HomeMy Public PortalAbout2021-03-19 MinutesMinutes of Meeting
Commission on Human Relations
Friday, March 19, 2021
Due to COVID-19 and social distancing recommendations, the Commission on
Human Relations meeting was made available by using a Webex meeting.
ATTENDEES:
Commission members present:
Susan Cook-Williams, Missy Creed, Kimberly Woodruff, Frank Rycyk, Mitchell Woodrum, Patsy Johnson,
Andria Hendricks, Seth Bauman, Jane Barnes
Staff present:
Gail Strope, Rebecca Lee
Others present:
Councilmembers Laura Ward, Ken Hussey, Ron Fitzwater, Pastor Shawnacy Johnson – Bible Way
Community Church, Cristhia Castro – El Puente Ministry
The meeting came to order at 9:03 a.m. by Susan Cook-Williams. Frank Rycyk made a motion to approve
minutes, second by Mitchell Woodrum. Motion unanimously passed.
Mitchell Woodrum, Treasurer, reports we continue to have an annual set budget of $500 with no
charges nor changes to report from the previous meeting.
Jane Barnes presented on People First Language for the monthly Commissioner Development Moment.
It is important to use inclusive language recognizing the individual before the disability. It treats every
individual with respect and dignity and can change the way we see and value all members of our
community. Frank Rycyk will present a development issue for the April meeting.
Seth Bauman, new Human Relations Commissioner, introduced himself as this was his first meeting
serving on the commission.
Public Comment on Agenda Items:
None
Old Business:
Coffee Conversations Update: Missy Creed updated the commission on this new project. She and
Mitchell Woodrum have worked on ideas and shared this monthly meeting will be called “Caffeinated
Conversations: Hot Topics with the Human Relations Commission”. The tentative plan is to begin on
Friday, June 18, 2021 with a monthly meeting, currently to be held over Zoom, which is intended to
occur on the same day as the commission meets (third Friday of the month), just prior at 8:15 a.m. The
format would have a commissioner as the moderator to open with current events from local to global,
introduce the guest speaker who will speak for five minutes, followed by 20 minutes of questions and
conversations. Hosting this over Zoom would allow for easy participation of community members and
there is a subscription host option that would enable more control of the meeting. Each meeting would
wrap up with the same question for familiarity for participants. Once individuals are comfortable with
meeting in person, the intent is to move this to an in-person event. As it stands, the committee working
on this and tasks delegated include: Mitchell Woodrum-co-organizer, moderator; Missy Creed-co-
organizer, marketing, Facebook management, Zoom account management, communicate link to the city
for sharing; Jane Barnes-email speaker to provide outline of format of event; Susan Cook-Williams-
alternate moderator. All commissioners are welcome to join and help and all will also assist in finding
speakers and generating topics. While there are concerns with the time constraints and overall format,
the general consensus is this is the right place to start on this project and can be modified in time.
New Business:
Guest Speaker: Cristhia Castro, Executive Director of El Puente: Cristhia Castro enlightened the
commission on the Hispanic ministry located in Jefferson City that aims to cultivate relationships
between cultures. This Catholic, non-profit is based in San Antonio and has been serving in this
community for 20 years. They welcome Hispanic neighbors to the community and help them thrive in
both church and society, not necessarily tied to one particular church of support. Their services are
provided without charge as they work to reach the Hispanic community in a variety of ways. She
encouraged participation and attendance to a Day of the Dead Celebration on Sunday, October 31, 2021
at 12 p.m. for a fiesta and potluck meal.
April: Focus on Religion on Social Media: Due to the increased awareness of the commission and positive
feedback on spotlighting and highlighting Black-owned businesses in the month of February, Susan
Cook-Williams suggests a similar social media sharing opportunity to share about individuals in our
community who work, serve, or minister within the religious community. The participants will be
solicited the same way as in February, with a Google form accessible through Facebook. The individuals
who complete the form and fall within this community will be highlighted throughout April.
Return to In-Person Meeting Conversation: Discussion about meetings for in-person versus hybrid versus
continued virtual arrived at the general consensus to continue with virtual meetings at this time.
Public Comment:
Pastor Johnson shared he learned of this commission through the February Black-owned business
spotlights. He encouraged continuing to find ways to reach all members of the community.
Adjournment:
Frank Rycyk shared with the commission that fellow commissioner Kim Woodruff would be speaking to
the Tuesday evening Rotary Club via Zoom at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 23, 2021. She will present on
the history of Quinn Chapel. There being no further business, the meeting unanimously adjourned at
10:04 a.m. with a motion by Frank Rycyk, second by Patsy Johnson.
The next meeting is scheduled for April 16, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.