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Home My Public Portal About2021-07-23 MinutesMinutes of Meeting Commission on Human Relations Friday, July 23, 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, Mitchell Woodrum, Jane Barnes Others present: Councilmember Mike Lester and Ron Fitzwater, Michael Shine – News Tribune The meeting came to order at 9:04 a.m. by Susan Cook-Williams. Kim Woodruff made a motion to approve June’s meeting minutes, second by Mitchell Woodrum. Motion unanimously passed. Mitchell Woodrum reported the finances remain the same at this time. Susan Cook-Williams reported no compensation nor token of thanks was able to be given to Kylar Broadus from the previous Speaker Series Event. Any compensation must be agreed upon prior to the event. There was no Commissioner Development Moment this month and Andria Hendricks will present on an issue in the August meeting. Public Comment on Agenda Items: None Old Business: August Speaker Series Event and Caffeinated Conversations Update: Jane Barnes shared the event is tentatively scheduled for August 26, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. The topic of this event will be on Critical Race Theory to provide community education on what it is and what it is not. The format is still being organized and determined but Darius Watson and Brian Kaylor are both confirmed to participate in this event. This event will be held in person and the following Saturday, August 28, 2021, there will also be a Caffeinated Conversation continuing the in-person discussion of Critical Race Theory. Commissioners are encouraged to contact Susan Cook-Williams to offer help or input on this event. De-escalation Program Review: Susan Cook-Williams updated the commission on this event organized by Councilmember Mike Lester. Susan Cook-Williams and Jane Barnes attended this event to better understand the role of bystanders from passive to active in potential encounters with others. This event offered a variety of strategies and tips to handle situations. New Business: Sharing of Community Events: Susan Cook-Williams shared that Patsy Johnson would like the commission to discuss how events are shared on social media. She affirmed events should be shared in writing, with a description and details of the event including a link if there is one. These events can be shared with Susan Cook-Williams, Missy Creed, Mitchell Woodrum, or Gail Strope, who all have access as administrators of the commission’s Facebook page. Mitchell Woodrum reminded commissioners it is up to all commissioners to share upcoming events. New Email List: Susan Cook-Williams updated the commission that there is a new option on the commission’s Facebook page to sign up to be on the email list. This list could be used to inform interested individuals of upcoming events. Ten people are currently signed up, this could lead to a newsletter at a later date if interest grows. Public Comment: None Adjournment: The next commission meeting will be offered in hybrid, with some members remaining virtual and some in person at City Hall. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:24 a.m. with a motion by Kim Woodruff, second by Mitchell Woodrum. The next meeting is scheduled for August 20, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.