1999_Human Rights Comm Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9,1999 1) Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Jill Bergquist at 7:05pm. 2) Roll Call Members present: Issac Afwerke , Jill Bergquist, Brenda Boily-Salmanpour, Eric Egli, Mike Hermes, Susan Oliphant, Alexis Orosz, Steve Smith and Mary Vidas. Members Absent: Thelma McKenzie Others Present: Dick Little, Community Circles Program, and Debbie Zamow, Staff Liaison. 3) Community Circles Presentation, Dick Little The Community Circle program is a conversation tool to energize residents about what the Human Rights Commission is all about. The primary focus is to get citizens together with a facilitator to discuss education, housing and race in the community. What comes out of a Circle? The first goal is to come up with "Promising Practices". These practices can be summarized as ideas to proactively respond to diversity. The second goal is to amplify good things that are already happening in the community. Mechanics. Mr. Little suggests co-sponsoring with schools, Rotary Club, or other Human Rights Commissions, in order to get the program going. 8-15 participants is an optimal number for a Community Circle and it is important to attract a diverse group of participants. The Circle meets for 5 sessions, 2 hours each and preferably every week or every other week. There is no fee for the facilitators to put on the program. Funding comes from a variety of foundations throughout the Twin Cities. The sessions are broken down as follows: Session 1 - Who we are: Our personal stories. Session 2 - What are the reasons for segregation in the Twin Cities? Session 3 - How can we address housing challenges in the Twin Cities? Session 4 - What can we do about the achievement gap in our schools? Session 5 - Making a difference: A commitment to action. How to Qet started. To find participants, Mr. Little suggests contacting organizations such as Rotary Club, school district, youth groups, League of Women Voters, local newspapers, church bulletins and personal invitation to active community members. Mr. Little has also agreed to be interviewed on the Commission's next cable show to help promote the Circle.