Human Relations Commission

Blue Springs Human Relations Commission Tuesday, September 15, 2015, 6:30pm East Conference Room of City Hall 903 W Main Blue Springs, MO 64015 Attendance: Kynette Campbell-Chair Gino Bueno-Vice Chair Jane Bowerman-Recording Secretary Antoine Jennings Diane Ellis-Jones Susan Stokenbury Chief Wayne McCoy-Liaison Absent: Lori Moon Guests: Dr. Emanuel Ngomsi- Consultant Jenna Herring- Logo Winner Meeting called to order at 6:30 pm 1. Recognition of new Chairman-Kynette Campbell, Vice Chairman-Gino Bueno (Chief McCoy) 2. Introduction of new HRC members: Susan Stokenbury-16 year resident- boys grown and gone- worked for federal government- negotiator- came to Blue Springs because of school district- military background Diane Ellis-Jones-resident- 7 ~years- grandchildren in school district- moved here because of school district- ex military wife- hope to offer the committee something 3. Approval of July 21, 2015 Minutes (Chairman Kynette Campbell) Minutes approved 4. HRC logo winner recognition (Jenna Herring) -presentation of certificate of recognition for creating new HRC logo 5. Group Photo 6. HRC Fair (Helping Residents Connect) 10-04-15 (Vice-Chairman Gino Bueno) Update: fair Sunday, October 4th, 2015- 2-Spm- Vesper Hall-indoors and outdoors Let the community know who we are and what we do- allow people to come and put up a table- no fees- approximately 16 groups so far- working on getting a few more groups- no money in budget- we are looking for ways to raise money for expenses Looking for food trucks to come out and serve food  Any groups that would like to participate, please contact Gino Bueno HRC will be passing out flyers at Fall Fun Fest about the Fair 7. Fall Fun Fest Parade-plan for Saturday-walk and wear different shades of blue- hand out flyers/ candy- line up- meet at Freshman Center- #74- park away from the area- we want to be more visible in the community Dress for the weather! Gino wanted to thank his wife, Tamara- she has been very instrumental in the organization of the H.R.C. Fair and with walking in the parade 8. 1 year action plan (Dr. Emanuel Ngomsi) Action Plan for the coming year 2015-16 Welcome- Dr. Ngomsi is from Lee's Summit- born and grew up in Cameroon- West Africa- passion for culture- tribe, family, village Ngomsi- name means the word of God Living in U.S. for 24 years Loves the comment "I want to make a difference" He thinks that's just great! Can see the diversity in Blue Springs- can see it all around the town Took about 2 years in Lee's Summit to revamp thei r strategic plan Chair for the Lee's Summit commission for 4 years- not the chair now Vision and Mission statements- HRC worked on these last August B.S. proactive in putting the HRC together- must be the link between organizations in our community Reviewed HRC Ordinance Section 120.530 -functions, duties, responsib ilities Important to keep track of what the HRC is doing- annual report to the city Initial 3 meetings- questionnaire polling citizens of Blue Springs-focus groups Asked them a series of questions What are the strengths of Blue Springs? Mostly accepting of diversity of citizens in Blue Springs Citizens happy with the school district and the police department Some citizens not able to identify diversity in our community Mayor is sensitive to including minority and special needs persons in the hiring process New learning- citizens understand the intentional planning of diversity in the community What came out of the initial three meetings? HRC function, duties, and responsibilities: (Part A) Promote mutual understanding and respect among all diverse groups in the City to seek solutions to related problems concerning citizens of the City with the objective to provide and environment in which each citizen shall have the opportunity to grow to his or her maximum potential and be treated with dignity and respect. Ideas: Neighborhood Block Party Minority recruitment and hiring was discussed- school district, police department Cultural Festival- themes- celebrate the diversity in Blue Springs- next summer- start planning now Next few months- educate ourselves on diversity- know what we are going to tell the people- build a scripted message- speaking the same message Olathe HRC made a video- website- Olathe- students interview the HRC- part of education As a group- HRC should become a part of the Missou ri Commission on Human Rights First Friday of December-Conference in Jefferson City- go to educate ourselves on diversity Other HRCs participate- take away best practices Locally- HRC forum- Lee's Summit- 49 people attended Important to network with other HRCs Invite Olathe HRC to come and share what they are doing We should focus on education. M ista ke lee's Summit made: "we can do it all"- finally realized they could partner with other cities to reach out and make a difference Attending Chamber of Commerce meetings- other city meetings to reach out and educate Started to go to schools to educate- Martin Luther King Newspape r-Examiner- go to them abo ut new commission- write articles- they will publish it- one co lumn per month Kynette Campbell has experience as a freelance writer for the Examiner since 2003- stopped in 2010 M edia is important for education Rotary Club, lion's Club- other community organizations- volunteer to come and speak to their groups HRC is like any business- market it- flyers and information to educate the public on diversity Gino Bueno suggested the HRC use the Blu e Springs Public Access Network- once a month- write articles or talks to educate the public about the HRC Dr. Ngomsi sha red the idea- sit down with the Mayor, each City Council member, Chief of Police, Superintendent of School District- share th e mission and vision of t he HRC How can we help you in your district, school district, how can you help us? What are some of the issues in your district, police department, school district? Needs to happen one on one to get t he message out Action Plan: Register with Missouri Human Rights Commission Handouts/ Articles Meetings wit h City Council Civic presentations Short Video Next Summer- community event Apply to H.U.D (Housing and Urban Development) for grant- $1,000 HRC roster will be sent out by Chief McCoy Business cards will be created by the city- Gino and Antoine w ith take care of this Chief McCoy will be responsible for sending out the agenda before each meeting Student representatives: Chairman Campbell and Chief McCoy are actively seeking candidates for these positions- 2 student reps- non-voting members Meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm Respectfully submittez - ane Bo.w erman, Recording Se~retary o_L __ A_. fl , Approved by Chair, '--"'(~ Yl . ~"ilf);Jl} , September 21, 2015