elected officials, candidates for local and state offices, etc. focused on topics related to equity and inclusion
(for example, public health, housing, transportation and employment issues)
• Align HRC’s priority objectives with local and state priorities as appropriate
• Communicate and recommend to the City Council to take legally permissible action to restrict or ban weapons
on City property at City-sponsored events
• Advocate for people of color to join City Boards, Commissions and Government
• Collaborate with other organizations whose primary mission is social justice in Fort Collins
• Explore scope of HRC quasi-judicial work with city leaders. The HRC’s quasi-judicial role is to defined as follow in
section 2-175 (b)(2) of the city code: To assist residents of the City in utilizing the complaint procedure under
Chapter 13, Article II of the code and to hear appeals from decisions of the City Manager as provided in
Subsection 13-23 (b) of the Code; provided, however, that any members of the Commission who have rendered
assistance to particular complainants shall refrain from participating in the Commission’s review of any decision
of the City Manager related to such complainant.
• Report monthly to HRC