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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Human Relations Commission - AHRC Minutes 9-24-2015M I N U T E S HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION September 24, 2015 The regular meeting of the Ames Human Relations Commission was called to order by Chair Amy Juhnke at 5:37 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Ames City Hall. Members present were Raghul Ethiraj, John Klaus, and Heidi Thompson. Mary Beth Oostenbrug was absent. Staff member Cathy Gersema was also present. PUBLIC FORUM There was no one present for the public forum. Ms. Gersema updated the Commission on two complaints that were brought to the City Manager's Office. The complaints involved a parking concern from a disabled resident and an inquiry involving a 300 day old unreported discrimination action. AMENDING THE AGENDA Chair Juhnke said she wished to discuss a spring event to replace FACES and that this should be added to the agenda ahead of commissioner comments. OLD BUSINESS APPROVAL OF AUGUST 27, 2015 MINUTES: It was moved by Klaus, seconded by Thompson to approve the minutes. The motion carried unanimously. NEW BUSINESS PLANNING AN EVENT TO RECOGNIZE THE AMES DISABLED COMMUNITY Chair Juhnke recognized Rebecca Olson, who had asked the commission to recognize the 25th anniversary of the enactment of Americans with Disabilities Act. She suggested the commission sponsor an event to recognize a disabled person or persons who have contributed and given back to the community. She felt his would help people to destigmatize themselves in the view of others. John Klaus complimented Rebecca for having “narrowed” the topic. He said that it would be good to have someone from the local NAMI (National Association of the Mentally Ill) chapter attend a meeting. Chair Juhnke agreed with this suggestion. She stated that an AHRC commissioner could serve on the committee and find a volunteer who would also serve. Then the two people could contact a local group, for instance, the NAMI chapter, to name two people who could also help develop the award and host an event. Ms. Juhnke said that people would get behind such an award and that a celebration ceremony – with cake and punch - could be held at the library and that the library would be glad to work with the commission. Ms. Olson felt that many community food service businesses would be happy to donate. The City could give some kind of formal award to a deserving person, and the focus would be on the positive. Also, she felt that this would allow community members to become aware of how people cope with their disabilities. Member Thompson mentioned that the strategic planning meeting could look at highlighting affordable housing and accessibility issues. Chair Juhnke said that the Commission has just created a 2016 Housing Award for a person who is making affordable housing available to the handicapped. This award could be used as a model. The Humanitarian Award criteria could also be used as a model. She said the commission should get a committee started and a target date for the celebration should be soon since there are only a few months left in the year. This could actually be turned into an annual event. Member Klaus asked for clarification on what was the purpose of the committee. Mr. Ethiraj asked how a pool of people would be found to identify as qualified nominees for the award. Ms. Olson discussed how her disabled friend donates time and labor to Food at First and then suffers for two days afterward because the work is so challenging for him. Ms. Juhnke asked who could meet on such a committee and when would that committee meet. She said they would find a commissioner to work on this award. She said one of the commissioners would contact Ms. Olson tomorrow (Friday) to help move the committee forward. SPRING EVENT – FACES REPLACEMENT Chair Juhnke opened the discussion about a replacement for FACES and she noted the difference between an educational event and a celebration. She talked about people who were abused at a tailgate even though they were involved in a peaceful, thoughtful protest. She says it’s important to educate people on what discrimination feels like. She gave several examples of discrimination of the kind that others ask, “What’s the big deal!” She wants to advocate for an experiential, educational event. Mr. Klaus asked what would be the focus of the event to replace FACES, which he said had evolved into a shopping center for human service agencies. Ms. Juhnke talked about a theater type performance or event that would engage people. She said that KASI is local and has a broad based listenership. Perhaps AHRC could sponsor a series that would engage both listeners and people who have been discriminated against because of a disability and would allow for input from Ames residents. Ms. Thompson felt that people should be questioning their values and how they view other cultures. Ms. Juhnke would like people to become more aware of their unintended prejudices. She felt the purpose should be to educate rather than celebrate. Ms. Thompson said a group would need to start work on this soon. Ms. Juhnke said that student groups from campus and other groups like the NAACP would be helpful. She continued that former commission member Devita Harden might also be interested. Ms. Thompson felt the goal should consider international perspectives as well as physical disabilities for a well-rounded view. Mr. Ethiraj said he felt it is good to celebrate multi-cultural differences but it is better to understand them. Mr. Klaus felt that entertainment and opportunities for presentations could be worked up as a prototype. Other ideas concerned planning for the event. These included re-enactments during the Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday celebration at the Ames Middle School. The idea of a flash mob was mentioned. The group was cautioned by Cathy Gersema that a replacement for FACES was not on the agenda and the public had had no opportunity to discuss it. Mr. Klaus referred to the face grab at a tailgating event. Ms. Juhnke said to consider political discourse that is anger. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Comments were made about the IRIS Peace Walk. John Klaus said he was impressed by the number of people who turned out for it. Amy Junke said it was a great event to be associated with and to help make residents aware of AHRC as a resource. Raghul Ethiraj said that while he missed the event, it was good to see so many student organizations that were affiliated with the Peace Walk. The commissioners also spoke about the September 18 meeting of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission which was held in the Ames City Council Chambers. Comments included noting the formality of the commissioners’ discussion about civil rights complaints, caseload, and types of discrimination. Information about the ICRC seminar scheduled for Nov. 6 will be distributed at the strategic plan meeting scheduled for September 29. TIME AND DATE OF NEXT REGULAR MEETING: October 22, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers ADJOURN: Raghul Ethiraj moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by John Klaus. The meeting adjourned at 6:27 p.m.