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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Human Relations Commission - AHRC Minutes 7-28-2016 M I N U T E S HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION July 28, 2016 The regular meeting of the Ames Human Relations Commission was called to order by Chair Amy Juhnke at 5:36 p.m. in Conference Room 235 of Ames City Hall. Members present were Amy Harris-Tehan and John Klaus. Raghul Ethiraj and Heidi Thompson were absent. Staff member Brian Phillips was also present. 2. PUBLIC FORUM: Andrea Gronau of Worldly Goods was present. 3. APPROVAL OF THE JUNE 23, 2016 MINUTES: It was moved by Klaus, seconded by Harris-Tehan to approve the minutes. The motion carried unanimously. 4. APPROVAL OF THE JULY 7, 2016 MINUTES: It was moved by Harris-Tehan, seconded by Klaus to approve the minutes. The motion carried unanimously. 5. COMMISSION ACTIVITIES AT AMES FARMER’S MARKET: Amy Juhnke offered that although this was her last Commission meeting, she would be available to participate in Commission events on occasion. She indicated that the Historical Society has AHRC displays that can be secured a few days prior to the event. It was believed that the information was up to date. Amy Harris-Tehan mentioned she thought the displays are sufficient, rather than creating case studies as previously discussed. It was mentioned that Cedar Rapids has kids coloring books related to civil rights. Amy Harris-Tehan will email the commission when a date is set. Andrea Gronau indicated that Worldly Goods is hosting a Reuse, Recycle, Repurpose Market on August 28th from 10-4, and the Commission was welcome to have a booth there as well. Other educational groups will be in attendance. 6. COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS SERIES: Amy Harris-Tehan mentioned that the brown bag lunch workshop would be the first conversation in the series, since it was already in the planning stages. She also mentioned that Dr. Reg Stewart will also be on the agenda for the next Commission meeting to talk about how the Commission might connect with groups and individuals in the community. She also noted that a professor at Drake teaches classes about communicating to “the other side” in polarized communities, and was interested in coming to Ames to speak. John wondered whether this was a worthwhile effort or if this was preaching to the choir. Amy Harris-Tehan indicated that Dr. Stewart might be helpful in teaching the Commission how to do that. Amy Juhnke indicated she felt it was important to reach out to gatekeepers and help them understand civil rights. Andrea Gronau indicated that she felt no one would participate if they did not feel safe doing so. Anyone with an opposing view would need to feel safe. Amy Juhnke felt there would be more bang for the buck by trying to reach a wider audience. She also indicated a preference for the conversations to have goals identified at the outset. Heidi Thompson arrived at 6:01 p.m. John indicated that he would like to hear from Dr. Stewart before he jumps in. Amy Juhnke indicated she learned that open gym at City Hall can be suspended for an hour if an event is occurring, and the library is available as well. Heidi indicated she just met with staff from the Library, and they would be interested in partnering. The Library would like about two months advance notice. 7. PLANNING FOR FOCUS GROUPS AND BROWN BAG WORKSHOPS: Amy Harris Tehan clarified that the brown bag workshops are focused on knowing rights and employer resources. John recalled having done them on public accommodation and ADA. Amy Juhnke said that Cedar Rapids had done a broad presentation on knowing your rights, and suggested using it as a resource to host a brown bag lunch here. John said that the whole spectrum of protected classes is very large and asked how it can be facilitated. Amy Juhnke said she had contacted the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, which is w illing to conduct the training, but needs a date. Amy Harris-Tehan suggested when students come back is a good time. John suggested October, since students are overwhelmed early on. Amy Juhnke said that the students will not come to City Hall and community members will not come to campus, so having two events might be better. Amy Juhnke will contact the ICRC to get dates arranged. Andrea Gronau asked if the Commission was participating in the IRIS Peace Walk. There was a brief discussion of the Peace Walk. Heidi offered to contact IRIS to ask about Peace Walk planning. 8. DISCUSSION OF COMMISSION SIZE: Amy Juhnke reported that when she joined the Commission, there were seven people, but quorum could not be obtained routinely. John expressed interest in having the investigators participate in the meetings. Amy Juhnke talked about how diversity on the Commission is something desirable. It was discussed that the Commission can reach out to people to encourage them to apply. Amy Harris -Tehan offered that the conversation should be tabled for six months to give the Commission time to connect more with the community. 9. FREQUENCY OF MEETINGS: Heidi suggested that instead of formal meetings, perhaps work sessions ought to take place. Amy Juhnke suggested having committees. Heidi stated that a calendar needs to be prepared after the August meeting to reflect the Community Conversations discussions. Amy Harris-Tehan suggested it would be most efficient to wait until after Farmer’s Market and the ICRC become firmer, then have this discussion again. 10. SELECTION OF COMMISSION CHAIR: John indicated he was interested in being the chair. Amy Harris-Tehan nominated John Klaus to be the Commission chair moving forward. Heidi Thompson seconded. Motion carried unanimously. 11. TIME AND DATE OF NEXT REGULAR MEETING: August 1, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. August 25, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. 12. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS: Amy Harris-Tehan shared that she met with Susan Gwiasda to discuss social media. She received good guidance. She would like pictures and materials to build the page. Amy Juhnke contacted Susan to ask how to shut down the FACES page. However, it has followers, and might be converted to the Commission’s page. Heidi mentioned the Library was looking to set up a human library, where people are organized based on their life experiences, and they set up times where they can set up a time to “check out” a person for a few minutes to ask them questions about it. She also mentioned that different activities might take place in City facilities where discriminatory action might occur against customers. John Klaus left the meeting at 7:03 p.m. ADJOURN: Commissioner Harris-Tehan moved to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 7:04 p.m.