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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem B: Annual Meeting with Human Rights Commission ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Work Session: Annual Meeting with the Human Rights Commission Meeting Date: September 11, 2006 Agenda Item Number: B Department: City Manager’s Office Staff Contact: Greg Rikhoff www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-5177 ISSUE STATEMENT This work session is the annual review of the Human Rights Commission, its work plan, and the work plans of its standing committees. The commission will provide a brief update on its accomplishments of FY06 and will highlight key work items for FY07 and FY08. The commission also plans to identify several emerging issues for discussion at the meeting. The City Council will be asked to review and approve the work plan. BACKGROUND The City Council and the Human Rights Commission (HRC) hold an annual meeting to review the work of the commission and discuss human rights issues in the community. The last meeting was held on October 24, 2005. At that time, the City Council approved a 12 month work plan. The commissioners are asking the City Council to consider the approval of a 24-month work plan that will carry the commission through the fiscal year 2008. RELATED CITY POLICIES The City Council-adopted Vision and Goals Statement include two statements relevant to this item: 1)Safe Community – a community where people feel safe, valued and welcomed, and; 2)Effective and Accountable Municipal Government – a government that works openly, collaboratively, and fairly with the community to achieve measurable and positive outcomes Additionally, many of the activities discussed in the Human Rights Commission annual report and included in the proposed work plan are related to the City Council Priority Issues on Race, Homelessness, and the City Hall Complex. COUNCIL OPTIONS The council has the option to amend and/or approve the Human Rights Commission Goals and Work Plan for FY 2007/8. L:\CMO\2006 Council Agendas\M060911\S060911B.doc CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION The City Manager recommends approval of the Human Rights Commission Goals and Work Plan for FY 2007/8. SUGGESTED MOTION Move to approve the Human Rights Commission Goals and Work Plan for FY 2007/8. ATTACHMENTS A. The Human Rights Commission FY 2006 Report and FY 2007/8 Work Plan FOR MORE INFORMATION Staff Contact: Greg Rikhoff Telephone: 682-5177 Staff E-Mail: greg.s.rikhoff@ci.eugene.or.us L:\CMO\2006 Council Agendas\M060911\S060911B.doc City of Eugene City Manager's Office Human Rights Program 833 Willamette Street Eugene, Oregon 97401 Pit> o G' 'P ~ 3. (541) 682-5177 h rc@ci. eugene. or. us www.eugene-or.gov Page 2 ~1.GHTS ~ ~ <- ::J :z: STRENGTH IN DIFFERENCES ff~.x IJ~Ji.tt FY 2007/2008 Work Plan FY 2006 Annual Report and Eugene Human Rights Commission In memory of Dwight Souers J ~,~- In May 2005, the Human Rights Program and the community lost a dear elder and friend. Dwight Souers, who served on the Human Rights Commission from 2002 - 2005 and was a leader in the human rights community for 30 years, passed away with family and friends by his side after a valiant fight with cancer. Throughout his high school teaching career at Willamette High School and his work after retirement, Dwight's impact on the community was huge and felt by thousands of people. Whether chairing the Accessibility Committee, monitoring Bethel School District diversity efforts, serving on the committee to build the University of Oregon Long House, or making fry bread and sharing information on Native American culture with area school children, Dwight had a knack for making every person feel special and valued. He is greatly missed and his gifts of kindness and respect have benefited us all. TABLE OF CONTENTS ACTVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Council Priorities on Race and Homelessness 13 Gender Identity Legislation and Education 14 Responding to Hate 15 Encouraging Community Awareness 16 Responding to Emerging Issues 17 Working Cooperatively with the Eugene Police Department 18 Addressing Commission Capacity 19 Intern and Volunteer Support 20 Improving Accessibility 21 Human Rights Support System 22 Case Data 23 Supporting Diversity 26 5 CHARGE AND PROGRAM MISSION 6 FY 2006 REPORT INTRODUCTION 7 8 8 9 9 10 11 COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP AND MISSION Commission Membership Agenda Committee Accessibility Committee Education and Outreach Committee Advocate Response Team Human Rights Support System Additional Subcommittees 12 COMMISSION LIAISONS Liaison Assignments FY 2007/2008 GOALS AND WORK PLAN Goal 1 28 Goal 2 30 Goal 3 32 Goal 4 33 Goal 5 34 Page 4 FY 2007/2008 Work Plan FY 2006 Annual Report and Eugene Human Rights Commission CHARGE OF THE COMMISSION aty of Eugene Municipal Code Section 2.265 (1) The commission shall affirm, encourage and initiate programs and services within the city designed to eliminate dis- crimination, improve human relations, and effectuate the spirit and intent of applicable human rights legislation. In these efforts, the commission may enlist the support of community groups and publiC agencies. concerning the civil and human (2) The commission shall make periodic recommendations to the mayor and council rights of persons and groups in the community. extending in the city continues to be a leader in (4) The commission shall cooperate with the State Bureau of Labor and Indusb'ies and other governmental agencies receiving, referring and investigating specific acts of discrimination against individuals in the community. rate with the city officials to ensure that including but not limited to: city government; the community. The commission (5) The commission shall endeavor to ascertain the status of civil and human rights in may investigate, research, and hold hearings to effectuate this provision. HUMAN RIGHTS PROGRAM MISSION The City of Eugene values the dignity and worth of all human beings. We are committed to: . Ensuring that human rights are a central part of every city program . Respecting and reflecting cultural and individual diversity . Fostering mutual understandings . Promoting inclusiveness, justice and equity in in the full benefits and responsibilities of living Our mission is to work so that everyone has the opportunity to share Eugene. Page 5 FY 2007/2008 Work Plan FY 2006 Annual Report and Eugene Human Rights Commission EUGENE HUMAN RIGHTS PROGRAM FY 2006 REPORT INTRODUCTION There are 3 FTE staff in the City Manager's Office dedicated to assisting the commission and its standing committees, and to do additional human rights work as assigned. The staff con- sists of Program Manager Greg Rikhoff and Program Special- ists Francisca Leyva-Johnson and Karen Hyatt. The Eugene Human Rights Commission (HRC) and four stand- ing committees of the commission were established by Ordi- nance 19732 in 1990. The Ordinance was updated in 2002. The HRC coordinates program efforts and has oversight re- sponsibility for the standing committees of the commission In addition, the Human Rights Program could not do its work without the invaluable contribution of volunteers and interns. Of particular note, James Dean serves as a full-time office VOl- unteer and coordinator. The HRC has 15 members, 14 appointed by the City Counci and one member of the City Council. The four standing com- mittees are the Agenda Committee, Education and Outreach Committee, Accessibility Committee, and Advocate Response Team. The Human Rights Commission last reported to the City Coun- cil in September 2005. This report highlights the work of the commission from July 2005 through June 2006 and the goals and work plan of the commission for fiscal years 2007 and 2008. Page 6 FY 2007/2008 Work Plan The Agenda Committee is composed of the commission's elected officers. The other committees are comprised of a mixture of commissioners and community members. Each commissioner is a member of at least one standing committee, is an advocate with the Human Rights Support System, and/or serves as the commission's representative to another commu- nity group FY 2006 Annual Report and Eugene Human Rights Commission EUGENE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION JULY 2005 - JUNE 2006 Elizabeth Aydelott Judith Castro Rebecca Flynn Jim Garcia Christina Greening Ibrahim Hamide Page 7 Misa Kawai Joo David Kelly Annette Leonard Dave Lottier Hugh Massengill Jeremiah Megowan Paloma Reza Sara Rich, Chair (July - October 2005) Surendra Subramani, Wce chair (November 2005-present) Carmen Urbina, Chair (November 2005 - present) Neil Van Steenbergen FY 2007/2008 Work Plan FY 2006 Annual Report and Eugene Human Rights Commission ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE JULY 2005 - JUNE 2006 AGENDA COMMITTEE JULY 2005 - JUNE 2006 Hugh Massengill, Chair Mike Cetto Linda Diaz Rebecca Flynn Annette Leonard Jeanne-Marie Moore Mary Otten Sara Rich, Carmen Urbina, HRC Chair Surendra Subramani, Carmen Urbina, HRC Vice Chair Surendra Subramani, Education and Outreach Chair Hugh Massengill, Accessibility Chair Dave Lottier, Neil Van Steenbergen Advocate Response Team Representatives Mission Mission The committee monitors and reports on issues and events of concern to persons who may be denied, restricted, or limited in ac- cess to public services and resources, public or private accommodations, facilities, or services; . The committee s responsible for the preparation of the agenda and for planning the meetings of the commission; . hears and, as appropriate, acts on community questions and complaints regarding accessibility . provides membership services by orienting new mem- bers of the commission and committees, assists all pro- gram members and the commission concerning recruit- ment, training, attendance and responsibilities, and provides a link among the commission and its commit- tees; . and ssues; mproves accessibility throughout Eugene raises public awareness of accessibility . . prepares recommendations on commission bylaws and other administrative matters; and . Page 8 rights Issues as FY 2007/2008 Work Plan FY 2006 Annual Report and speaks for the commission on human required. Eugene Human Rights Commission . ADVOCATE RESPONSE TEAM (ART) JULY 2005 - JUNE 2006 EDUCATION AND OUTREACH COMMITTEE JULY 2005 - JUNE 2006 RJ Bell Judith Castro James Dean Azra Khalidi Dave Lottier Michael Loftus Jeremiah Megowan Ken Nuebeck Paloma Reza Neil Van Steenbergen Chair Surendra Subraman Elizabeth Aydelott Judith Castro Mindy Inman Jim Garcia Christina Greening Misa Kawai Joo Azra Khalidi Pete Mandrapa Steve Smith Carmen Urbina Mo Young Mission Mission The committee coordinates the Human Rights Support System to aid In the resolution of incidents of discrimination and harass- ment; . The committee plans, conducts and co-sponsors educational programs and events that raise awareness of human rights issues and recognize the contributions of vulnerable communi- ties; . coordinates recruitment and training of vOlunteer advo- cates; . n- management of facilitates policies and procedures for dividual cases . provides protected class members and other vulnerable communities with access to City programs and services; and . assigns and monitors work of vOlunteer advocates; . encourages the City's outreach efforts In employment and community member involvement . and prepares agendas and facilitates meetings, . reports trends to staff and the commission Page 9 analyzes and FY 2007/2008 Work Plan . FY 2006 Annual Report and Eugene Human Rights Commission HUMAN RIGHTS SUPPORT SYSTEM (HRSS) ADVOCATES JULY 2005 - JUNE 2006 Mat Beecher Michelle Bierman Anuncia Escala Gloria Huffman Azra Khalidi Rosalia Marquez Ken Neubeck Guadalupe Quinn Terri Sullivan Stephanie Wood Genevieve Beecher John Bergland James Dean Patricia Ha II Misa Kawai Joo Dave Lottier Melissa Mona Mary Otten Laura Stockford Neil Van Steenbergen Elizabeth Aydelott RJ Bell Judith Castro Martha Fish Kathy Jenness Michael Loftus Jeremiah Megowan Barbara Nicholls Paloma Reza Ryoko Takahash Ruth Wren Mission The committee empowers Individuals who have experienced discrimination and/or harassment; . resolution to the problems caused by discrimination and/or harassment; helps create meanlngfu . Page 10 and respectful environment for discussion of complaints; ssues regarding those FY 2007/2008 Work Plan educates Individuals and the local community FY 2006 Annual Report and provides a safe, supportive, and Eugene Human Rights Commission . . FY 2006 ADDITIONAL SUBCOMMITTEES AND TASK GROUPS HUMAN RIGHTS SUPPORT SYSTEM TASK GROUP ADDRESSING CITY COUNCIL PRIORITY ON HOMELESSNESS MENTAL HEALTH AND HUMAN RIGHTS SUBCOMMITTEE Page 11 Michael Loftus Dave Lottier Hugh Massengi Jeremiah Megowan Paloma Reza Neil Van Steenbergen GENDER IDENTITY FY 2007/2008 Work Plan Sheila Coats Becky Flynn Tobi Hill-Meyer Joe Humphries Jeremiah Megowan Maceo Persson Rebecca Taylor FY 2006 Annual Report and Hugh Massengill, co-chair Surendra Subramani, co-chair Francisca Leyva-Johnson, staff Anne Johnstone-Diaz, staff Brue Abel Chuck Areford Elizabeth Aydelott Erin Bolles Kristine Briganti Mary Alice Brown Dan Close Tracey Dumas Ruth Forman Bryan Germano Christina Greening Valerie Hamby Tera Hoffman Melania Hoskinson AI Levine Michael Loftus Azra Khalidi David Oaks Marshall Peter Walter Rosenthal Mitch Schwartz Elizabeth Snow Drake Ubank Ron Unger Carmen Urbina Elaine Walters Jon West Eugene Human Rights Commission HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION AND CITY STAFF FY 2006 LIAISON ASSIGNMENTS Liaison nment Assi Guadalupe QUinn, Surendra Subraman James Dean, Francisca Leyva-Jonson, Carmen Urbina 4J School District Equity Committee mmigrant rights) (i CAUSA Hugh Masseng Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee Francisca Leyva-Johnson James Dean, Community Response Team Operations Paloma Reza Lane County Domestic Violence Counci Hugh Masseng Lane County Human Rights Advisory Committee Neil Van Steenbergen Police Commission David Kelly From Eugene City Counci Helen Towle Jason Mak, From Human Resource and Risk Services Carolyn McDermed Elise Self, James Dean Lt. Gay, Bisexua From Police Department Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbian, Transgender(PFLAG) Mary Otten, James Dean (DSAC) ity Services Advisory Counci Disab Hugh Masseng Coalition MindFreedom Support Carmen Urbina Joo, Misa Kawa James Dean, Day of Remembrance Committee Page 12 Linda Diaz, Jeanne-Marie Moore Hugh Masseng FY 2007/2008 Work Plan James Dean, (LILA) ity Advisory Committee FY 2006 Annual Report and Independent Living Alliance D i stri ct Access i b Eugene Human Rights Commission Lane Transit Lane HUMAN RIGHTS PROGRAM FY 2006 ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES ON RACE AND HOMELESSNESS LRCS Executive Manager Angel Jones about the Eugene Public Library's practice of issuing only temporary library cards to homeless residents. A new policy was implemented that ensures that homeless residents who provide a contact address through a recognized agency are issued permanent library cards. Recommendations on Homelessness Action Plan: In De- cember 2005, a subcommittee of the Human Rights Support System wrote a letter to the Homelessness Staff Action Team with recommendations that would enhance outreach and strate- gies. The two groups held several meetings and the staff team supported the subcommittee's offer to hold a number of "summit" meetings with homeless community members. Three gatherings were held and participant feedback was forwarded to the staff action team and City Council. In February 2005, the Eugene City Council held a retreat at which the Mayor and Council prioritized eight topic areas for further goal-setting. Two of these goals addressed issues of race relations and homelessness. The Human Rights Commis- sion made a commitment through its work plan to support, review, and provide input on the council's and organization's work on these priorities. The commission and its committees actively participated in furthering these priorities in many ways during FY 2006, including the following actions Training on Institutional Privilege: City Councilors, com- missioners, and community members participated in an all-day training on institutional privilege facilitated by members of the Interagency Diversity and Equity Consortium (IDEC) in Sep- tember 2005. City Council/Communities of Color Workshop: In the spring of 2006, city councilors, staff, and community members developed plans for an extended City Council session at which the mayor, city councilors and the city manager would meet with people from communities of color to share information about issues of race in Eugene. Facilitator Phyllis Lee was hired and she met with city councilors and community members be- fore the workshop. The event was held in July 2006 and was attended by approximately 80 people. At least twelve of the participants are currently associated with the Human Rights Pro- gram. Debrief sessions will take place in the fall of 2006. Council Priorities Progress Reports The commission In- vited staff leads for each of these priorities to report staff team progress. In October 2005, HRRS Executive Manager Lauren Chouinard provided a report on the council's priority on race action plan, and in December 2005, LRCS Executive Man- ager Angel Jones and action team member Mike Magee re- ported on the priority on homelessness Library Cards to People who are fall of 2005, a group of commissioners and met with City Manager Dennis Taylor and Policy on Issuing Homeless: In the committee members Page 13 FY 2007/2008 Work Plan FY 2006 Annual Report and Eugene Human Rights Commission HUMAN RIGHTS PROGRAM FY 2006 ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS GENDER IDENTITY CODE REVISION AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROJECT The decision by the commission was made only after reviewing a substantial amount of feedback from the community and hold- ng a special session devoted entirely to the topic In taking this action, the commission honored the request of the Lane Gender Task Force, a group of transgender community members working on gender identity rights and issues. Mem- bers of the group provided compelling testimony that the major- ity of the larger community does not yet appreciate the need for legal protection based on gender identity or realize the level of discrimination that many transgender people experience. The Lane Gender Task Force expressed concerns that further public debate at this time could harm the community's efforts to se- cure equal legal protection and instead asked for assistance with a collaborative, broad, multi-faceted community education cam- paign In November 2003, the commission created the Gender Identity Work Group, which worked to educate the City or- ganization and community on transgender issues. In Decem- ber 2004, the group received permission from the Human Rights Commission to develop draft code language and be- gan this work in January 2005. The Gender Identity Work Group forwarded a draft language proposal to the Human Rights Commission in May 2005 Further public testimony from transgender community mem- bers indicated a difference of opinion on code language re- garding public accommodation practices in showers, locker rooms, and other sex-segregated spaces. Transgender com- munity members worked together on code language that was acceptable to all involved. However, concern about for- warding code language was growing. On March 7, 2006, the Human Rights Commission made the extremely difficult deci- sion not to forward to the Eugene City Council draft legisla- tion amending the City Code to include protection for people who experience discrimination based on gender identity. The commission also voted to work with allies on education that helps further community awareness on gender identity issues. The commission voted to form a subcommittee of the Education and Outreach Committee to work with the Lane Gender Task Force to develop and implement an education program The subcommittee goals are a part of the commission's FY 2007/2008 work plan. Page 14 FY 2007/2008 Work Plan FY 2006 Annual Report and Eugene Human Rights Commission HUMAN RIGHTS PROGRAM FY 2006 ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS RESPONDING TO HATE City Council's June 21, 2006, action to reaffirm a resolution, first passed by the council in 1999, to protect the human rights of community members regardless of their citizenship or immigration status During the last year, several major incidents of bias occurred in this community. Commission members and staff collaborated with local advocates to provide support to those who were targeted and worked to educate the public. Hate Crimes Conference In June 2006, the Oregon Hate Crimes Conference took place at Portland Community College - Cascade Campus. Thirteen people from the Human Rights Pro- gram and the City of Eugene, including councilors Bettman and Ortiz, attended the three-day event. Highlights included keynote presentations by community organizer Delores Huerta, novelist, poet and screenplay writer Sherman Alexie, and Stephen Wessler, Executive Director of the Center for the Prevention of Hate Vio- lence. Hate Leafleting and Graffiti: Hate literature with anti- Semitic and anti-black messages were distributed in the College Hill area in early December. A counter-leafleting was subsequently organized by Community Alliance of Lane County (CALC). In addition, racist and anti-Semitic graffiti appeared at Kelly-DaVinci Middle School and McCor- nack Elementary School in January Anti-Immigration Activities In response to severa anti-immigrant gatherings in Eugene, as well as proposed state legislation and statements opposing equal rights for immigrants, the commission supported immigrant justice efforts in several ways. In April 2006, Guadalupe Quinn, representing CAUSA, a statewide immigrant rights organi- zation, presented to the commission information on current state and federal legislative efforts that would adversely affect local undocumented workers and families. In April and May, commissioners and community members partici- pated in two rallies supporting immigrant rights held at the Federal Building, one organized by area high school and middle school students. Commissioners applauded the Page 15 FY 2007/2008 Work Plan FY 2006 Annual Report and Eugene Human Rights Commission HUMAN RIGHTS PROGRAM FY 2006 ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS ENCOURAGING COMMUNITY AWARENESS International Human Rights Day 2005: The annual event, which celebrated the 57th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, was held at the University of Oregon Law School on December 10, 2005. Presen- tations included a keynote address by UO Professor Rob Proud- foot, a panel from HIV Alliance on "HIV as a Human Rights Strug- gle", and a panel presentation regarding the War on Memory, at which survivors of Japanese American internment camps during War II and other survivors of human rights atrocities shared their experiences in hopes that history will not repeat itself. The Human Rights Commission has a mandate to reach out and educate the community on issues of human rights. Tasks include working with community groups, implement- ing annual events, promoting community forums, and fa- cilitating diversity awareness at a wide range of community events. MLK Celebration Location Issue: In January, commIs- sioners addressed concerns from community members about the 2006 Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration event being held at Northwest Christian College. After some members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community expressed feeling unwelcome at the college, a subcommittee was formed to discuss the issue with NCC leadership and event organizers. In response to the issue in March 2006, the college, through commissioner Eliza- beth Aydelott, organized a leadership and ethics panel dis- cussion and invited commissioners and community mem- bers to participate. Several commissioners are currently serving as advisors to NCC president David Wilson Community Awards: The commission recognized the following individuals and organizations for their commitment to human rights in the past fiscal year International Human Rights Day, December 2005 City Staff Recognition Award 2005 Linda Dawson, Planning and Development Page 16 Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, January 2006 Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award Connie Mesquita Dwight Souers FY 2007/2008 Work Plan FY 2006 Annual Report and Eugene Human Rights Commission HUMAN RIGHTS PROGRAM FY 2006 ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS RESPONDING TO EMERGING ISSUES City Hall Complex: The City Council made one of its priorities a development plan for a new city hall complex. In FY 2006, a team of consultants implemented a process for collecting community input. One of the team's first stops was a January 2006 presenta- tion to the Human Rights Commission and a request for advice about making the process as inclusive as possible and wishes and suggestions for new design elements The commission IS committed to addressing emerging issues Register-Guard Birth Announcement Policy: The commis- sion shared its concern regarding the Register-Guard's practice of not printing the names of non-biological birth parents, particularly in the case of same sex couples where only one parent is a bio- logical parent, by writing a letter to management. After no change to the policy was made, the commission endorsed the placement of an advertisement in the Eugene Weekly that ques- tions the Register-Guard policy and features lesbian mothers and children who were denied inclusion in the Register-Guard birth announcement section. As of August 2006, the policy has still not changed. Human Rights and Mental Health: The Education and Outreach Committee held the second in a series of forums on Mental Health and Human Rights on October 22, 2005. Two keynote speakers, AI Levine, director of Lane County Mental Health, and David Oaks, director of MindFreedom International, addressed the question "Are people being given adequate and informed choices in mental health care?" A panel of survivors, family members and providers who discussed personal experiences with the mental health care system also took place. The event was attended by 125 participants. The presentations were rebroadcast sev- eral times on community television A subcommittee of the Education and Outreach Committee has been hard at work over the past year planning for a one-day conference in October 2006 entitled "Choice in Mental Health as a Human Right: A Vision for Recovery and Success". Nationally known speakers Judy Chamberlin and Dr. AI Seibert will provide keynote presentations, and two dozen presenters are being invited to provide workshops. The conference is being funded by multiple contributors, including Lane County Mental Health, the University of Ore- gon, Lane Care, and the Lane Independent Living Alliance 300 mental health consumers and practitioners are ex- pected to attend. Page 17 FY 2007/2008 Work Plan FY 2006 Annual Report and Eugene Human Rights Commission HUMAN RIGHTS PROGRAM FY 2006 ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS WORKING COOPERATIVELY WITH THE POLICE DEPARTMENT contracting for professional mediation services and providing compensation for those services to elevate perceptions that the process is credible, neutral and safe; . 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 proposing that case assignment, coordination, and program evaluation occur through the Auditor's Office; and . recognizing that getting both parties to agree to mediation is often a challenge, MATT recommended several incentives for participation to incorporate into program design . MATT also discussed the role of advocacy in the new complaint process and developed several recommendations for how addi- tional, outside support could be provided to complainants. Most significantly, MATT emphasized that the Human Rights Program will have a critical role in educating people about the new com- plaint intake and review process and assuring them that their concerns will be treated fairly and with due diligence. Future con- versations between the Auditor's Office and the Human Rights Program were encouraged to ensure a collaborative working rela- tionship and to create mutually acceptable protocols for how ad- vocates can assist in the new system. Mediation and Advocacy Task Team (MATT): The task team, consisting of members of both the Police and Human Rights commissions and mediation practitioners, was charged with evaluating the City's existing mediation program and reviewing other programs in place nationally, using this information to develop recommendations to opti- mize the use of alternative methods of resolving com- plaints against police employees, and developing a report to both the Police and Human Rights commissions which, if accepted, could be forwarded to the Police Auditor as a framework for future program redesign Some key recommendations included: . retaining both mediation and facilitated conversations as voluntary alternative complaint resolution options and clarifying the distinction between the two proc- esses; Cooperation with EPD Internal Affairs staff: Human Rights Program members continued to work with EPD staff on police- related Human Rights Support System cases establishing broader case eligibility standards so that with the exception of a few categorical exclusions, com- plaints would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine where mediation would offer the best chance of a satisfactory resolution for both parties; . Page 18 FY 2007/2008 Work Plan FY 2006 Annual Report and Eugene Human Rights Commission HUMAN RIGHTS PROGRAM FY 2006 ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS ADDRESSING COMMISSION CAPACITY CITY OF EUGENE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION reements As we are all working with shared purpose we agree to invest in building healthy equitable rela- tionships that mirror and model a diverse community working together to face challenges that arise both in the light and the shadows. We agree to respect and celebrate our diversity as a group, pation styles,' our collective learning and growing,' Eugene's communities. our learning, teaching and partici- our purpose and commitment to the city of A Retreat 2006 Workin Process ADDRESSING COMMISSION CAPACITY The FY 2007/2008 Work Plan was developed by commIs- sioners at committee and commission meetings in May and June and was approved in July 2006 Work Plan Retreat We recognize and honor that we come from diverse experiences and that some of us transgress deep cultural and social values to be present at the table. We also recognize that some have al- ways had a voice at the table while others carry the burden of representing voices not always invited. We recognize, value, and consider all voices and we will strive to ensure that the most marginal- ized and vulnerable among us and in our communities are heard before we come to decision. We will support each other through our shared experience of "having the difficult conversa- tions" on behalf of our community. We agree to be mindful of our own reactivity,' to step up and ask questions,' to seek clarification and understanding,' to reserve judgment,' to challenge each other,' and to speak and listen to each other from the heart with integrity and compassion. Two process sessions were held in January and March 2006 to provide the opportunity for commissioners to ex- plore together their personal values and passions around human rights issues. With the guidance of facilitator Anne Johnstone-Diaz, commissioners developed and adopted a set of agreements as follows Process Retreat We will create safety by minding our power, examining our privilege, and being mindful of our- selves and others. We will choose our words carefully. We will listen deeply. We agree to chal- lenge the idea or position and not the person and to learn from being challenged. We agree to respect and protect each other's dignity. We agree, when we can, to speak our discomfort or dissent and, when we can't, to seek support so that our voice is not lost. We agree to be open to learning from each other and to teaching each other about our experiences and perspectives. We recognize and honor that our experi- ences in the past and in the moment will sometimes limit our capacity. We recognize that we will hurt each other with or without intention and we agree to be open to listening to the experience of others, open to changing our perspectives and to being ready to apologize when necessary. We agree to celebrate, and nurture each other in our work, and to share ourselves, our tradi- tions, and our stories in the spirit of building a richer more tolerant community that honors the human rights and dignity of every member. FY FY 2006 Annual Report and Eugene Human Rights Commission HUMAN RIGHTS PROGRAM FY 2006 ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS INTERN AND VOLUNTEER SUPPORT Volunteers The Human Rights Program depends on the gener- osity of its program members' willingness to volunteer their time and energy to thousands of hours of meetings, events, and pro- jects. More than forty commissioners and committee members attend monthly meetings, staff booths at community events, tes- tify at public meetings, help at the office, coordinate events, and much, much more. The Human Rights Program was fortunate to a number of interns during the reporting period Interns: work with In addition to the many hours volunteers contribute, a few spe- cific volunteer efforts are noted below Education and Outreach Committee member Steve Smith vOlun- teered an afternoon every week to providing office support to the program. Steve helped organize office supplies, entered Paso a Paso case data, and assisted with other projects Raquel Wells, a City employee at Petersen Barn and a Family and Human Services Major at the University of Ore- gon, completed an internship with the program during the winter term of 2006. In consultation with Human Rights and Human Resource and Risk Services staff, Raquel de- veloped a resource guide about gender identity issues for use by City employees who are transgender or are working with someone who is transgender. She also assisted with the implementation of the community Study Circles on Race pogram The Human Rights Program continues to benefit from volunteer James Dean's tireless dedication to the program. During FY 2006, James Dean spent 20 - 60 hours each week providing such essen- tial tasks as office, phone and meeting support, Human Rights Support System case intake and assignment, tabling/booth or- ganization and staffing, meeting support, and more. James Dean's actions allowed the program to provide a level of service that otherwise could not have been offered. Intern Wendy Watson, a Political Science major at Lane Community College, assisted with commission work during the winter term of 2006. She completed research on assis- tive listening systems in preparation for the purchase of equipment for the Atrium's Sloat Room, provided genera office support, and developed volunteer manuals. Eve Terran, graduate student in the Conflict and Dispute Resolution Program at the University of Oregon Law School, spread her summer internship time between the Human Rights Program and Womenspace. She attended meetings to acquaint herself with the program. Eve was recently hired by Lane County to work on human rights ef- fa rts. Page 20 FY 2007/2008 Work Plan FY 2006 Annual Report and Eugene Human Rights Commission HUMAN RIGHTS PROGRAM FY 2006 ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS IMPROVING ACCESSIBILITY Accessible Pedestrian Signals: The Accessibility Committee lobbied for funding for the installation of accessible pedestrian signals CAPS) at signalized intersections to provide audible cues for people with visual impairments. In March 2006, members of the committee made a successful request for $59,990 in funds from the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee. Later in the spring, committee members regularly attended City Budget Com- mittee meetings and urged city councilors and committee members to add ad- ditional funds to the FY07 budget to fund signal purchase and installation. The Budget Committee approved $190,000 to retrofit approximately 30 signals with APS hardware. Public Works staff developed and implemented a new policy that APS features be included at all new intersections equipped with traffic sig- nals. In Mayan event featuring APS at the new Coburg Road signalized inter- section at Oakway Center was attended by Councilor Poling, Accessibility Com- mittee members, and staff and was covered by the media. Public Works staff, human rights staff and Accessibility Committee members attended a workshop on APS facilitated by the National Transit Institute in Portland in June 2006. 10th and Olive: Part of the conversion of 10th Street from one-way to two-way to accommodate LTD's EmX rapid transit buses was a plan to convert the intersection of 10th and Olive, at which the library, LTD Eugene Station, and Atrium building are located, from a signalized in- tersection to a four-way stop. Community members expressed their concern that a four-way stop poses greater hazards to people with dis- abilities than a signalized intersection. City Traffic Engineer Tom Lar- sen spent time listening to community concerns and consulted with tenants of the buildings at this intersection before agreeing to honor the request of disability community members and keep the intersection signalized. Hult Center Assistive Listening System Improvements: After an event at the Hult Center marking the 15th anniversary of the Americans With Disabili- ties act highlighted deficiencies with the current 20-year old assistive listening system, Hult Center staff and Accessibility Committee members worked to- gether to identify needs for an improved system. Hult Center staff successfully secured grant funds for a new system and invited volunteers to test new equipment before making a final purchase. Atrium Assistive Listening System Improvements: Community members requested that an assistive listening system be installed in the Atrium's Sloat Room, which is well-used by city groups as well as the Lane Independent Living Alliance. Planning and Development staff approved and agreed to provide funds for this request. The system was purchased in spring 2006 and is in the process of being installed, possibly in the Saul Room, in which the system is more compatible Public Information Preliminary work on making public information and meetings more accessible to the public was started by Accessibility Committee members and staff comprising the Public Information Team. This work to improve standards and policies for making public information more accessible will continue in FY 2007. Web Portal Access: In response to concerns raised by people with visual impairments about the readability of the City's new web portal, the City's Infor- mation Services Division and E-government team contracted with a consultant with expertise in website accessibility to improve the portal's functionality. Members of the Accessibility Committee participated in the multi-step process to identify issues and make recommendations. The E-gov team agreed with the consultant's recommendation to eliminate the 508 accessibility mode and focus on making the regular web portal more accessible. After making initial improvements, users were invited to test the portal and provide more feed- back. Improvements are ongoing. City Hall Complex: Consultants soliciting input on city hall complex development attended an Accessibility Committee meeting in February and asked for feedback on collecting information about accessible fea- tures and needs of the new complex. FY FY 2006 Annual Report and Eugene Human Rights Commission HUMAN RIGHTS PROGRAM FY 2006 ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS (HRSS) HUMAN RIGHTS SUPPORT SYSTEM Paso a Paso: The HRSS program continues to address the needs of people requiring language assistance at Municipal Court. Paso a Paso, or "Step by Step," occurs every second and fourth Monday of the month. Specially trained volunteers and staff han- dled 81 cases during the reporting period. Paso a Paso court in- terpreters were Martha Fish, Francisca Leyva-Johnson, and Rosalia Marquez. There is a discussion with representatives of the court system about enhancing the program to meet increased need for this service The Human Rights Support System, now in its 12th year, continues to provide advocacy and empowerment to peo- ple who have experienced discrimination and harassment. During the reporting period, volunteer advocates re- sponded to more than 26 cases, representing an estimated 300 hours of support The Advocate Response Team, the standing committee that manages the work of the Human Rights Support Sys- tem, made the decision to focus on team building and sup- port and retention of advocates during FY 2006. Human Rights Support System advocates spent time identifying what works best for them and what helps them be better advocates. In relation to a discussion by the Mediation and Advocacy Task Team, the Advocate Response Team also discussed the intent and perception of using the word "advocate" when describing Human Rights Support System volunteers. Members concluded that it is important for ad- vocates to thoroughly explain to complainants their role of supporting people through the process and not taking an issue on for the complainant. There was consensus that the word "advocate" should be kept TRAININGS Human Rights Support System advocates participated in the fOl- lowing trainings during the reporting period: Bureau of Labor and Industries presentation, September 2005 Community Mediation Services presentation, October 2005 City Council Priorities on Race and Homelessness discussion, December 2005 Page 22 . . . FY 2007/2008 Work Plan FY 2006 Annual Report and Eugene Human Rights Commission HUMAN RIGHTS SUPPORT SYSTEM SYSTEM CASE DATA 1996 - 2006 CASES PROCESSED BY HRSS 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 TOTALS 1995-2006 YEARL Y TOTAL 32 60 167 128 126 81 113 121 79 23 64 103 1097 WHERE INCIDENTS OCCURRED IN CASES TYPE OF INCIDENT 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 TOTAL ok July 1, 2005- June 30, 2006 EMPLOYMENT 9 14 36 20 15 8 21 17 12 6 2 160 14.55 HOUSING 5 11 11 12 12 7 10 12 12 3 3 4 102 9.27 BUSINESS OPEN TO PUBLIC 9 7 22 10 17 10 18 14 8 14 10 139 12.64 EUGENE POLICE (1) 3 17 30 52 36 32 31 36 29 11 28 9 314 28.55 PASO A PASO (1st Year Report) 81 81 7.36 CITY OF EUGENE (NON EPD) 1 5 10 6 17 2 5 8 3 3 60 5.45 GOV. AGENCY (NOT CE) (2) 6 10 24 7 14 7 17 16 3 2 3 109 9.91 PUBLIC SCHOOLS (+UO) 1 1 5 7 1 1 3 0 9 3 2 33 3.00 SERVICE PROVIDER (3) 4 8 9 2 4 8 9 12 6 2 4 68 6.18 INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS 2 15 26 20 10 7 10 10 1 2 1 103 9.36 OTHER (4) 6 11 3 8 4 4 1 37 3.36 TOTALS 40 88 173 142 137 85 132 129 87 23 64 107 1100 Page 23 Eugene Police complaints are those made by community members about their own contacts with Eugene Police Officers, another person's interactions they have witnessed, about calls to EPD, or about administrative or policy matters 2. Government agency (not Eugene) complaints to non-Eugene governmental agencies, such as Springfield Police, Lane County offices (includes Sheriff, Jail), Oregon state Police, Dept. of Motor Vehicles. Services to Children and Families, Judicial System. 3. Service provider covers all types of service agencies (mental and medical health, shelters, counseling services) 4. Other includes complaints about conspiracies, social structure, general media bias, also inquiries and requests 5. Paso a Paso is a municpal court process established in 2002 where HRSS bilingual/bicultural Advocates provides support for the Latino community. Eugene Human Rights Commission FY 2006 Annual Report and FY 2007/2008 Work Plan Page 24 nterpersonal Relationships 9.36 Business Open To Public 12.64 HUMAN RIGHTS SUPPORT SYSTEM SYSTEM CASE DATA 1995 - 2006 by Case Category Employment 14.55 Service Providers 6.18 Public Schools + UO 3.0 Gov. Agency (Not CE) 9.91 Eugene (Non EPD 5.45 Paso a Paso 7.0 Eugene Human Rights Commission FY 2006 Annual Report and 2007/2008 Work Plan Other 3.36 City of 6/30/2006 Requests Related To by Month 07/01/2005 to public Business open Employment Eugene Police Housing Interpersonal conflict Paso a Paso . . . . . . n n nn n n n rrIh II nn nnn Dn n ~ n n 24 20 6 2 8 4 ... s::: ::::J o (.) I c; S 'I- o E ::::J en ')'><:::- ~' ~'>O; c:JlJ~ 0(;-- ~o~ <::JlJv ')1><:::- <<.~ ~~ ~~ <0' Cb' ,,<.:)' ",,' ,,'V' ,,' 'V' ~' ~' monthorder & related_desc ') .$:- ,\' o 7 - Jul 8 - Aug 9 - Sep 1 0 - Oct 11 - Nov 12 - Dec 1 - Jan 2 - Feb 3 - Mar 5 - May 6 - Jun Total Business open to public 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 2 10 Employment 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 Eugene Police 1 0 1 3 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 9 Housing 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 4 Interpersonal conflict 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Paso a Paso 6 14 22 5 20 9 0 0 0 3 2 81 Total 10 17 23 11 20 9 2 4 3 4 4 107 Page 25 and FY 2007/2008 Work Plan Eugene Human Rights Commission FY 2006 Annual Report HUMAN RIGHTS PROGRAM FY 2006 ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE COMMUNITY SUPPORTING DIVERSITY 2006 - Apri University of Oregon Disability Film Festiva "We Are Bethel" Celebration - June 2006 Juneteenth Celebration - June 2006 Oregon Hate Crimes Conference - June 2006 Japanese American Art Memorial . . . . . Study Circles and Youth Study Circles: The commission continued to support the work of the City Club of Eugene- sponsored Study Circles on Race. Commissioners facilitated and participated in a second round of sessions in the spring of 2006. A subcommittee of the Education and Outreach Committee sup- ported the work of committee members Mo Young and Mindy Inman, who facilitated youth study circles in Eugene 4J and Springfield school districts. In several cases, the Human Rights Program shared booth space with City Diversity Committee staff, Lane County Human Rights Advisory Committee staff and volunteers, Community Alliance of Lane County, City Club Subcommittee on Racism and Study Circles Project, the City Hall Complex community input project, and the Fair Housing Council. Community Support: An important, ongoing activity of the commission is supporting the work and activities of human rights-oriented community organizations and individuals an their accomplishments. d The commission provided financial support, staffed information tables and/or presented/accepted HRC awards at annual com- munity cultural events, including the following . Flying High Event - Celebrating 15th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act - July 2005 . PRIDE Day - July 2005 . Eugene Celebration - September/October 2005 . Youth Peace Makers Conference - October 2005 . PFLAG Dinner and Auction - October 2005 . Take Back the Night - October 2005 . LTD Rosa Parks Day - December 2005 . NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner - December 2005 . MLK Celebration - January 2006 . Asian Celebration - February 2006 . Asian American Film Festival - February 2006 Page 26 FY 2007/2008 Work Plan Report and FY 2006 Annua Eugene Human Rights Commission HUMAN RIGHTS PROGRAM FY 2006 ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Lane Community College Lane County Domestic Violence Counci Lane County Human Rights Advisory Committee Lane County Human Services Commission Lane County Legal Aid Lane County Mental Health Lane County Sheriff's Office Lane Gender Task Force Lane Independent Living Alliance (LILA) Looking Glass Mobility International USA NAACP, Eugene-Springfield Branch Nobel Peace Prize Memorial Park Committee Oregon Coalition Against Hate Oregon Commission for the Blind Oregon Commission on Hispanic Affairs Oregon State Legislature Pan Asian Community Alliance Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual and Transgendered Persons (PFLAG) Springfield Alliance for Equity and Respect (SAFER) Salem Human Rights Commission Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS) Hearing Loss Association of America Spri ngfield School District MindFreedom Support Coalition International St. Vincent DePaul Temple Beth Israel Two Rivers Interfaith Ministries (TRIM) United Way Day of Caring University of Oregon Womenspace Human Rights Program commissioners and/or staff provided assistance to and/or collaborated with a number of other community organiza- tions and events, including ACT -SO Alpha Kappa Alpha Service Sorority Liberties Union (Juneteenth Family BBQ) American Civil Amigos ASUO LGBTQ Alliance Back to Back Program of CALC Basic Rights Oregon (BRO) Bethel School District and Industries (CALC) Bureau of Labor CAUSA Centro LatinoAmericano Community Alliance of Lane County Community Mediation Services Direction Service Services Advisory and Sen ior (DSAC) Disability Services Advisory Counci Council (SSAC) Domestic Violence Counci Educacion y Justicia Eugene City Club Eugene School District 4J Fair Housing Council of Oregon in Action Christian Church First Congregational Church Food for Lane County Gay, Lesbian Straight Education Network H.O.N.E.Y. (Honoring Our Own Ethnic Youth) Interagency Diversity and Equity Coalition It's Time, Oregon (transgender advocacy) Faith First Page 27 FY 2007/2008 Work Plan FY 2006 Annual Report and Eugene Human Rights Commission CITY OF EUGENE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION FY 2007/08 WORK PLAN BUILD COMMUNITY WITHIN THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION THAT ENCOURAGES ACCOMPLISHING ITS COMMUNITY WORK WITH INTEGRITY. .. . GOAL 1 WHEN Ongoing WHO AI forums on various . events and . ! .. I ACTIVITY presentations, a. Attend formal educational topics. OBJECTIVE Educate selves. Ongoing Chairs and committees Request b. Present written or verbal reports on activities and issues agenda time if decision or advice is needed at other times. Process Retreat, HRC Working Agreements Agenda Committee with member cooperation and participation c. Ensure opportunities for internal dialogue; raise sensitivity and understanding of different cultures; build capacity to nurture and model among commissioners; promote awareness of group dynamics. (Process Retreat, HRC Working Agreements) a. Contact groups and community leaders as appropriate. As Needed commissioners AI .2 Actively recruit new members for commission and committees As Needed Chair within vUlnerable communities recruitment itiate focused n b. As Needed As needed Chair All members City boards and community members for other ngs and events ittee meeti c. Assist In recruitment of commissions. Attend subcomm 1.3 Support each subcommittee's goals and work activities and provide advice as necessary WHEN Winter 2007 WHO Accessibility Committee, Hugh Massengill, staff ACTIVITY a. Prepare for and hold trainings/presentations/discussions at the Human Rights Commission meeting on accessibility issues in Eugene, illustrating local issues, including those pertaining to the ADA. . OBJECTIVE 1.1 Inform Human Rights Commission of current accessibility issues. Fall 2006 Page 28 ity Committee Accessib b. Discuss definition of accessibility/disability and explore inclusion of issues/communities in Accessibility Committee-related activities. Present findings to commission for further discussion. FY 2007/2008 Human Rights Commission Standing Committees Work Plan BUILD COMMUNITY WITHIN THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION THAT ENCOURAGES ACCOMPLISHING ITS COMMUNITY WORK WITH INTEGRITY. ~ . ... . GOAL 1 WHEN As needed WHO ART All ies All advocates Begin Fa 2006, ongoing ART Staff Volunteers a. Recruit advocates representative of community with particular emphasis on youth as needed. b. Attend monthly meetings. c. Collaborate with allies in trainings. d. Update, maintain resource guide for advocates. Create and support volunteer opportunities in addition to advocacy. such as office support and program promotion . . ACTIVITY OBJECTIVE 1.1 Plan and participate in training and ski building as needed for new and continuing advocates. 2 Strengthen HRSS volunteer retention WHEN As needed Page 29 WHO ART All ies All advocates a. Recruit advocates representative of community with particular emphasis on youth as needed. b. Attend monthly meetings. c. Collaborate with allies in trainings. d. Update, maintain resource guide for advocates FY 2007/2008 Human Rights Commission Standing Committees Work Plan . . ACTIVITY OBJECTIVE 1.1 Plan and participate in training and ski building as needed for new and continuing advocates. BUILD COMMUNITY WITHIN CITY GOVERNMENT THAT HOLDS CITY ORGANIZATION ACCOUNTABLE ON ISSUES OF SOCIAL JUSTICE. GOAL 2 WHEN As council availability permits WHO Commission leadership/City Counci . race. '. .!! ~ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ACTIVITY work session on council priority on a. Hold joint OBJECTIVE 2. Partner with City Council on council priority on race. Ongoing As action plans are available Commission leadership/HRC staff/Lauren Chouinard task team executive Commission leadership/City Counci review staff task team b. Work with and advise City staff task team quarterly reports. work session on council priority on homelessness a. Hold joint 2.2 Partner with City Council on council priority on homelessness Ongoing Commission leadership/HRC staff, Angel Jones, task team executive review staff task team b. Work with and advise City staff task team quarterly reports. As needed Ongoing Commissioners Commissioners City homeless/low training for for n privilege to services c. Advocate for and income community. a. Continue to advocate for and participate officials. itate access faci 2.3 Address City government issues of diversity, bias and bigotry Commission meeting As appropriate HRC/Agenda Commissioners Commission b. Invite elected and managerial leadership to HRC program and community events. a. Advocate for and faci Ongoing itate access to services provided by the City b. Hold annual meeting with diversity chairs and executive managers review affirmative action and diversity plans. 2.4 Work with executive managers and city departments on human rights issues. Fall 2006 As needed Commissioners Commissioners Staff, c. Participate in gathering with City leaders and leaders from communities of color. Provide education and advocacy to City departments and leadership on adoption and implementation of internal policies. Summer/Fall 2007 Page 30 City Council, Agenda Committee, all commissioners and report to review annual Hold annual work session with City Counci receive approval for upcoming work plan. FY 2007/2008 Human Rights Commission Standing Committees Work Plan 2.5 Work on Issues of inclusiveness based on gender identity with the city organization. 2.6 Educate City Council on the purpose and activities of the Human Rights Commission. BUILD COMMUNITY WITHIN CITY GOVERNMENT THAT HOLDS CITY ORGANIZATION ACCOUNTABLE ON ISSUES OF SOCIAL JUSTICE. . . ! ! I ACTIVITY . GOAL 2 Ongoing Human Rights City Subcommittee (Ib Hamide, Hugh Massengill, Ken Neubeck, Paloma Reza}, staff a. Research how other communities have proceeded with "Human Rights City" initiatives; begin to formulate proposals for consideration OBJEC 2.7 Develop new initiative to incorporate "Human Rights City' concept into city operations. (refer to Goal 5.8 for related objectives) Human Rights City' n discussion of City Counci b. Involve City staff, responsibilities WHEN Ongoing WHO Mary Otten, lead HRC staff, Committee members ACTIVITY a. Continue collaboration with Public Information Team (PIT) to discuss current City practices regarding offering documents in alternative formats; discuss enhancement of interpretation and translation services to meet community needs; advise executive managers on committee recommendations. . OBJECTIVE 2.1 Participate in commission's meetings with representatives from city departments to review programs, educate staff, and ensure access to all City departments and services. As required 2006-07 CDBG meetings Start Fall 2006 Parks and Open Space staff, committee members Hugh Massengill, liaison b. Monitor and make recommendations about access at new city parks by inviting staff to committee meetings for updates. Make recommendations and collaborate with liaison to advocate for use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funds for improving accessibility 2.2 Advocate for needed funding and work to ensure that City fully complies with or exceeds ADA standards. WHEN Quarterly WHO Rotate among ART members ART members Police/HRC joint Mtg, annual IA presentation, City Council/HRC joint meeting At annual HRC meeting as scheduled reports and presentations Develop, provide written Develop, provide written ACTIVITY report. OBJECTIVE 2.1 Report regularly to HRC on activities. 2.2 Prepare, present report on trend analysis to HRC and staff. . All advocates Invited to attend Attend annual HRC meeting 2.3 Meet with HRC and department managers . . NO RELATED GOALS Page 31 FY 2007/2008 Human Rights Commission Standing Committees Work Plan WORK WITH POLICE DEPARTMENT AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO PROMOTE EQUITABLE, RESPECTFUL TREATMENT BY THE POLICE OF ALL PEOPLE IN EUGENE, PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE POPULATIONS. .. .. ~ Ill.. . . ! !. WHEN Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing WHO ART, all commissioners as requested by staff All commissioners, Commission liaison Police Commission Police iaison redesign reports process through monthly ACTIVITY nternal Affairs staff. n complaint Monito efforts. a. Exchange information and other opportunities. Work with EPD and aid OBJECTIVE 3.1 Continue to monitor Internal Affairs process via reports from Internal Affairs and ART. 3.2 Monitor current and proposed police oversight systems. 3.3 Participate in Police Commission and provide input on the commission's efforts to develop community policing policies. Winter 2006 Commission with Police b. Hold annual joint meeting Commission, Police Auditor. III ! WHEN req u ired As WHO Committee members to people . .. ACTIVITY a. Respond to reported incidents related with disabilities and police as necessary OBJECTIVE 3.1 Be available to advise department in responding to issues relating to people with disabilities. Spring 2007 Linda Diaz, lead, Communication Center staff, HRC staff b. Invite representatives from 911 Communications Center to meeting to share information on accessibilitv to service . III . ! WHEN Upon formal intake WHO ART, advocates requested As ART, advocates Staff, mediation as each case is Provide fac received. Support/participate In EPD itation and/or As needed ART, advocates Staff, trainings Fall of 2006 and as needed HRC Internal Affairs staff, staff nterested advocates Training for OBJECTIVE 3.1 Work with EPD to provide consistent HRSS involvement and support during pre-formal allegations stages of complaints involving police. 3.2 Provide third party presence for individual community members' complaints. 3.3 Identify and inform HR staff of complaint trends that indicate need for specific in-service training for police. 3.4 Provide special training through Internal Affairs for advocates interested in doina Qolice cases Staff, ACTIVITY Notify IA when complaint is made WHEN Ongoing WHO Elizabeth . . ACTIVITY OBJECTIVE 3.1 Support and participate in development of additional work shops with police and community nformation on Human Fall 2006 and 2007,As scheduled ittee Azra Khalidi Aydelott Dec. 10 Subcomm a. Diversity and HRC training - continue contact with EPD Diversity Committee, Police Training. a. Continue inviting EPD staff to 12/10 event, attend Police events such as promotion ceremonies and Citizens' Police Academy graduations. 3.2 Explore ways of providing Rights issues to Police Dept. Page 32 FY 2007/2008 Human Rights Commission Standing Committees Work Plan RESPOND TO DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, AND INCIDENTS OF ;~ ~ ., ACTIVITY WHEN As necessary WHO Agenda Committee, ART, commissioners in collaboration with City, community leadership Commissioners. ART, staff React as needed OBJECTIVE React to emerging issues as 4. necessary As necessary Work with Community Alliance of Lane County (CALC), Anti-Defamation League, and other organizations dealing with hate activity. - ~. - ! : 4.2 Collaborate with organizations responding to hate activity. . committee WHEN Within 72 hours of contact WHO Staff ART . ! !!!!!!! I ACTIVITY Provide as each case is received Annually ART Winter 2006 ART Staff Written reports presented at: 1. Advocate trainings 2. Police Commission/HRC joint meeting 3. Internal Affairs annual presentation 4. City Council/HRC joint meeting 1. After-hour phone message 2. Web site 3. Message provided OBJECTIVE 4.1 Provide trained advocates and timely responses to individuals lodging discrimination or harassment complaints. 4.2 Review complaints annually or as needed to determine trends 4.3 Develop process to inform non- business hour callers how to file thei complaints WHEN As needed Page 33 WHO Committee, Back to Back Stop Hate campaign ACTIVITY leafleting after hate activity FY 2007/2008 Human Rights Commission Standing Committees Work Plan Facilitate counter occurs OBJECTIVE 4.1 Respond to hate literature and graffiti in the community. ENCOURAGE AND PROMOTE COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND COLLABORATION ON CRITICAL HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES. WHEN WHO commissioners AI As appropriate Ongoing As appropriate All commissioners committees ! I ACTIVITY Support and attend events, develop commission events as necessary (including Asian Celebration, PRIDE, MLK March and Celebration, Eugene Celebration). Liaison with organizations including Domestic Violence Council, mental health organizations, school districts, CALC, and CAUSA and other immigration issues. Select recipients and present leadership awards at events such as International Human Rights Day and MLK Celebration. GOALS . . . OBJECTIVE 5.1 Initiate, sponsor, and attend community meetings and events Assigned commissioners as noted in Annual Report Ongoing commissioners AI Distribute program brochures and materials at every opportunity. July - December 2006 Beth Aydelott, Misa Joo, leads; commissioners, Education and Outreach Committee Commissioners. staff Education and Outreach event sub- Support work of committee 5.2 Develop and continue liaison relationships with intergovernmental and human service partners. 5.3 Find opportunities to encourage, support, and acknowledge City staff and community activists who are promoting human rights. 5.4 Educate community about the Human Rights Commission and its programs, such as the Human Rights Support System. 5.5 Initiate, support and participate in events to promote awareness of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Spring 2007 As needed Fall 2006 staff Human Rights City Subcommittee (Ib Hamide Hugh Massengill. Paloma Reza), staff Commissioners to explore Hold joint meeting with Study Circles organizers sustainability of program. Participate in state, regional, and federal issues and initiatives as appropriate. a. Network with community groups to organize discussions/forums. solicit input from HRC 5.6 Support City Club-sponsored Study Circles dialogues on race. 5.7 Liaison with state, regional and federa programs on human rights issues. 5.8 Encourage community-wide dialogue on "Human Rights City" concept (refer to Goal 2.7 for related objectives) Fall 2006 - SQrina 2007 Page 34 Commissioners b. Sponsor/attend public discussions FY 2007/2008 Human Rights Commission Standing Committees Work Plan ENCOURAGE AND PROMOTE COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND COLLABORATION ON CRITICAL HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES GOALS WHEN Ongoing WHO Commission, Carmen Urbina, lead . ! !!!!!!! !!!! ACTIVITY a. Raise awareness of discrimination and harassment through community education efforts. Collaborate with community organizations (CAUSA, K- 20 educational institutions, Lane ESD, advocacy community) . . OBJECTIVE 5.9 Monitor and address issues of immigrant justice. As needed staff, Carmen Urbina commissioners b. Address issues of intolerance through reactivation of HRC Observers Program; collaborate with UO Neutral Observers program As needed Carmen Urbina commissioners c. Support CAUSA and other community campaigns focused on intolerance/economic justice. Spring Winter, 2007 Carmen Urbina commissioners, staff, IGR staff Commissioners. staff mmigrant-related legislation respond to d. Monitor and Monitor and respond to legislation on topics including but not limited to gender identity, sexual orientation, payday loans, and reaIID/driver's licenses. Continue to monitor/support youth initiatives initiated by Human Rights Commission Education and Outreach Committee and other oraanizations ~ Governments Ongoing 5.10 Monitor and respond to human rights-related legislation on local and state level. 5.11 Support human rights efforts Qertainina to youth. As needed Commissioners Ongoing Mary Otten ity LCOG) Disabi a. Provide liaison to Lane Council of Services Advisory Council (DSAC). 5.1 Continue to liaison with other committees and organizations working on disability issues Ongoing Hugh Masseng L TO) Special Transportation District b. Provide liaison to Lane Transit Advisory Council. As appropriate Committee members relationships with other organizations as c. Continue to develop liaison appropriate. Fa Summer, 2006 Page 35 Hugh Masseng liaison d. Lend support to October 2006 Mental Health as a Human Right conference sQonsored bv Education and Outreach Subcommittee. FY 2007/2008 Human Rights Commission Standing Committees Work Plan ENCOURAGE AND PROMOTE COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND COLLABORATION ON CRITICAL HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES. GOALS WHEN Ongoing WHO Mary Otten, lead, HRC staff, committee members ACTIVITY a. Continue to monitor funding of accessible pedestrian signals for retrofitting of current traffic signals . OBJECTIVE 5.2 Develop and implement strategies to address pedestrian safety issues. Ongoing Mary Otten, lead, HRC staff, comm members Tom Keating, lead b. Continue to work with Public Works Transportation staff on signal prioritization and installation. Spring 2007 Annually ittee Committee members Present report to committee for discussion on accessibility needs for people with cognitive disabilities; disseminate report to community groups and commission. Sponsor and/or organize event, award, or other activity leadership/advancement in accessibility issues celebrates that As needed Committee members n other relating to accessibility Participate in public input processes jurisdictions and organizations. . 5.3. Identify accessibility needs for people with cognitive disabilities. 5.4. Recognize leadership/advancement in accessibility awareness. 5.5. Promote access to public buildings, events, programs and services. As Needed As needed Ongoing ART, advocates, special trainers staff ART Staff ART lega a. Provide advocates as needed: 1) Municipal Court 2) Paso a Paso 3) Domestic violence 4) Police cases 5) 4J school system b. Recruit Spanish speakers as advocates/interpreters c. Work with EPD to ensure community members know service is available. a. Revise and reprint brochures (in English/Spanish). b. Develop flyers for posting at community advocacy centers. Make presentations to community groups, schools, service providers organizations, media and staff HRC information tables at community events. 5.1 Continue to develop and implement methods of providing assistance to vulnerable communities. 5.2 Develop a public relations/publicity plan for HRSS 5.3 Network with advocacy and education organizations to encourage people to bring d iscri m i natio n/ha rass ment complaints to Human Rights Office. Page 36 FY 2007/2008 Human Rights Commission Standing Committees Work Plan ENCOURAGE AND PROMOTE COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND COLLABORATION ON CRITICAL HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES. . GOALS As opportunity arises As needed staff ART, commissioners. advocates ACTIVITY Training sessions 5.4 Invite sessions. 5.5 Continue referring and supporting complaints that belong to other jurisdictions training to nterested parties ART Staff, ntake/contact WHEN As needed E&O WHO All - HRC Program - Access ART, HRSS members July 06 - begin planning 2006 event; July 07 begin planning for 2007 event. Quarterly Elizabeth Adyelott, Misa Kawai Joo, co-chairs, Mindy Inman, Azra Khalid Christina Greening, Pete Mandrapa, Carmen Urbina, Steve Smith, Mo Young, James Dean, Francisca Johnson, allies Surendra Subramani, Chair, Mindy Inman, Azra Khalidi, Christina Greening, Elizabeth Aydelott, Misa Kawai Joo, Pete Mandrapa, Steve Smith, Mo Young Organize 2006-7 events OBJECTIVE 5. Provide human rights information at major community-wide public events (i.e. MLK Day Events, Asian Celebration, Pride Day, Eugene Celebration, International Human Rights Day). 5.2 Initiate support for and participate in a community-wide celebration of the anniversary of United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Dec. 10th), Kick Off for Youth Initiatives. . ACTIVITY nformation tables at events Staff ies Plan and/or cooperate with community al and activities on at least two topics, including: · Homelessness/mental health issues · Immigration issues · Gender identity issues · ~merging issues a. Continue initiating and faci Youth Study Circles. rights topics 5.3 Educate community on human through community outreach Ongoing Mindy Inman Mo Young ng itati 5.4 Continue to develop and implement human rights initiatives focusing on youth. Ongoing Misa Joo, Pete Mandrapa, Jim Garcia, Surendra Subramani, Elizabeth Aydelott leadership n itiate youth of color programs. b. Ongoing Page 37 lead Steve Smith rights nitiate international human component for schools. FY 2007/2008 Human Rights Commission Standing Committees Work Plan c. Page 38 FY 2007/2008 Human Rights Commission Standing Committees Work Plan