HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - February 29, 2024, AHRC MinutesMinutes
AMES HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
Conference Room 235
City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue
Thursday, February 29, 2024
Call to Order: Chair Wayne Clinton called the meeting to order at 5:41 p.m. Commissioner
Marty Martinez and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Coordinator Casandra Eames were
also present. Vice Chair Chunhui Chen joined the meeting telephonically.
Public Forum: Chair Clinton opened and closed the Public Forum as no one came to speak.
Approval of Minutes: Moved by Chen, seconded by Martinez, to approve the minutes of the
January 25, 2024, meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
Kate Mitchell Elementary School Multicultural Night: English Learning Teacher Erin
Haverkamp shared information about the event, which is planned for Thursday, April 25 from
5:30-7:00 p.m. It will be formatted like a fair, with booths set up for different families to share
about their countries of origin. The options presented for the Commission to support the event
included having a booth at the fair, financial support for families in need to participate, and
volunteering for logistical roles like greeting people at the door, working at the passport station,
or staffing the prize table.
Chair Clinton noted that the event is scheduled during the standard Commission meeting time
and expressed interest in rescheduling the Commission’s meeting. Coordinator Eames planned to
research availability of funds to report back at the next meeting.
T-Shirt Design Contest: The Commissioners discussed ideas for the Call for Artists, supporting
the idea of selecting several submissions to print on t-shirts. Vice Chair Chen inquired whether
selling t-shirts was an option, and if so, whether there would be concerns regarding copyright or
intellectual property. Coordinator Eames planned to inquire and return with more information.
Commissioner Martinez suggested three guidelines to include in the Call for Artists:
1. The art should reflect the Commission’s values.
2. The art should represent people.
3. The art should reflect history and progress over time.
Coloring Book Pages Update: The Commissioners reviewed the draft cover and back page
design, identifying some desired adjustments. It was hoped that the coloring book would be
ready for distribution by the Commission’s summer events at the latest. There was some
discussion regarding how many books to print in the first run, with consensus emerging around
300-500 copies. Vice Chair Chen suggested distributing the coloring books in local restaurants,
and Chair Clinton thought that reaching out to businesses in person may be quite effective.
Quarterly Meet & Greet: The event was held Sunday, February 25 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at
Wheatsfield Co-op. Chair Clinton shared that it was successful, allowing Commissioners to
converse with around 20 individuals. Coordinator Eames highlighted the addition of a Facebook
live for social media outreach as well as video and pictures taken by Media Production Services.
Wheatsfield was a very welcoming host, and Chair Clinton suggested that its patio may be a
good location for another event in the warmer months. Two post-it notes were shared at the event
with the following feedback:
• Crayon Initiative – Ames Public Library.
• Plastic containers for Food at First; Fabric bags for The Bridge Home; and CyRide bus
passes.
A Home for Everyone Award: Coordinator Eames shared that nominations will be due March
20 and encouraged the Commissioners to spread the word in their networks, as no nominations
had yet been received.
Calendar Check-In: Nothing to report.
Commissioner Announcements: Coordinator Eames shared a request from Public Relations
Officer Susan Gwiasda to have one of the Commissioners volunteer as a backup speaker to
present a two minute highlight at the annual Boards and Commissions Luncheon if any of the
scheduled speakers were not able to attend. Staff planned to prepare brief talking points.
Next Meeting: March 28, 2024
Adjournment: Chair Clinton adjourned the meeting at 7:00 p.m.