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Regular City Council Meeting Monday,July 13,2015 Page 21 that found at a City Council meeting which many found intimidating or threaten- ing. Councilmember Willmus clarified that he was not seeking a reason for a local HRC, but simply what its role involved or what it did; not why, but the actual process and differentiating between the formal state level complaint process and the local complaint process. Mr. Groff responded that the HRC could also ensure fairness in the community for those feeling they've been treated unfairly; and noted the HRC's advocacy on behalf of the Karen community in housing issues and resolving issues that could have potentially resulted in evictions. Mr. Groff opined the HRC provided an in- terface between the Karen community organization (KOM) and the City admin- istration. Mr. Groff reviewed other roles of the HRC in hosting naturalization ceremonies, the annual essay contest, and serving as advisors to the City Council. Mr. Groff noted a new youth commissioner is waiting to be sworn in, with her specific in- terest with the rights and public perceptions for handicapped people. Arlene Christiansen As the newest member of the HRC, Ms. Christiansen agreed with the separate role of the local HRC from the State; and as an immigrant, opined there was a need to understand human rights and difference in cultures; with the HRC serving as a safe place to talk about things or help others understand or be aware of issues. In response to Councilmember Willmus regarding the annual essay contest, Ms. Christiansen provided a review of the 2016 process, and revisions to the process and information to teachers, most in response to meetings of HRC representatives and instructors regarding timing and their curriculum. Ms. Christiansen addressed relevancy of the 2016 question; and crafting of information for students and in- structors to make it easier for their participation. At the request of Councilmember Willmus, Ms. Christiansen confirmed that the 2016 Essay Contest will be open to all Roseville 6th, 7th and 8th graders at all Ro- seville Schools, whether public or private. With Councilmember Willmus' con- cerns regarding declining school participation, Ms. Christiansen expressed her ex- citement with and provided a sample of the essay contest packet recently created by the HRC for the 2016 contest— and provided to the Human Rights League for their distribution across the state — to build excitement and respond to instructor request for a concise process and information providing more inclusivity. Ms. Christiansen advised that the entry form, poster and instructions would be mailed to the principles of all public and private schools in Roseville using a mailing list provided by staff and then she would personally follow up with a phone call.