Item A: Listening Session with Human Rights Commission

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committees shall elect a committee chairperson and vice-chairperson. The chairperson must also be a commissioner. Officers shall serve for terms of one year. (b) Vacant positions on a standing committee shall be filled by appointment by the commission. A position shall be considered vacant under the same conditions as set forth for a vacancy on the commission. (c) Each standing committee shall meet at least nine times a year, with such additional meetings as it deems necessary to properly perform its duties. (d) Each standing committee may make and alter rules for its conduct and procedure, providing they are consistent with state law and applicable provisions of the city charter, ordinances and policies. (e) Fifty percent plus one of the current membership of a committee shall constitute a quorum. (3) The advocate response team shall coordinate the program that aids in the resolution of incidents of discrimination and harassment. The committee shall also: (a) Coordinate recruitment and training of volunteer advocates; (b) Establish policies and procedures for management of individual cases; (c) Assign and monitor work of volunteers; (d) Prepare agendas and facilitate meetings; (e) Analyze and report to staff and the commission on trends; and (f) Make recommendations on identified community issues. (4) The committee on education and outreach shall plan, conduct and co-sponsor forums, coordinate a speaker’s bureau, act as a publicity arm for programs, and assist community organizations in raising awareness and staging events relating to human rights issues. The committee shall have the primary responsibility to recruit, train and coordinate volunteers to assist in human rights program activities, and shall work to keep the program and the city open to members of the protected classes served by the program. The committee shall also assist the city in employment outreach and shall actively solicit protected class participation on all citizen advisory boards. (5) The committee on accessibility shall monitor accessibility and recommend policies and actions to improve accessibility in such areas as transportation, public meetings and events, employment opportunities and to overcome such barriers as cultural and linguistic differences and physical barriers, including sidewalks and curbs. The committee shall develop an accessibility guidebook and act as a resource on accessibility issues. The committee shall establish and maintain working relationships with the city staff most closely involved with physical accessibility questions and citizen access to city services and programs. (6) The commission may recommend the council establish any