HomeMy Public PortalAbout2021-05-28 MinutesMinutes of Meeting
Commission on Human Relations
Friday, May 28, 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, Jane Barnes
Staff present:
Gail Strope
Others present:
Councilmembers Ron FItzwater and Mike Lester, Michael Shine – News Tribune
The meeting came to order at 9:01 a.m. by Susan Cook-Williams. Frank Rycyk made a motion to approve
April’s meeting minutes, second by Kimberly Woodruff. Motion unanimously passed.
Mitchell Woodrum reported the finances remain the same at this time. Susan Cook-Williams reported
she will submit receipts for reimbursement for coffee and donuts purchased for the Hot Topics event
hosted on May 22, 2021.
Kim Woodruff presented on pronoun usage. Pronouns are gender implied in third person singular form
and this is not necessarily accurate nor helpful for some individuals. To build relationships and better
understand individuals, we should strive to meet people where they are. It is important to be respectful
and inclusive of an individual’s identity. It can be offensive or harassing to guess or ignore and
ultimately, it is acceptable and respectful to ask if unsure how a person would like to be identified. June
is Pride Month and Kim Woodruff reiterated the importance of researching and educating yourself to
better understand. Missy Creed will present a development issue for the June meeting. Frank Rycyk also
requested to present in September for Yom Kippur.
Public Comment on Agenda Items:
None
Old Business:
Coffee Conversations Update: Susan Cook-Williams reported about 8 community members attended the
May 22, 2021 event. The discussion was about Asian American hate and how to be an ally and upstander
if the need arises. She shared the event was well received with good conversations. The next event with
bee on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at 9:30 A.M. at McClung Park Pavilion. This event will continue to be
promoted through the commission’s Facebook page. The June topic will be on transgender youth in
sports.
June Speaker Series Event: The June Speaker Series Event will be held virtual and will be related to Pride
Month and the LGBTQ+ community. This may be the last entirely virtual event. The Speaker Series Event
will be on Thursday, June 24, 2021 at 6:30 P.M. Kim Woodruff reported the event will focus around
transgender rights and advocacy and heighten general awareness of the transgender community. This
educational event will feature 2-3 speakers and aims to educate the public on how to be respectful and
inclusive of individuals within this community. Susan Cook-Williams encouraged all commissioners to
email her with any suggestions of topics, panelists, or guest speakers.
New Business:
None
Public Comment:
None
Adjournment:
Frank Rycyk shared with the commission that Kim Woodruff presented to evening Rotary and the United
Universalist Adult Group. The next commission meeting will be offered in hybrid, with some members
remaining virtual and some in person at City Hall. Susan Cook-Williams reminded the commission to
watch the Facebook group for Juneteenth celebration information in Jefferson City. There being no
further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:24 a.m. with a motion by Frank Rycyk, second by Missy
Creed.
The next meeting is scheduled for June 18, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.