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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.