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Fort Collins Human Relations Commission
2016/2017 Work Plan
The Human Relations Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the City Council and serves
community members of the City of Fort Collins. The HRC discourages all forms of discrimination
and promotes acceptance and respect for diversity through education, programs and activities.
HRC Mission Statement
For 2016/2017, the Fort Collins Human Relations Commission continues with a
broad plan for supporting human relations and social sustainability issues that
are pertinent to the City of Fort Collins consistent with aligning their focus on City
Outcomes such as Community and Neighborhood Livability and Safe
Community. Responsibilities are divided among HRC’s four standing committees,
but are not exclusive to any of the four committees. Our Commission has
pledged to become informed about human relations issues and events within
Fort Collins and recommend appropriate action to City Council.
Below are HRC’s goals followed by a brief synopsis of HRC’s Standing
Committee structure, functions and ongoing responsibilities.
GOALS
HRC has established the following goals for 2016/2017.
1. The 2016/2017 work plan continues to align its goals with City Outcome
Areas with emphasis on Community and Neighborhood Livability, Safe
Community and High Performing Government.
2. The HRC will continue to recognize members of the community at an annual
HRC Awards event in collaboration with the Senior Advisory Board.
3. The HRC will initiate a series of educational programs on the topic of
‘Diversity’ using the forum model that has been successful the last two years
during the series of Mental Health forums. Recognizing the challenges youth
face regarding diversity issues, a major objective will be to integrate youth in
the planning and participation of all forums.
4. The HRC will closely observe City Council’s work plan calendar to monitor
issues that may align with HRC’s role as an advisory resource for City Council
on issues concerning equity and social justice.
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The EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE shall…
• Determine meeting agendas for monthly HRC meetings and special meetings.
• Maintain regular communication with HRC’s City Council Liaison and City
Council.
• Delegate issues for resolution to standing or to special committees.
• Provide support to HRC standing committees as needed.
• Call special meetings when resolution of urgent issues is needed.
The GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE shall…
• Act as primary point of contact for the Citizen Liaison Program which assists
citizens in filing complaints with Fort Collins Police Services. Coordinate with
Police Services to train people in the Citizen Liaison Program and to allow
effective utilization of the program within the complaint process.
• Keep a calendar of City Council meetings and solicit HRC members to monitor
City Council agendas and attend or view meetings as appropriate; develop
protocol for attendance at City Council meetings; specifically monitoring the
Public Input period at the beginning of Council sessions. Address City Council
as needed and report back to the HRC.
• Attend Citizen Review Board meetings and provide assistance upon its request.
• Help to educate citizens and recommend actions which promote positive
relations among community members, Fort Collins Police Services and the
Citizen Review Board.
• Review proposed legislation, policy changes or other governmental action at the
federal, state or local level which may affect human rights and civil liberties in
the City in order to make recommendations regarding the same, as appropriate.
• Research and recommend actions necessary to achieve: equal employment
opportunities; equal housing opportunities; equal public accommodation
opportunities and the best possible Fort Collins government/community relations
in all fields of government.
The MEDIA/COMMUNITY RECOGNITION COMMITTEE shall…
• Foster cooperative relations with media to increase visibility of HRC’s work.
• Draft necessary articles or communication pieces to support the work of the
HRC.
• Plan, coordinate and execute an annual HRC awards event.
• Maintain the HRC website and brochure by working with the City staff.
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The EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH COMMITTEE shall…
• Create a better understanding of community inclusivity through educational
programs and/or events relating to cultural, ethnic, racial, gender, age, disability
and/or other diversity issues.
• Keep the Commission current on topics involving diversity and equality and
advise Council on matters where action may need to be taken.
• Increase our collaboration with new and existing committees and organizations
in Fort Collins as well as pursue opportunities to coordinate and collaborate with
City Boards and Commissions that have similar functions.
• Partner with other organizations to assist in outreach programming and direct
responsiveness to queries and situations.
Respectfully submitted November 20, 2015