Full Text
1 Agenda Item No. 4(C) Human Relations Commission 2015 WORK PLAN AND 2014 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Members: Makalia Aga, Mande Glueck, Georgina Edwards, Rochelle Pardue-Okimoto, Lydia Hughes, Margo Hunter Parisi. ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 MISSION STATEMENT: The Human Relations Commission develops positive human relations through education, encouragement of greater respect and understanding between people, their equal opportunity rights under the law and the recognition of the racial, ethnic, religious and cultural diversity of the El Cerrito community. The purpose of the Human Relations Commission is to initiate educational and cultural programs, promote tolerance and mutual respect between all persons. When requested by the City Council, the Commission will evaluate and make recommendations regarding discrimination charges levied against the City, upon the direction of the council. Commission members shall be generally representative of the demographics of the City including the racial, religious, age, gender, ethnic, and other groups. The goal of the Commission is to support positive human relations by promoting recognition, education, respect, understanding and appreciation of the rich diversity of our community. Contributing to the City’s vibrancy, diversity is reflected in areas such as ethnicity, race, language, gender, sexual orientation, physical and mental ability status, religion, and age. Enabling Legislation: E.C.M.C. 2.04.270 ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 2015 WORK PLAN GOAL/OBJECTIVE PROPOSED ACTIVITIES PRIORITY RANKING TIMELINE FOR COMPLETION LOVING DAY To recognize June 12th, specifically, and the month of June, generally, as a celebration of multiculturalism and hope for our future. 1. Research the history of Loving Day. 2. Talk to appropriate experts like Ken Tanabe on his activities. 3. Prepare a Proclamation to present to the City Council of El Cerrito for them to approve at their June 2nd meeting. 4. Write a letter for citizens to sign and send to a member of the State Legislature in support of Loving Day and month. Put the letter on a portion of the City Website. People may copy, sign and send or write their own. 1 JUNE 1-30, 2015 INVITING STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE AS A STUDENT MEMBER OF THE COMMISSION. Involve students in the HRC meetings, events and planned future events for the betterment and cultural diversity of the El Cerrito community. 1. Make contact with our high school educators, counselors and student council to invite applicants. 2. Review applications from students. 3. Interview applicants as early in school year as possible. 4. Select student commissioner, and invite to meetings. 5. Assign duties based on HRC events and outreach opportunities. 2 August – May 2016 HONORING MARTIN LUTHER KING Jr. On his birthday, arranging for and participating in a Parade in the City of El Cerrito 1. All activities will be done as they were done in preparation in 2014. We will be doing the activities as early as November of 2015. 2. One additional activity will be one member of the Human Relations Commission will offer a workshop on Leadership using Martin Luther King Jr. as one of the outstanding examples. 3. Assembly for change makers in our schools - to encourage students to become leaders of positive change. 3 December – January 2016 ---PAGE BREAK--- 4 PRIOR YEAR (2014) ACCOMPLISHMENTS GOAL/OBJECTIVE ACTIVITIES SUPPORTING GOAL STATUS 1.Recognition of 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act Proclamation brought to city council in August 2014. Completed 2. Recognition of Human Rights Day Proclamation brought to city council in November 2014. Completed 3.Recognition of Women’s History Month Proclamation brought to city council in March 2014. Completed 4.Recognition of Asian Pacific American Month Proclamation brought to city council in May 2014. Completed 5.Community celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and parade, 26th year Successful rally at the DMV, march to the high school and program at the high school honoring Maya Angelou. Marchers were offered diversity signs to carry in march. Participation from many community groups including Tibetan Association of N CA, El Cerrito High School students, First 5, Elementary schools, Oakland Black Cowboy Association, East Bay Masonic lodge, Girl and Boy Scouts of America, elected officials and more. Keynote speaker: Darrell Wesley, Chaplain, US Navy. Approximately 400 attendees. Completed ONGOING PROJECTS PROJECT ACTIVITIES Recognition of important events and milestones in society via recommendations of proclamations to the City Council and consideration of a larger community event based on significant events. 1. HRC to create and deliver proclamations to El Cerrito City Council. 2. HRC to discuss possible events to more publicly recognize event in community.