Human Relations Commission

MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION October 7, 2015 The Human Relations Commission held a Meeting on October 7, 2015 at City Hall Ellwood Conference Room. Chair Larry Apperson calling meeting to order called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. A. ROLL CALL The following members of the HRC were present: Larry Apperson (Chair), Norden Gilbert, Lisa King, Ellingsworth Webb, Cameron Zelaya, Robert Williams. Absent was Joe Gastiger. Also present were: Dr. James Cohen, Assist. Prof. NIU Jackie DiNatale, Coord. of Outreach & Finance, Kishwaukee United Way Management Analyst, Lauren Stott B. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA – ADDITIONS / DELETIONS All agenda items were approved. C. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Jackie DiNatale from Kishwaukee United Way provided information on the 3rd year of sponsorship of MoneySmart Week. This week long event will be held April 23-30, 2016. They will recruit local expertise to present on financial topics that match different demographic groups’ interests. D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The September 8, 2015 minutes were approved. E. OLD BUSINESS 1. Promotion of Diversity Programming a. Dr. James Cohen of Northern Illinois University Dr. James Cohen of Northern Illinois University (NIU) gave an interactive presentation about cultural competency. The presentation included a slideshow and Dr. Cohen encouraged the Commissioners to ask questions. Several Commissioners asked questions and provided input to the discussion. Key points from Dr. Cohen included: Cultural competency training is the foundation for functioning equitably in the world. It can be paradigm shifting. Training needs to be of a length (rec. 11 sessions of 3hrs. each) to be effective for sustained change. One training outcome discussed was to include a train-the- trainers component. In this manner HRC members could pair-up and provide training to Regular Meeting October 7, 2015 Page 2 of 2 others. Related to this discussion, Cameron Zelaya reported on his attendance at an eight- session book discussion group that discussed the book Power, Privilege & Differences. This group identified many of the same points that Dr. Cohen’s presentation had done. b. Update on Commonly Asked Questions About Service Animals in Places of Business Management Analyst Lauren Stott presented the updated pamphlet and indicated that, with approval from the Commission, it would posted on the City’s website and distributed to local businesses. All present Commissioners indicated their approval. It was also suggested that distribution be done through a “Chamber Blast” of Chamber of Commerce and included in the New Tenant’s Bag. c. Discussion and Review of Models for Reentry of Ex-Offenders In the interest of time, the Commissioners agreed to move this discussion to the next meeting agenda. Commissioner Webb did indicate that he was going to meet with an Aurora program representative to obtain more information. d. Community Member Recognition In the interest of time, the Commissioners agreed to move this discussion to the next meeting agenda. e. Website Recommendation Updates Chair Apperson indicated that Commissioners should continue to contemplate updates to the HRC web page. f. Update and Discussion on HRC Brochure In the interest of time, the Commissioners agreed to move this discussion to the next meeting agenda. g. Community Conversations Update Management Analyst Stott indicated that City staff is currently working with NIU’s Center for Governmental Studies to utilize comments from the Strategic Plan Community Conversations to create a draft plan. F. NEW BUSINESS No new business was discussed. G. ADJOURNMENT __________________________________________ LAUREN STOTT, Management Analyst Minutes approved by the Human Relations Commission on December 1, 2015.