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Commissioners concurred that continuing information gathering and groundwork needed to occur, which could also serve as a learning experience for the HRC. Human Rights Speech in Crystal ESSAY Commissioner McKenzie reported on her attendance at the League of Minnesota Human Rights Essay Contest where the City of Roseville's Essay winner, Erik Shannon, received first place. Commissioner McKenzie expressed her impression of Erik's confident presence, meeting his family, and his poise in making his presentation. Forum on Race/Diversity Training Planning Mission Statement Commissioner McKenzie updated Commissioners on her ongoing work with the United Way in planning the forum tentatively scheduled for October 14, 2008; presentation of the Roseville HRC's Mission Statement; and her upcoming meeting with a representative of United Way, Ms. Curti and herself for further planning. Commissioner McKenzie provided a checklist of scheduling, logistics and other items in planning the event. Partners Discussion was held on business sponsors and /or contacts, churches, schools, and other organizations to gain broader interest and attendance. Several people from Shoreview advised Commissioner McKenzie of their willingness to work with the Roseville HRC and share their expertise in planning the event; and Commissioner McKenzie observed that one of the United Way Board members was a Roseville resident. Further discussion included other communities to partner with, or invite to the event; or whether it would be better to keep the first training session small as a first step; whether to invite other area City HRC's (i.e., Arden Hills; Falcon Heights; New Brighton; Maplewood; St. Anthony); and anticipated attendance of approximately 100 people, similar to that of the Shoreview event. Date, Time, Location Locations were discussed (City Hall, Fairview Community Center, Roseville Area High School, or the OVAL) with consensus being that the OVAL would be most conducive to having a presentation, then breaking into groups for round table discussions. Ms. Curti advised that she would check to see if that date was available at the OVAL. Welcoming Center Commissioner Oftelie provided a summary of her contact with the Executive Director of Austin's Welcoming Center; corporate funding of the center; rationale for creating the center based on cultural and community needs; amount of time spent gathering information and networking with contacts; and advertising to seek clientele and alert them to services provided. Discussion included determining what was needed in Roseville; more definitive demographics of the community, not just school data; possible data resources through Ramsey and Hennepin Counties; how best to engage civic leaders in the process; virtual versus physical location for a Center; current organizations providing services and resources to various cultures (i.e.,