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· Food for Lane County DiningRoom Human Rights Program members and staff met with Food for Lane County representatives and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) staff regarding their decision to open a facility serving meals to seniors 65 and older and children and accompanying adults, thus providing no meals to single adults. In March 2004, Food for Lane County changed its policy and is now providing meals to single adults two nights per week and to seniors and children with accompanying adults the other two nights of operation. While commissioners are pleased that adults have access on certain days, there is concern that this "separate but equal" decision is still discriminatory, and no one has access to the program all nights. Youth Issues During an examination of critical, local human rights issues at its FY 2004 work retreat, the commission identified youth issues as a top priority. In its work plan, the commission agreed to form a work group to address youth issues. Using the "Study Circles" dialogue model, the group is in the process of making final preparations to hold the dialogue session in late July 2004. Gender Identity Work Group In its FY04 work plan, the commission formed a gender identity issues work group to focus on community education, self-education, networking and local legal protection. Accomplishments of the work group include: · Establishment of a team of education facilitators consisting of transgender persons and allies · Implementation of educational presentations to PFLAG, Faith in Action, National Association of Social Workers, Human Rights Support System, and Central Services Diversity Committee The work group intends to continue to provide education to the community as well as network with schools, businesses, and city programs and the media. The commission will then request permission from City Council to work on code language to add protections based on gender identity to the human anti-discrimination ordinance. Human Rights staff is continuing to hold discussions with staff regarding the inclusion of gender identity in City employee policies. Working Cooperatively with Eugene Police Department Human Rights Commission members and staff continue to work with the Eugene Police Department (EPD) to aid the department in its efforts to work with the community. · In April 2004 the commission co-sponsored a "Meet the Chief" event put on by the American Civil Liberties Union. The event was held at the Eugene Public Library and was attended by approximately 70 people. · Members of the Human Rights and Police commissions and interested community members formed task groups on a number of topics during the reporting period, including: Social Security Number Task Group Task group members studied practices of other police departments and developed a draft policy to recommend for adoption. The draft policy was adopted and took effect July 1, 2004. The group also recommended the acceptance by EPD personnel of the Matricula Consular (Mexican ID card) as a valid form of identification. L:\CMO\2004 Council Agendas\M040726\S040726B.doc