2018_0516_HRIEC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Human Rights, Inclusion and Engagement Commission Minutes April 18, 2018 —Draft Minutes Page 10 of 16 What- • What are best practices more broadly in the community? • What are City department's successes and struggles, and where do they see opportunities? • Consider what is already happening and understanding the process on how the engagement process is determined. • Develop a survey for City departments. Chair Holub suggested they come up with questions for a survey to the departments at the next meeting. Commissioner Beltmann offered to develop a draft of the department survey and best practices. At the next meeting, they can discuss where additional gaps are that need to be addressed. Commissioner Bolinger inquired if other cities have a similar Commission that could provide information on what they are doing. Ms. Olson stated she does not know of other Commissions similar to this one. Falcon Heights convened a task force to consider what they should do and it might be interesting to look at the report. She also referred to the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) and noted they talk about best practices for engagement and outreach. They can include it as a recommendation if they feel it would be valuable for staff to be trained in this way. Commissioner Subramanian stated they can recommend to the Council an outreach that includes a monthly program that focuses on different topics, have a City staff member present it and then broadcast it so that people can feel they are involved. It connects the City and the individual and provides a way for people to learn about different City departments and topics. Ms. Olson explained the IAP2 training starts with understanding why the outreach is being done, identifies who the stakeholders are and what their issues may be, and identifies the purpose of the outreach. It provides specific steps for engagement and outreach. Chair Holub stated she understands the Council is looking for an approach to take towards engagement and outreach, not specific ideas. Commissioner Subramanian commented it is hard to come up with steps for a project when they do not know what the project is. Ms. Olson responded they can come up with best practices to identify the purpose, a plan for outreach, and identify the stakeholders and who they are not reaching. These steps should be done regardless of what the project is.