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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016 - Human Relations Commission - Annual ReportFort Collins Human Relations Commission 2016 Annual Report 1 HRC Mission Statement 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. INTRODUCTION The 2016 Human Relations Commissioners: Colleen Conway, Myles Crane, Johanna Ulloa Giron, Joseph D. Leske, Jimena Sagas, Preety Sathe, Victor Smith, Nancy Tellez, and Mary Vivo. 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: Community and Neighborhood Livability, Safe Community and High Performing Government. Consistent with City Code and HRC’s Mission Statement, as community leaders and advisors to City Council, in 2016 the HRC researched, deliberated and took proactive and responsive measures to promote the dignity of individuals and groups in Fort Collins. HRC responded to City Council requests to review and advise Council re: various issues brought to them by citizens. Public input and comments contributed to most HRC meetings in 2016. A variety of speakers shared their insights at Commission meetings by addressing issues re: social sustainability, inclusivity and respect for diversity. In 2016 the HRC continued to monitor the evolving City Council Six Month Planning Calendar to enable the Commission to proactively advise Council on pending issues relating to the HRC mission and mandates. HRC INITIATIVES In 2016 the HRC was instrumental in forming and providing direction to the Community Equity Initiative (CEI), a collaborative dedicated to furthering the cause of equity and inclusion with representation from the City of Fort Collins, Colorado State University, Disabled Resource Services, Fort Collins Police Services, Larimer County Human Services, NoCo Pride, Poudre Fire Authority, Poudre River Public Library District, Poudre School District, University Health Systems, and representatives from the faith community and private consultants. The HRC initiated a meeting with the Superintendent of Poudre School District and PSD’s Director of Language, Culture and Equity to help Commissioners understand the work the district is doing to effectively educate diverse and disparate populations. Fort Collins Human Relations Commission 2016 Annual Report 2 Following the November national elections, HRC supported the Community Discussion of Issues Facing Immigrants and Their Allies and This is Our Home Campaign presented by Home Coalition and Poudre River Public Library District. With the goal of developing a common approach to human relations language, Commissioner Giron provided Poudre River Public Library District copies of the book, Privilege, Power and Difference, by Allan G. Johnson for HRC members to read and discuss. Memos to City Council were sent regarding: - An outline re: HRC’s commitment to equity and inclusion in 2016 and a summary of HRC plans to collaborate with partners to facilitate a community-based, compassionate approach to address issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion in Fort Collins. - A message of support for ongoing City efforts to highlight inclusivity in the Strategic Plan. - A budgeting recommendation to create and prioritize Program Manager positions to support equity and inclusion within the City and in the community. - Encouragement for the City to explore and consider the demographics, specifically income levels of renters and property owners, when regulating Short Term Rentals. HRC COMMITTEE REPORTS Educational Outreach Committee - In 2016 HRC’s Educational Outreach Committee co-sponsored with the Poudre River Public Library District a series of intergenerational forums on the topic of diversity. A youth group organized, planned and participated in the forums. The topics were: - Ethnicity in the Media - Challenges of Gender Identities and Roles - Technology: Larger Global Community or Increased Isolation - Are We Headed Toward a Dystopian Future? Media/Community Recognition Committee -The media committee provided communications about the Diversity Forums to City Council and members of the community through letters, printed materials and social media outlets. -The HRC conducted a search for individuals, groups, companies and organizations that inspire contributions and leadership on behalf of minority or disadvantaged residents for the betterment of the community. -The HRC awards ceremony was December 6, 2016. The recipients were: Youth Award - Julio Flores Adult Award - Janet Freeman Senior Award - Kitty Kent Organization - FoCo Cafe Police and Emergency Services - Mike Chavez Fort Collins Human Relations Commission 2016 Annual Report 3 -The awards presentation coincided with the Mayor’s proclamation of International Human Rights Day which was accepted by Joseph D. Leske for the HRC. Government Relations Committee - Meetings at City Council, and the Citizen Review Board were attended or monitored. - HRC monitored the City Council Work Plan to stay informed about upcoming issues. - Community input to Council was monitored for topics that were relevant to the HRC. - Commissioners Vivo and Leske completed a ‘ride along’ with Fort Collins Police Services. 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 2016/2017 Work Plan. Some goals were changed to further align with City Council’s Six Month Planning Calendar and to respond to current events and requests from the community and City Council. HRC was unable to make recommendations on Dr. Clayton Hurd’s Social Inclusion and Sustainability Project as the results were not yet available. HRC will continue to advise City Council and promote inclusivity within the Fort Collins community in 2017.