HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Human Relations Commission - AHRC Minutes 10-27-2011M I N U T E S
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
October 27, 2011
The Ames Human Relations Commission meeting was called to order at 5:35 p.m. Members
present were Chairperson Aaron Fultz, Amy Juhnke, Barbara Woods, and John Klaus.
Public Forum
Richard Deyo had a scroll that he said could be auctioned off at the Ames Middle School during
the Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration. The Commission was concerned about auctioning an
item, but thought it could be donated for display.
Old Business
Moved by Klaus and seconded by Woods to approve the September 22, 2011 minutes with a
correction to the date.
FACES – The Commission discussed the success of the FACES event. Entertainment was good.
It is good to have a number of things going on that draw bigger crowds, such as Maximum Ames
and the Farmer’s Market also occurring that day.
New Business
There was a presentation by AMOS representatives. John Klaus talked about the possible
collaboration points with the Commission. Mary Richards, Heather Withers and David Digby
were present.
Mary Richards talked about the AMOS house meetings that have transitioned into a more formal
effort to talk about ways to have real community dialog on prejudices. The group has been
looking into different types of workshops or facilitators. The focus is on racism and poverty and
how this impacts participation by community members.
Information was distributed about a group called “The People’s Institute for Survival and
Beyond.” This group has been active in the Des Moines area, and perhaps in Waterloo. Polk
County may have started the effort in the law enforcement area, and have expanded it into the
medical area and others.
The Institute’s goal is to work toward social transformation by following anti-racist principles.
The group believes that stereotypes and misperceptions about race are ingrained in American
culture. The Institute talks about looking beyond the surface and really looking at oppression in
the work culture.
The “Undoing Racism” program is centered on community workshop. Trainers would come in
and conduct a 2 ½ day workshop. There would be funding needed. It was suggested that the
Commission be the group that would coordinate this effort and work on follow-up meetings.
Participation of Police, City officials and others in key administrative positions would ideally be
involved.
Member Klaus was concerned that labor unions, associations and social organizations be
involved. Participants were there in Polk County because it was a part of their jobs.
Employees from LSI have attended “Undoing Racism” sessions in Cedar Rapids or Waterloo.
The discussion at the session involved how there are institutional regulations and rules that are
racist in nature.
Chair Fultz asked what the next steps are and how to proceed from here. Mary Richards stated
that she will be approaching law enforcement in Story County about participating. For $12,000+
you would get one 2 ½ day session for 40 people or so.
Member Klaus wanted some feedback about what has happened in Des Moines. The next
follow-up meeting is in Des Moines on November 16, at River Place.
A discussion on “Undoing Racism” will be placed on the December agenda.
The Commission will next meet on December 15, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. The Fair Housing Training
will be discussed at that meeting. Employment Training will also be on the agenda.
National Human Relations Day will also be on the next agenda. The Commission needs to plan
for some type of observance of that day.
Commissioner Comments
Member Woods discussed student comments on feeling inferior at school. How can we help
parents talk to their children about what is happening at school. LSI has some good information
on how to talk to kids.
Adjournment
The Commission adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
/ekt