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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023 - HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION - ANNUAL REPORT Human Relations Commission 2023 Annual Report 2023 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 2023 Human Relations Commissioners included Masood Ahmad, Teresa Cribelli (appointed 7/23), Kevin John Goff (appointed 8/23), Beth Jaeger, Torin Kaletsky (resigned 5/23), Barb Kistler, Fabiola Pascual Luna (resigned 8/23), Kyle Teramoto, Phil Walker, Miho Yoshioka (appointed 7/23), and Coronda Ziegler. 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. 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: Maya Jairam, community member and former HRC chair, requested that the HRC support a Diwali celebration in conjunction with the November Human Relations Commission 2023 Annual Report 2023 ANNUAL REPORT Page 2  Holiday Lighting Ceremony in Old Town Square (2/23). Emily Francis, Mayor Pro Tem and HRC Council Liaison, discussed City Council priorities and HRC support of City initiatives (4/23). Ginny Sawyer, Project and Policy Manager, presented information regarding the City’s Sustainable Funding efforts (7/23). Claudia Menendez, City Equity and Inclusion Officer, presented the City’s Equity Plan (9/23). Rabbi Hillel Katzir attended several 2023 meetings as Larimer County’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board liaison to the HRC. HRC INITIATIVES In addition to the actions and activities outlined below, the HRC:  Ensured that City public facing documents, e.g., resolutions, proclamations, ordinances, etc., did not include the term “A.D.” with any noted dates. By removing this term, the language in these documents is inclusive of all faiths.  Held an informal get together with the Chairs and Co-Chairs of four other Boards and Commissions with similar missions to better understand each other’s goals and explore possible collaboration.  Continued its efforts to organize a DEIJ Networking Event designed to bring together individuals and organizations focused on advancing equity and inclusion in our community. This event, in collaboration with the County’s EDI Advisory Board, will be held on February 4, 2024 at the North Aztlan Community Center. COMMUNICATION WITH CITY LEADERS The HRC communicated with City leaders regarding the following topics:  At its January 17th meeting, City Council adopted modified language in the City Municipal Code, Chapter 13, Article II anti-discrimination language to include “sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.” This action was initiated by the HRC’s November 2022 memo to Mayor Jeni Arndt and City Council advocating for this change.  In September, the HRC sent Mayor Jeni Arndt and City Council a memo Human Relations Commission 2023 Annual Report 2023 ANNUAL REPORT Page 3  advocating for a Diwali celebration in conjunction with the November Holiday Lighting Ceremony in Old Town Square. The City responded with options to hold such a celebration at Oak Street Plaza.  At the Mayor’s request, the HRC and Disability Advisory Board collaborated to develop a proclamation for National Disability Employment Awareness Month that was read at the October 17th Council meeting.  In November, the HRC provided input to the City’s 2024 Strategic Plan outcome areas.  The HRC Chair and Co-Chair met frequently with members of the City’s Equity and Inclusion Office to advance various HRC activities. HRC COMMITTEE REPORTS Media/Community Recognition Committee:  The HRC organized the annual Human Relations Awards ceremony to recognize individuals and organizations in our community that promote equity, inclusion and respect for diversity. In addition, the event included the reading of the Human Rights Day Proclamation.  The 2023 Awards Ceremony was held on December 5th at City Hall and celebrated the following recipients: Youth Award: TAC212 Individual Award: Karen Wong-Brown Individual Award: Laura Michelle MacWaters Organization/Team Award: Cultural Enrichment Center Organization/Team Award: Northern Colorado Intertribal Powwow Association 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. Human Relations Commission 2023 Annual Report 2023 ANNUAL REPORT Page 4  Education and Outreach Committee:  Organized and delivered “The Human Library” program held on February 26th at the Museum of Discovery in collaboration with the program co-sponsors: the City of Fort Collins Office of Equity & Inclusion, the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, and the Poudre River Public Library District. The program was designed to promote understanding of individual differences – to unjudge a human “book” by its cover. Approximately 130 “readers” attended the program and 25 human “books” shared their stories of intolerance and bias. Due to the success of the program, the HRC will support a 2024 Human Library program in late summer.  On October 5th, the City’s Equity & Inclusion Office and the HRC sponsored the “Unmasking Microaggressions” educational program at the Senior Center. This session was facilitated by Dr. Coronda Ziegler, HRC member, and approximately 100 community members attended. 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: As we enter 2024, 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.