HomeMy WebLinkAboutHRC minutes 031014Orange County Human Relations Commission
Minutes
Monday, March 10, 2014
Orange County Animal Services Building Conference Room
M E M B E R S P R E S E N T
STAFF
Jamie Paulen
Gerald Ponder
James Davis
Monica Richard
Christine Kelly- Kleese
Tara Fikes
Robert Ireland
Natalie Turner
Doris Brunson
Rollin Russell
G U E S T
S
Lena Hu
Yuming Hu
Absent: Li -Chen Chin, Dominika Baran, Cynthia Stubbs, Matthew Hughes, Joe Polich, Preston Scott Phillips, Marc
Xavier, and Joyce Preslar
L Call To Order
Chair Christine Kelly- Kleese called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. There being no quorum,
matters of official business were not presented for vote.
II. Introductions
The members and staff introduced themselves to Lena Hu, first place winner of the High School
Essay Contest. Lena's father, Yuming, was also in attendance.
III. Student Essay Award Presentation
Lena Hu read her winning essay and was presented with her award by Christine.
IV. Minutes
The February 2014 minutes were reviewed for accuracy.
V. County Updates
Orange County Expo:
Tara announced that the month of April is County Government Month. Orange County
Government will host an expo at the University Mall on Friday, April 4, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. —
2:00 p.m. This is an opportunity for the community to meet the staff and board members and
learn about the services provided through the County.
Orange County Giving Campaign:
James reminded the members that the County has a giving fund managed by the Triangle
Community Foundation for citizens to make tax - deductible donations to listed County projects.
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Letter to County Manager Regarding Gender Equality:
Members discussed the letter it plans to send to Assistant County Manager Cheryl Young
regarding the HRC's role in addressing issues of gender equality. A copy of the draft letters will
be sent to the members for comments and recommendations. The members will work on a final
edit at the HRC meeting scheduled for Monday, April 14, 2014.
VL Subcommittee Updates
Executive Committee:
Christine recommended that the HRC invite the Compass Center's Director, Ann Gerhardt, to an
upcoming meeting.
Building Integrated Communities (BIC):
Christine informed the members that there is a document entitled "A Legal Advocacy Guide to
Building Integrated Communities in North Carolina" that addresses BIC across the state. It
references the issue of Day Laborers in Carrboro and Chapel Hill. Christine stated that the
HRC's Building Integrated Communities subcommittee is currently focusing on addressing
issues as voiced by the Karen and Burmese communities.
Diversity Matters:
Rollin invited the members to attend the Community Read on Monday, March 31, 2014 from
6:00 — 8:00 p.m. at the Orange County Main Library in Hillsborough. Invitations were circulated
to the members. Posters advertising the event were also made available to the members.
Pauli Murray Awards:
Gerald stated that there are preliminary plans to work in conjunction with Duke University's
Pauli Murray Project to present the 25th anniversary of the Pauli Murray Awards next year.
Essay Contest /Poster Contest
The members discussed how to increase student involvement in the essay and poster contests. It
was recommended that the information about these contests be sent to the teachers prior to the
start of the school year. It was also recommended that the BOCC present this information during
their joint meeting with the Chapel Hill / Carrboro City and Orange County boards of education.
Collateral Consequences:
Robert reported that he will draft an annotated list of resources for ex- felony offenders.
VII. Social Justice Goal
Tara presented information about the Social Justice Goal and encouraged the members to
become familiar with the goal and the Impact Tool. Tara further explained the benefits and
barriers to implementing the goal and tool.
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VIII. Other Business /Announcements
James informed the members that April is Fair Housing Month and requested a volunteer to read
and receive the Fair Housing Month proclamation at the BOCC meeting on Tuesday, April 1,
2014 at 6:00 p.m. The members expressed gratitude to Tara and wished her a happy retirement.
IX. Adiourn
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
James E. Davis, Jr.,
Civil Rights Specialist
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