HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Human Relations Commission - AHRC Minutes 9-23-2011M I N U T E S
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
September 23, 2011
The Ames Human Relations Commission meeting was called to order at 5:33 p.m. by Chair
Aaron Fultz. Members present were Amy Juhnke, Amy Longenecker, Barbara Woods, and John
Klaus.
Public Forum
There was no one present for Public Forum.
Police Department Discussion on Bullying
Chief Chuck Cychosz was present to discuss bullying with the Commission. Barbara, Aaron,
and Amy had talked about gathering information on the extent of bullying in Ames, ages
involved, impact on neighborhoods, etc.
In 2002/03, Youth and Shelter Services and the Ames Police Department (APD) worked with the
Ames Community School District on a curriculum about this. The Chief noted that he cannot
speak to the district’s efforts in combating bullying.
From November 14 through November 25, a variety of activities will take place in the schools to
promote an anti-bullying message. The Commission may be involved in the general culture and
climate area of anti-bullying. Role models and adults modeling appropriate behavior may be an
area where the Commission can be providing some reinforcement. The middle school appears to
be the critical age. Social media may have a serious impact on how young people interact.
Hundreds or thousands can be plugged in. It takes constant vigilance to stay up on this.
Chief Cychosz handed out the section of the Iowa Code which addresses bullying in the schools,
and the flyer from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on the prevalence of
bullying against the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered community members (LGBT).
Members of the LGBT community may at times feel that they are not seen as equals to others in
the community.
The police are seeing the continued increase in levels of family violence in the community.
Many of our homicides in the last 5 years result from family violence, as well as an increase in
calls to the Ames Police Department to sort out adult differences. Adults may be losing the
ability to communicate with others who do not share their views. Victims of bullies may
sometimes take extreme action in response to the bullying.
Chief Cychosz addressed the following question: Are we seeing more domestic violence or is
there just more reporting of instances? The police can’t really way on this, but certainly there are
more calls and more involvement of the APD in families’ day-to-day lives.
The police have seen more violence or confrontations on the school ground after school since
last year. Neighbors and parents have been effective in taking back the school grounds from
bullies who may try to take them over. Society may need to reignite a passion to help/protect the
disadvantaged.
Cychosz said the city is working to hire officers who want to be problem solvers. Police also try
to work with people before they are in crisis.
The school will have an anti-bullying poster contest and other activities at the November event.
The Commission may want to build a clearing house for information or activities that provide
support for community respect. They may organize some sort of recognition for people who are
on the forefront of day-to-day dealing with issues.
This Commission may have a role in neighborhood relations like movie nights or other
neighborhood events.
John Klaus will invite someone from AMOS to the next meeting.
(Member Klaus left at 6:50 p.m.)
Old Business
The Commission may want to look at an activity for National Human Relations Day in January.
This will be on the next agenda
It was moved by Woods and seconded by Longnecker to approve the minutes from August 25,
2011 with two corrections.
The Commission discussed the 11 Days of Global Unity events. Dorothy Maver was particularly
energized and spoke to a number of groups in the community and several classes. We discussed
a follow-up letter to the editor on Ms. Maver’s main points.
FACES: Staff will make name tags for the commission members with the City logo on them.
Staff will get brochures ready. Amy will get stickers and face paint.
New Business
The Commission discussed having a seminar on Fair Housing. Staff will talk with Vanessa
Baker-Latimer about this. It will be on the agenda for the next meeting.
Amy Juhnke reported on the hiring seminar. The Commission will be working with staff on this.
May 10 is the tentative date.
The Commission will next meet on October 27, 2011 at 5:30 p.m.
Adjournment
The Commission adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
/cg