HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - November 19, 2020, AHRC MinutesMinutes
AMES HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
Meeting held via Zoom
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 5:30pm by Chair Jill Crosser.
Members Present: Wayne Clinton, Leslie Ginder, and Jahmai Fisher
Member(s) Absent: Madesh Samanu
Staff Liaison: Deb Schildroth
New AHRC Member Introductions: Jill welcomed Leslie Ginder, new AHRC member
who is fulfilling the vacancy left by Liming Pals. Members introduced themselves and
Leslie gave some background on her work and experience.
Approval of Minutes: Wayne moved approval of the October 22, 2020 minutes and
Jahmai seconded. Motion carried unanimously
Public Forum: None
Humanitarian Award: Applications are due December 6, 2020 and will be reviewed at
the December AHRC meeting. Commission members discussed various outlets to
advertise this award so that a good pool of applicants can be collected.
The MLK celebration will be held virtually on January 18, 2021 from 6:30pm – 7:30pm.
Update on ICRC complaint form link in other languages and formats: The form is
specific to ICRC, so any changes need to be considered and made by ICRC.
Commission members asked that language be added to the AHRC website explaining
how the form can be completed in other languages. Deb will follow up on this.
Updates on revisions to AHRC literature and City website and brochures
• Good Neighbor brochure
• Diversity and Inclusion webpage
Susan Gwiasda, City Public Relations Officer, requested AHRC’s input on the Good
Neighbor brochure and the City’s Diversity and Inclusion webpage.
AHRC input on the brochure:
• Larger font size (12 point)
• Add language about medical care and/or the hospital
• Add more descriptive language about the Ames on the Go app.
AHRC input on the Diversity and Inclusion webpage:
• Too much text/overwhelmed with words
• Identify what has been done since the proclamation was adopted
o Give examples, photos, hyperlink videos (inclusive sidewalk, Pridefest)
Discussion ensued about including pronouns to the AHRC site and extending that to the
Mayor and Council. Normalizing pronouns helps to get to know a person and avoid
mis-gendering people.
Postings and Social Media Content Ideas: Jill shared that in her research she found
Iowa City’s policy as a potential example to use. Deb stated she would share it with the
Public Relations Officer and City Attorney for further review. Leslie provided examples
of other considerations such as closed captioning for video, alternate text.
Commissioner Announcements: Wayne thanked Jill and the Building Inclusive
Organizations Committee for the wonderful speakers they lined up for this year’s
symposium. He shared that a powerful speaker is being sought for the MLK Day
celebration.
Jill complimented the symposium and speakers. She also noted that she and Wayne
talked with Margo Foreman about diversity and inclusive work with staff.
Next Meeting: December 17, 2020 at 5:30pm.
Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 7:20pm.