Human Relations Commission

Human Relations Commission Monday, September 19th, 2022 6:30PM In Person 5127 Oakton St. Skokie, IL. 60077 RM D & E MINUTES Present: Daphnee Camilien, Alexander Chaparro, Krishna Goyal, Anwar Haq, Jonathan Lavin, Jim McVane, Ralph Ruebner, Jeremy Segall, Karen Sherman, Chair: Maria Monastero Bueno and Liaison Iris Barrios Not present (E) = Excused: Deborah Arnold (E), Sheila Crumrine (E), David Donegan (E), Jaili Fajardo, Marcos Levy, Swarupa Pahan, Michelle Reitman (E), Pearl Rubenzik (E), James Specker (E), Moe Yanes, Trustee Khem Khoeun (E) Meeting Called to Order at 6:44pm 1. Approval of the Agenda first by Alex, second by Karen 2. Approval of the June 27th, 2022: As amended: first by Alex, second by Jim Chair Report 1. Chair Maria introduced new and returning HRC member Rabbi Ralph Ruebner. Ralph Ruebner provided a brief background of his previous 11 years of experience on the HRC. 2. Chair Maria let the group know there are currently 4 openings. A discussion was given around the group about expanding the group to other parts of Skokie. Many of the commission group members are neighbors and that is how they became involved. Spreading the word out to other parts of Skokie in order to get more residents involved now that there are openings as HRC members have moved or there was conflict of interests that have provided more opens to the new season for the HRC. Subcommittee Updates: 1. Block Party Forum: Alex provided an update on the Forum in partnership with the Skokie Police Station. A forum would provide a space for residents who are interested in hosting a block party but may not know where to start or how to apply. Alex would like to host the forum in March 2023 and is working with Officer Wilken on the possible dates. A discussion was had around dates due to holidays in the Spring as well as Spring Break for schools. Ralph brought up the idea of having a Community Calendar along with a Culture Calendar for Skokie. One name was the Skokie Culture Community Calendar that is published by the Human Relations Commission with all the community events, spiritual dates, religious dates, holidays,  etc. Karen mentioned that May 17th would be the Norway Constitution Holiday so dates like these would be added. Old Business/Updates 1. Chair Maria would like Block Party of the Year Award to be moved up sooner this year. Prior to COVID, BPOYA, voting was earlier. Going back to the time of year it previously was for this year instead of waiting for Spring. HRC would like to vote in January and continue to vote in google format as well as in person. 2. Iris gave an update on the Block Parties, the google sheet update and encouraged HRC members to attend. New Business 1. Chair Maria had asked the group before the summer break to come with new ideas. Karen came with ideas on partnerships with non-profits. The group had questions on the budget. Iris went over the budget. A print out would be most helpful. Iris will work with Penny from Health and Human Services to see if Iris can provide a budget for the HRC members. Questions came up about how to join HRC. Iris mentioned the HRC webpage on Skokie’s website and there is a link to apply for HRC. There were questions about IPlan and the survey that has been coming out from the summer. Iris mentioned about inviting Elizabeth Nelson to October meeting for these resources. This gave the group an idea about inviting groups to HRC meetings. Jeremy provided a new idea about making flyers for Skokie residents to make it known about HRC and the housing services. Possibly partnering up with voter registration drive and encourage people to vote, join commissions and be involved in Skokie. 2. Jim provided information on the upcoming NAMI Cook County North Suburbs walk being held on October 1st, 2022. Jim also provided information on where NAMI’s office is in Skokie. Information on registration is found on the NAMI website along with calling 847-716-2252. The walk is being held at Gallery Park at Glenview Park District and funds are being raised to support mental health awareness and moving away from stigma. Jim mention that since working with the local NAMI he has come to realized that he and probably all of us have come across a person who is undiagnosed or diagnosed with a mental health concern/illness. Provided information on You Are Not Alone Book by NAMI as well as information on the new 988 number for mental health services. Next meeting mentioned for October 24, 2022 at Village Hall Conf. A Adjournment at 8:04pm by Alex Chaparro and second by Jeremy Segall