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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 - Human Relations Commission - Annual Report1 Human Relations Commission 2009 Annual Report As Community leaders and advisors to City Council, we research, deliberate and take proactive and responsive measures to promote the dignity of individuals and groups in Fort Collins. HRC Mission Statement Educational Outreach Committee: HRC pamphlets were updated, printed and distributed at various functions. A power point presentation is available for group presentations. The HRC sponsored a table and distributed brochures at the 6th annual "Pride in the Park" on June 9, 2009. HRC continued to support the Eracism Film Series and cosponsored several talks: "La Misma Luna "and "The Other Side of Suburbia" and excerpts from "Las Tres Colonias" in the series. HRC sponsored a forum on "Elderly Abuse" on May 20 at the Fort Collins Senior Center. This event was co-sponsored by the Larimer County Office on Aging, the Fort Collins Senior Advisory Board, the Adult Protective Services of Larimer County, the Fort Collins Commission on the Status of Women, and the Alzheimer's Society. The forum was attended by approximately fifty people. A member attended the "Diversity in the 21st Century" conference at C.S.U. Sept 22-24 A member presented at a "Hindu Awakening" conference on July 18 at Fairfax Station, Virginia. 2 Representatives from 2 organizations made presentations to the HRC: The Family Center / La Familia and The Rocky Mountain Resource Center Government Relations Committee: City Council, Citizen Review Board, Senior Advisory Board, Larimer County Office on Aging Advisory Board meetings were attended and / or monitored The HRC maintains and updates a list of translators available to citizens who may need this service. The committee continued to monitor legislation and make recommendations to City Council. The committee sponsored a Colorado Civil Rights Commission Forum on November 5. Members of the state commission heard concerns from area residents. About 40 people attended the event which was held in City Council Chambers. The committee presented a proclamation to Mayor Doug Hutchinson supporting Freedom to Marry day which was celebrated Sat. Feb 21. Mayor Hutchinson declined to present the proclamation, saying in his opinion the statement was divisive, not celebratory. The HRC commission presented a resolution supporting Freedom to Marry Day at the February City Council meeting. The committee presented a resolution promoting Fort Collins as a "Hate Free Zone" at an April City Council meeting. The City Council later changed the resolution to one promoting "Freedom of Speech." The committee submitted a Human Rights Day Proclamation which was presented by Mayor Hutchinson at the City Council meeting on December 1, 2009 Media / Community Recognition Committee: Once again the HRC conducted a search for individuals, groups, companies or organization which inspire contributions and leadership on behalf of minority or disadvantaged citizens to the betterment of the community. A Breakfast was held at the Lincoln Center on May 1, 2009 and awards were presented to the winners. Guest Speaker was Richard Guest. Articles and letters by HRC members were published in the Colorado concerning the Elderly Abuse Forum and The Colorado Commission on Civil Rights Forum.