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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - January 23, 2025, AHRC MinutesMinutes AMES HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION Conference Room 235 City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue Thursday, January 23, 2025 Call to Order: Chair Chunhui Chen called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m. Commissioners Annabella Marquez, Pablo Suarez Beltran, Wayne Clinton, and Shawn Kenny and Engagement Coordinator Casandra Eames were also present. Public Forum: Chair Chen opened and closed the Public Forum when no one came forward to speak. Approval of Minutes: Moved by Marquez, seconded by Kenny, to approve the minutes of the December 12, 2024, meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Feedback from MLK Celebration: Marquez and Clinton shared that there was strong attendance and a feeling of community support. Chair Chen remarked upon the strong attendance and excellent facilitation by Vanessa Latimer-Baker. Commissioner Marty Martinez arrived at 5:43 p.m. Meet with India Cultural Association: Coordinator Eames welcomed Sachin Selvaraj from India Cultural Association of Central Iowa (ICA). Selvaraj shared about the nonprofit’s mission to celebrate festivals and cultural experiences from India. ICA requested COTA funding for a festival celebrating traditional Indian sports. The commissioners asked questions about event logistics and fees for attendance, learning that fees were charged to cover costs of the event, including food, t-shirt purchases, and equipment rentals. The commissioners expressed enthusiasm about the event and opportunities to support and promote cultural events in Ames. Chair Chen encouraged the group to continue applying for event funding through COTA and to share events with AHRC to promote them. FACES – “Families of Ames Celebrate EthnicitieS”: Coordinator Eames shared that AHRC was the sponsor and coordinator for FACES from approximately 2003 to 2011. The event was a multicultural gathering with music, performances, food, and vendors providing a free space for the public to gather, learn from each other, and create community. The commissioners discussed the possibility of reviving the event. Chair Chen emphasized the value in partnering with schools to bring together the many successful multicultural events already happening in area schools. Clinton noted that organizing an event like this would be a significant commitment and AHRC should be prepared for the amount of work. Marquez suggested tying the event into preexisting events like 515 Days to celebrate the uniqueness that Ames has to offer. The commissioners identified the next step as identifying potential partners to bring to the table. Coordinator Eames left the meeting at 6:41 p.m. AHRC Mission Statement: The commissioners discussed how to proceed with considering individual mission statement drafts building on the slogan “Connecting and supporting all communities in Ames.” The group decided to table the topic and revisit the discussion later. Review of Municipal Code Chapter 14 – Human Relations: Martinez presented his suggestions to general agreement. Discussion arose regarding the political context of backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion, with the group concurring that the best course was to continue espousing those values. Staff noted that research regarding similar ordinances in peer cities could be presented at the next meeting. A Home for Everyone Award: Staff presented a draft revision of the nomination form based on the changes the commissioners previously approved to the Humanitarian Award nomination form. Suarez Beltran inquired whether businesses were eligible to apply. The award is open to individuals and to organizations, and businesses count as organizations. Chair Chen supported Suarez Beltran’s hope that the award could incentivize businesses to work with disadvantaged populations. A check-all-that-apply question was revised into a list of considerations to review and the draft nomination form was approved as revised. The commissioners hoped to continue improving nomination forms in the future. Upcoming Events • Quarterly Meet & Greet – February – Marquez shared that the event would held at the east Hy-Vee Market and Grille on Tuesday, February 18, from 5:00-6:00 p.m. ahead of the trivia event at 6:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be available. Commissioner Announcements: None. Next Meeting: Thursday, February 27, 2025 AHRC Mission Statement: Returning to the topic of the mission statement, the commissioners synthesized proposals from Marquez and Suarez Beltran. Moved by Clinton, seconded by Kenny, to adopt the following as the mission statement of the Ames Human Relations Commission: Connecting and supporting all communities in Ames by: • providing opportunities for growth and engagement • focusing on building trust, respect, and shared goals for the future • bridging gaps, celebrating differences, and building unity • championing equity and accessibility in our city through hosting, attending, and supporting local events. Motion carried unanimously. Adjournment: Chair Chen adjourned the meeting at 8:02 p.m.