Item A: Equity and Human rights Program Update

Home Browse Search

ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Work Session: Equity and Human Rights Update Meeting Date: November 18, 2009 Agenda Item Number: A Department: Central Services Staff Contact: Raquel Wells www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-8439 ISSUE STATEMENT The purpose of this work session is to provide an update on City efforts around equity and human rights, including the Diversity and Equity Strategic Plan, dedicated staffing and resources through the Equity and Human Rights Center, and the Human Rights Commission. The work session also provides an opportunity to obtain feedback from the council on ways in which the commission and City organization can help support effective communication and engagement on critical human rights issues among elected and appointed officials, City service providers and community members. BACKGROUND The City of Eugene has a long history of working on diversity and human rights. In the past few years, several important milestones occurred, including staffing changes and the merging of the Diversity and Human Rights programs. These changes present a unique opportunity to step back and consider how these separate programs connect to one another, reflect on their association with Sustainability and Neighborhood Services, reconsider their ties to City operations and services, and continue building community networks and capacity. Overlaps and intersections within each of these areas provide opportunities to collaborate and to build on strengths. In July 2009, the City of Eugene completed its five-year strategic plan on Diversity and Equity. This fulfills one of the main recommendations from the Community Committee on Race. The City’s commitment and deliberate actions in addressing human rights issues are more important than ever, in part because the economic downturn has created sizable impacts on many community members – especially vulnerable populations. The Diversity and Equity Strategic Plan (DESP) identifies six goals: Leadership, Capacity, Workforce/Work Environment, Service Delivery, Communication/ Engagement, and Measurement/Accountability. The efforts of the Mayor and council, Human Rights Commission, Equity and Human Rights staff, other City of Eugene services and programs, and community members, contribute to outcomes in each of the goal areas. A few examples are provided below: Leadership: Demonstrate strong leadership and organizational commitment to diversity and equity. ? The Human Rights Commission work plan includes a goal of enhancing relationships and communications with the City Council, Equity and Human Rights Board, other Z:\CMO\2009 Council Agendas\M091118\S091118A.doc