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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHRC minutes 060914M E M B E R S P R E S E N T STAFF Joyce Preslar Andrea Jones Cynthia Stubbs James Davis Monica Richard Christine Kelly- Kleese Pamela Reynolds Natalie Turner Gerald Ponder Doris Brunson Rollin Russell G U E S T S Absent: Joe Polich, Jamie Paulen, Matthew Hughes, Dominika Baran and Marc Xavier L Call To Order Chair Christine Kelly- Kleese called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. II. Introductions The members and staff introduced themselves and welcomed Andrea Jones aboard. III. Minutes Approval Rollin made a motion to approve the May 2014 minutes. The motion was seconded by Natalie and carried unanimously. IV. County Updates James informed the members that Marc, Matt, Gerald and Jamie were each up for membership renewals. Matt sent an email to James prior to the meeting stating his desire for renewal. Gerald also stated his desire for renewal. James will submit Matt and Gerald's request for renewal to the Orange County Clerk to the Board and follow up with Marc and Jamie via email. James presented the BOCC's response to the HRC's report on the inequitable treatment of women. James stated that the BOCC wants a follow -up report on the actions and activities the HRC has planned to address this issue of inequity. Rollin recommended that the HRC compile wage information from the 3 towns and the University of NC and inform the BOCC of any discovered inequities in pay. Doris added that a prevalent issue is the inability of some persons to afford childcare. Joyce stated that the function of the HRC should remain to inform the BOCC of inequities that should be addressed and which the BOCC has the authority to change. Gerald added that there is a spectrum of issues that can be addressed by the HRC which can be determined during the August meeting. Gerald further suggested that the HRC focus on creating awareness of identified inequities. Natalie asked whether a program exists for young girls that would encourage them to affect change in their schools. She suggested a symposium. Rollin agreed that a symposium might beget community dialogue on the topic. Page 1 of 3 The members were informed that staff will begin issuing certificates of attendance for housing practitioners who participate in fair housing training sessions conducted by staff. It was recommended that the certificates use the word "completion" as opposed to "attendance." V. Officer Voting The following were nominated and unanimously voted to serve in the respective offices of Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary for FY2014 -15: Chair — Doris (nominated by Gerald) Vice Chair — Gerald (nominated by Cynthia) Secretary — Cynthia VL Subcommittee Updates Executive Committee: James provided the members with a calendar of events. It was reported that there was 1 resignation (Li Chen Chin) and 2 new appointees (Vanessa Soleil and Andrea Jones) since the May meeting. Building Integrated Communities (BIC): James circulated information about an organization entitled the Refugee Community Partnership. The members suggested that a representative of this organization make a short presentation about the work they do. Former member Lori Schweickert sent an email about equipment that she can have donated to the Transplanting Traditions farm. James will follow up with Transplanting Traditions to help facilitate this donation. Diversity Matters: The members discussed the options for the Community Read book and unanimously selected "Global Women" on a motion by Natalie, seconded by Gerald. Cindy suggested that the staff create bookmarks that contain a listing of the other books for the community to read for further enlightenment. Natalie volunteered to accept the Women's Equality Day proclamation scheduled to be presented by the BOCC on June 17, 2014. The members discussed the Human Relations Month Forum. It was recommended that the panelists be comprised of all women. Possible panelists include UNC Assoc. Professor Donna Bickford, Carrboro Police Officer Carolyn Hutcherson, Director of the Compass Center Ann Gerhardt, and one of the women on the Board of Commissioners. The Diversity Matters subcommittee will determine the name of the Forum. Pauli Murray Awards: Gerald presented a background of the award and stated that the 2015 ceremony will mark the 251' anniversary of issuing the award. Gerald recommended that the HRC collaborate with other groups for the 2015 ceremony and invite all past winners and the Pauli Murray family to attend. It was further suggested that a family member join the planning committee. Gerald made a motion to invite Commissioner Barry Jacobs to participate in the ceremony. Rollin seconded the motion which passed unanimously. It was suggested that the venue for the 2015 ceremony Page 2 of 3 include a slide show with the pictures and names of past winners. Past winners may also receive a ribbon upon arriving to distinguish their honor. The members discussed possible venues and will revisit the idea of changing the venue from the Senior Center at an upcoming meeting. Essay Contest Christine developed a list of possible essay prompts and shared with the members. Rollin made a motion that the following topics be prompts for this year's contest: Middle School: Write a letter to an influential woman in your life and let her know that she has made an impact on you; High School: Imagine yourself as a woman living during the suffrage era. What would your life he like? Doris seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Poster Contest It was determined that the theme for this year's contest remain "Won't You Be My Neighbor." 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 Page 3 of 3