HomeMy WebLinkAboutHRC minutes 051214Orange County Human Relations Commission
Minutes
Monday, May 12, 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
Matthew Hughes
Cynthia Stubbs
James Davis
Monica Richard
Christine Kelly- Kleese
Dominika Baran
Marc Xavier
Doris Brunson
Rollin Russell
G U E S T
S
Ann Gerhardt
Absent: Li -Chen Chin, Natalie Turner, Joyce Preslar, Joe Polich, and Gerald Ponder
L Call To Order
Chair Christine Kelly- Kleese called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m.
II. Introductions
The members, staff and guest, Ann Gerhardt, introduced themselves.
III. Special Presentation — Ann Gerhardt, Executive Director of the Compass Center for
Women and Children
Ms. Gerhardt presented a brief history of the Compass Center stating that it was created through
a merger between The Women's Center and the Family Violence Prevention Center of Orange
County. The Compass Center took on such tasks as coordinating events for Women's History
Month and participating in the NC Women's Agenda Assembly. The Center's work includes
addressing domestic violence. Ms. Gerhardt reported that the Center assisted about 450
domestic violence clients in the past 3 months, including 150 clients served in the past week.
One of her goals is to facilitate the presence of a domestic violence shelter in Orange County.
Ms. Gerhardt presented a PowerPoint containing statistical information for women as compared
with men. Such data included compared wages, poverty indicators, access to health, and the
ratio of women voters. Ms. Gerhardt also provided handouts containing facts about women in
the state of North Carolina and the NC Triangle area. Members discussed this information and
invited the Compass Center to participate in the HRC's programs that address the equitable
treatment of women. Members also requested Ms. Gerhardt to invite the HRC to participate in
their programming, specifically the Women's History Month events.
IV. Minutes Approval
Rollin made a motion to approve the April 2014 minutes. The motion was seconded by Doris
which carried unanimously.
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V. County Updates
Letter to the BOCC Regarding Women Equity:
James Davis presented a copy of the report that the HRC will formally present to the BOCC on
Monday, May 20, 2014. James will provide the Commissioner's feedback to the HRC on
Monday, June 9t'.
Matt Hughes presented information about trafficking and stated that North Carolina is a gateway
for sex trafficking. The Members discussed this as an issue affecting women which should be
further explored. Doris stated that the issue of human trafficking is addressed by "Transforming
Hope," a ministry created by Abbi Tenablia.
Advisory Board Appointments:
James stated that an appointment to the HRC is scheduled to be made at the June 3, 2014 BOCC
meeting. Applicant Vanessa Soleil was recommended to the BOCC for appointment. Chair
Christine Kelly- Kleese asked whether the at -large seat held by Matt Hughes could be appointed
to the Town of Chapel Hill thereby creating an at -large vacancy.
Fair Housing Quarterly Report:
James provided a copy of the fair housing annual report and explained the data contained
thereon.
National Volunteer Month:
James announced that March was National Volunteer Month and expressed his appreciation to
the Members for their service on the HRC. James presented a token of appreciation from the
County to each Member.
VL Subcommittee Updates
Executive Committee:
Christine announced that officers will be elected at the June 9, 2014 meeting. Members were
invited to consider becoming an officer.
Building Integrated Communities (BIC):
No report.
Diversity Matters:
Rollin made a motion that the HRC should draft and present a proclamation for Women's
Equality Day at the June 17, 2014 BOCC meeting. Cynthia Stubbs seconded the motion which
carried unanimously. Rollin distributed a list of books to consider for the next Community Read.
The subcommittee will meet on May 28, 2014 to select a book, draft a Women's Equality Day
proclamation and determine the subject and title of the 2014 Human Relations' Month Forum.
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Pauli Murray Awards:
No report.
Essay Contest
Christine presented a list of possible essay prompts and requested the Members to select one
prompt for middle and high school students.
Poster Contest
No report.
Collateral Consequences:
No report.
VII. Other Business /Announcements
No other business.
VIII. Adiourn
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
James E. Davis, Jr.,
Interim Director
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