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Home My WebLink About02-19-2019 Human Rights CommissionAGENDA Human Rights Commission February 19, 2019 5:30 p.m. Helling Conference Room City Hall 410 E. Washington Street 1. Call Meeting to Order and Roll Call. 2. Approval of minutes from the January 24, 2019 meeting. 3. Public Comment of Items not on the Agenda. Commentators shall address the Commission for no more than 5 minutes. Commissioners shall not engage in discussion with the public concerning said items. 4. Items to be discussed: i. Funding Request: Night of 1000 Dinners 2019; ii. Strategic Plan and Subcommittee Updates; iii. Correspondence; 5. Updates/Reports: a. Black History Month Proclamation; b. Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant Applications FY 19; c. Ron Stallworth, BlacKKKlansman; d. Youth Awards (May 8). 6. Reports of Commissioners. Commissioners shall not engage in discussion with one another concerning said reports. 7. Reports of Staff. 8. Adjournment. If you will need disability -related accommodations to participate in this meeting please contact the Equity Director, Stefanie Bowers, at 319-356-5022 or at stefanie-bowers@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. Draft Minutes Human Rights Commission January 23, 2019 Emma J. Harvat, City Hall Members Present: Jeff Falk, Cathy McGinnis, Bijou Maliabo, Jessica Ferdig, Barbara Kutzko, Tahuanty Pena, Adil Adams, Jonathon Munoz. Members Absent: Noemi Ford. Staff Present: Stefanie Bowers. Recommendation to Council: Yes By a vote of 7-0 the Commission recommends to City Council funding the below organizations for the Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant as shown below for FY19. Agency Request Recommendation Iowa Harm Reduction $10,577.00 $10,577.00 Refugee and Immigrant Association $12,000.00 $12,000.00 University of Iowa Labor Center $15,200.00 $15,200.00 Inside Out Reentry $7,000.00 $7,000.00 University of Iowa Mood Disorders Center $11,460.00 $11,460.00 Shelter House $10,600.00 $10,600.00 Access 2 Independence $5,260.00 $5,260.00 Neighborhood Centers of JC & South District Neighborhood Association $2,324.00 $2,324.00 Total $74,421.00 $74,421.00 Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 5:47 PM. Approval of January 8, 2019 Meeting Minutes: Munoz moved to approve the minutes; the motion was seconded by Falk. A vote was taken, and the motion passed 7- 0. (Maliabo not present). Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant: (McGinnis steps away from the dais and does not participate due to a conflict of interest with one of the grant applicants). Falk gave an overview of the rubric used and the ranking sheet used to evaluate each grant. Grants were scored based on a total 100 point scale, the organizational information is worth 10 points, the proposal itself is worth up to 60 points and the funding amount requested is worth up to 30 points. The rubric serves as a guideline. 1 Draft Minutes Human Rights Commission January 23, 2019 Emma J. Harvat, City Hall The Excel spreadsheet used for this process calculated each Commissioner's point totals for each applicant so that the application with the highest points ranked as number 1 and the lowest point ranked 26. For the overall ranking it went the opposite way. The grant application with the lowest average amongst Commissioners got ranked 26 and the highest average got ranked 1 (last in line to get funding request recommended). There are six top ranked applications that if fully funded fell under the $75,000. Iowa Harm Reduction 26 $10,577.00 Refugee and Immigrant Association 25 $12,000.00 University of Iowa Labor Center 24 $15,200.00 Inside Out Reentry 23 $7,000.00 University of Iowa Mood Disorder Center 22 $11,460.00 Shelter House 21 $10,600.00 Total $66,837.00 Munoz asked who had received funding in the past two grant cycles. FY17 Organization Amount Inside Out Reentry $3000.00 Iowa Legal Aid $2200.00 JC Affordable Housing Coalition $2500.00 World of Bikes, IC Bike Library, City of Iowa City $3250.00 Sankofa Outreach Connection $13,500.00 Total $24,450.00 FY18 Organization Amount Healthy Kids School Based Health $12,300.00 Shelter House $5000.00 Center for Worker Justice $10,900.00 Total $28,200.00 Ferdig asked if Shelter House had received funding for this specific program in FY18, to which staff replied no. 2 Draft Minutes Human Rights Commission January 23, 2019 Emma J. Harvat, City Hall The current FY19 rankings leave $8163.00 remaining to be allocated. The sixth ranked lowest average, Successful Living, requested $16,320.00, which if recommended would go over the $75,000 allocated. Munoz thinks the Commission should spread the wealth, instead of continuously funding Shelter House. Ferdig commented on this as well. To encourage diversity of applications and in a year when the funding has been increased to $75,000, Munoz believes the Commission should not allocate to the Shelter House who would under the current rankings receive funding for FY19 while still receiving funding for FY 20. Kutzko pointed out that the FY19 proposal from Shelter House is a different program than was funded in FY18. Adams suggested asking the City Council to increase the funding from $75,000 this year to allow for Successful Living to be fully funded. Munoz pointed out that the Shelter House is ranked at #21 and so it would be the last of the top six to push out of the top rankings and reiterated that Shelter House had received funding in FY18 even if it was for a different program. Munoz asked Commissioners to think about consecutive funding for a well -endowed organization. Falk asked him to further explain his concern. Munoz pointed out that his problem is not with the Shelter House application but that there is an increase in money from $25,000 to $75,000 for FY19 and funding the same organization did not seem prudent. It would be better to provide funding to organizations with more diverse representations. Kutzko agreed with MOoz's comment to be a little more diverse in selection and the Commission may want to consider spreading the wealth a little more by not giving the full asking amount to applicants who have received funding in the past. Falk looks upon it differently, he sees it as giving the money for an activity and not to an organization. If the activity is new, then in his mind that is worthwhile or a consideration. This is what he tried to pay attention to, whether the proposal was something new or not. Munoz thinks that the Commission keeps recommending funding to well -endowed organization and does not pay attention to newer organizations that were established in Iowa City that have more diverse board members. He believes that if the Commission does not give them a chance, who will, and that concerns him. 3 Draft Minutes Human Rights Commission January 23, 2019 Emma J. Harvat, City Hall Falk noted that MOoz's concern might be a good concern but that as Commission members they have no idea of the diversity of an applicant's board. Munoz concurred but pointed out that the application does ask for the year the organization was established, its annual budget, and whether it has received funding from the City in the past. Pena asked if the Commission wanted to move Shelter House further down on the list. Pena, like Falk, looked at the idea and the execution of the idea, not the organization. But he noted Munoz made a valid point, in that resources should not be focused on the same organizations. Falk is not in favor of changing the current rankings but thinks the Commission should take into consideration in communicating with the City Council that they need to be more explicit in terms of what they are looking for because the message he got is that it should be a new program and not a new organization. Munoz finds Falk's comment to be an unfair shifting of responsibility, to say that the City Council needs to direct the Commission to decide what to do. It is the Commission's call on what to recommend. Further it is the Commission's responsibility to make decisions that promote social justice, race and equity concerns. Munoz does not think that $10,600.00 should be going to an organization that got funding in FY18. Munoz moved that Shelter House should not be funded and that the Commission should go to the next highest ranked applicant. (Motion lacked a second). Falk inquired as to whether there are any other applicants that, based on MOoz's concern, should be singled out Munoz said he singled Shelter House out because it was sixth ranked (#21) and the only organization out of that six that got funding in FY18 and would get it for FY19 too. In terms of the diversity of board members, and all those considerations, he was pointing out his thought processes as far as rankings and does not know the actual racial demographics of the Shelter House board. The major concern for him was that Shelter House was funded last year. Pena asked if Shelter House should be taken out in an informal poll. Munoz in the negative, remarking that if the Commission doesn't start emphasizing lesser known organizations, the Commission will never progress in terms of the goals of this City Council. Ferdig mentioned that because the rules at this time do not prohibit an organization from being funded for two consecutive years that it would seem harsh to deny Shelter House's request, Ferdig will vote in favor of Shelter House being recommended funding 4 Draft Minutes Human Rights Commission January 23, 2019 Emma J. Harvat, City Hall but would ask in the future for a restriction to be added that an organization cannot be funded in consecutive years even if for a new or different proposal. (Maliabo present) Falk pointed out the disparity in the rankings and that it is the average that winds up being used. He thought perhaps next time he should include the average and the standard deviation. Ferdig asked fellow Commission members whether they felt the population that will be served by these programs reflects diverse populations, specifically do the funding recommendations represent a diversity of populations of persons served. Pena felt most the applications were targeting the same groups. Adams wanted to know whether the Commission is interested in changing the policy so that organizations only get funding once every five years, because the community has new organizations and we need all the organizations involved to serve a diverse community. Adams also would like to make a recommendation to the City Council to get more funding for the grants because $75,000 is not enough. Falk finds that questions with procedures come up when you are involved in doing the procedure instead of thinking about it before hand. Falk suggested that Commissioners keep in mind what some of their challenges were in this process and that a meeting be held in the future to go over things and make a list and shift to the City Council to improve the process. If there are things they think the Commission needs to make a good decision, they need to be placed in the rubric as additions or observations. Munoz responded that there is a difference between a rubric and discretion. Judgments are based on the Commission's discretion and the Commission does not need a rubric to tell them what is right from wrong. Munoz does not need City Council to tell him that he should emphasis diversity of an applicant's board as far as making recommendations on allocating funding. Pena agrees that if there are restrictions moving forward on consecutive funding it would create more opportunities to new organizations. Munoz moves to recommend the top six ranked applicants for funding for FY19, Maliabo seconded, motion passed 7-0. This leaves $8100.63 left for funding recommendations. The seventh ranked applicant (Successful Living #20) is over that amount by $8084.31. Draft Minutes Human Rights Commission January 23, 2019 Emma J. Harvat, City Hall Pena mentioned that these are good proposals and would like to recommend for all to be funded but ultimately, he believes the Commission should stick to the amount allocated by the City Council and to stay within that budget. Munoz proposed to skip over Successful Living and to fully recommend funding for Access 2 Independence #17 and Johnson County Neighborhood Centers and South District Neighborhood Association #16. Murioz's reasoning is that it would fund two different projects for two different organizations and would create diversity of populations being served. Any organizations ranked higher than these two could not be fully funded because there is only $8100.63 remaining. Ferdig pointed out that Successful Living's proposal only included expenses for the entry fees for their clients to events without any other overhead costs to consider. Because of this it would only cut the scope of the project but still make it possible and proving a worthwhile endeavor for the organization that ranked next in line. Falk concurred with Ferdig. Falk spoke on finding it difficult to look at organizational budgets and comparing that to what they want funding for and whether it is an appropriate amount. Falk has little idea on how to evaluate any of that and if he had a better idea, he would want a lot more information than the organizations have been asked to supply. Falk also does not want to decide whether an amount lesser is appropriate for an organization. Falk recalled last year that the Commission decided it wasn't going to fiddle with amounts and just recommend funding an organization for what they ask. Falk did not mention this as an argument against doing things but just noting how he operated in this process. Munoz asked if Falk is proposing for Successful Living's funding request to be slashed in half. Falk responded he was not slashing it in half, he is recommending giving it half as opposed to giving it zero. Ferdig said she was proposing this reduction in allocation to Successful Living because its proposal is only for entry fees for their clients and that is something that could be cut in half. Staff mentioned that some of the discussion could be assisted by looking at the applications. As part of the process those applying must answer questions on whether they have received City funds, and whether the proposal could succeed if partially funded. Staff reported that those questions are intentionally asked because of past challenges in evaluating how funding should be allocated. Munoz, regarding his proposal for recommending funding for Johnson County Neighborhood Centers and the South District Neighborhood Association and Access 2 Independence, mentioned that Ferdig had asked about the diversity of the populations 6 Draft Minutes Human Rights Commission January 23, 2019 Emma J. Harvat, City Hall being served and that in his opinion not many applicants adequately addressed disability and that is why he liked Access 2 Independence and that it would be more prudent to fully fund two organizations than to fund only one at half. Ferdig pointed out that the Commission could opt not to use the remaining $8100.63. Pena feels that cutting the budget for Successful Living, acknowledging the valid rationale, would be based upon assumptions. The Commission did not create its budget and do not know all the operation behind it. Pena feels more comfortable following Munoz and likes the idea of recommending the funding for more projects. Ferdig replied that she did not assume anything. It is stated in grant proposal by Successful Living --the funding will go towards entry fees. Ferdig followed this up by adding that she had ranked Access 2 Independence two in her overall rankings. Munoz moves to totally fund Access 2 Independence and the Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County with the South District Neighborhood Association, Adams seconded, the motion passed 5-2. Falk and Ferdig in the negative. Falk noted that he had ranked Access 2 Independence as his number one in overall rankings. Staff will set up a Commission work session to discuss opportunities for improving the grant process in the future. (McGinnis returns to dais to participate). Black History Proclamation: Munoz will accept the proclamation from the City Council at its February 5 meeting date. Reports of Commissioners: Maliabo participated in two classrooms at Liberty High School for its Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. One of the classrooms provided Black history to students who were immigrants and not as familiar with King and his legacy. Falk also participated in the Liberty High School event and mentioned he learned a lot more on King's anti -war stance than he knew before. Kutkzo attended the City's Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration. She and her husband also participated at the West High School Martin Luther King, Jr., Day. They discussed their personal experiences living through the civil rights movement. Adjournment: Motion to adjourn at 6:48 PM. 7 Member Attendance Sheet Member Term Ex . 1/8 1/24 2/19 3/19 4/16 5/21 6/18 7/16 8/20 9/17 10/15 11/19 12/10 Maliabo 1/2021 Present Present McGinnis 1/2021 Present Present Munoz 1/2021 Excused Present Kutzko 1/2020 Present Present Falk 1/2020 Present Present Pena 1/2020 Present Present Adams 1/2022 Excused Present Ferdi 1/2022 Present Present Ford 1/2022 Present Excused KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused NM = No meeting --- = Not a Member Amount #34 Successful Living $16,320.00 #35 Iowa Harm Reduction $10,577.00 #36 Humanize My Hoodie DBA Born Leaders United $37,045.00 #37 Center for Worker Justice $12,951.60 #38 Access 2 Independence of the Eastern Iowa Corridor $5,260.00 #39 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County $15,000.00 #40 South District Neighborhood Association $10,000.00 #41 Sankofa Outreach Connection $10,000.00 #42 University of Iowa Labor Center $15,200.00 #43 Refugee and Immigrant Association $12,000.00 #44 NAACP Iowa City Adult Branch $15,000.00 #45 Shelter House Community Shelter and Transistion Services $10,600.00 #46 Inside Out Reentry Community $7,000.00 #47 Sankofa Outreach Connection $14,000.00 #48 IC Compassion $10,000.00 #49 United Action for Youth $24,800.00 #50 University of Iowa Mood Disorders Center $11,460.00 H51 Dream Center, Center for Disability & Development, IC Parks and Recreation $15,365.00 H52 Sudanese Community Center $40,550.00 H53 Houses into Homes $25,000.00 H54 Rape Victim Advocacy Program $27,600.00 H55 Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County, South District Neighborhood Association $2,324.00 H56 Fifth Ward Saints North $4,500.00 H57 Boys and Girls Club Cedar Rapids, Iowa City Unit $17,000.00 H58 Emma Goldman Clinic $9,980.00 H59 Domestic Violence Intervention Program $8,080.00 Total $387,612.60 #34 #35 #36 #37 #38 #39 #40 #41 #42 #43 #44 #45 #46 #47 #48 #49 #50 #51 #52 #53 #54 #55 #56 #57 #58 #59 Rankings for Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant Submissions FY19 Requested Amount Average Rank Adams Falk Ferdig Kutzko Maliabo Munoz Pena Organization Successful Living $16,320.00 11.14286 20 1 2 7 26 17 21 4 Iowa Harm Reduction $10,577.00 4.857143 26 9 4 3 1 9 1 7 Humanize My Hoodie BRA Born leaders United $37,045.00 19.28571 2 17 19 19 14 21 24 21 Center for WorkerJustice $12,951.60 13.71429 13 21 3 20 23 4 20 5 Access 2Independence ofthe Eastern Iowa Corridor $5,260.00 12.42857 17 12 1 2 25 19 11 17 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County $15,000.00 15.57143 7 22 22 11 11 16 IS 12 South District Neighborhood Association $10,000.00 18.42857 4 8 IS 13 24 20 26 23 Sankofa Outreach Connection $10,000.00 12.71429 IS 13 10 9 4 26 9 18 University of Iowa Labor Center $15,200.00 9.428571 24 23 7 IS 6 12 2 1 Refugee and Immigrant Association $12,000.00 8.714286 25 16 6 6 3 10 7 13 NAACP Iowa City Adult Branch $15,000.00 14.28571 10 24 11 26 20 1 10 8 Shelter House Community Shelter and Transistion Services $10,600.00 11 21 6 5 22 2 2 25 IS Inside Out Reentry Community $7,000.00 9.857143 23 10 8 14 16 3 4 14 Sankofa Outreach Connection $14,000.00 20.42857 1 20 14 21 21 24 19 24 IC Compassion $10,000.00 11.57143 18 14 13 16 12 8 8 10 United Action for Youth $24,800.00 14.28571 10 25 12 1 5 18 14 25 University of Iowa Mood Disorders Center $11,460.00 10.57143 22 7 17 12 17 IS 3 3 Dream Center, Center for Disability & Development, IC Parks and Recreation $15,365.00 11.57143 18 IS 20 4 13 7 13 9 Sudanese Community Center $40,550.00 19.14286 3 5 24 25 22 13 23 22 Houses into Homes $25,000.00 13 14 4 9 10 IS 25 22 6 Rape Victim Advocacy Program $27,600.00 16 6 19 23 8 19 6 17 20 Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County, South District Neighborhood Association $2,324.00 12.57143 16 3 21 17 8 14 6 19 Fifth Ward Saints North $4,500.00 14.85714 8 18 25 24 7 23 5 2 Boys and Girls Club Cedar Rapids, Iowa City Unit $17,000.00 17.14286 5 11 26 23 9 22 18 11 Emma Goldman Clinic $9,980.00 14.57143 9 26 16 5 18 5 16 16 Domestic Violence Intervention Program $8,080.00 13.85714 12 2 18 18 10 11 12 26 Total $387,612.60 Funds Available $75,000.00 Cover Letter (required reading) Thank you for your interest in seeking sponsorship from the Iowa City Human Rights Commission. The Commission provides fund in to organizations and agencies to offset the costs of organizing, planning, and facilitating educational public forums or programs and as ivities that are designed toeliminate racial, religious, cultural, and other intergroup tensions, including but not limited to, sex, color, creed, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, and national origin. To process your request for sponsorship, we need you to take a few minutes to fill out the attached application form. Please note sponsorship requests are due by5 p.m. on the second Monday of each month. The Iowa City Human Rights Commission will review the request at their monthly meeting and staff will contact you to let you know whetherthe request has been approved. If you are awarded funding, you will be required to submit afull (one page) summary of funding impact, including but not limited to, number of persons involved in your project, anecdotal stories to share with the team about the event, frequency of the event, and other essential information. Reporting instructions forfull reimbursement of funds are attached to this document. If you have anyquestions aboutthe application process, please do not hesitate to contact Equity Director Stefanie Bowers at 319-356-5022 orStefanie-bowers@iowa-city.org. Please sign here to verify you have read the cover letter to this form. * Application Date * 2/9/2019 Group/Organizaton Name* Johnson County Chapter, United Nations Association -USA Contact person* Jim Olson Phone number* 319-512-0007 Email* jimolson921@gmail.com Date of activity/event/program * 3/13/2019 If your event occurs on multiple dates, list here Event location and address* R.A. Lee Recreation Center, 220 S. Clinton St. Iowa City Is the event wheelchair accessible?* r Yes f No Is the event accessible to individuals with visual impairments?* r Yes f No Describe the activity/eve nt/prog ram and how it contributes to Human Rights.* Night of 1000 Dinners will celebrate International Women's Day. We will recognize three Legal Aid of SE Iowa, 100 Grannies for a Sustainable World, and the Center for Worker Justice for their work to advance human rights and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially gender equity. We will thereby promote awareness of and actions to advance the SDGs. Congolese youth will perform traditional music, showcasing the cultural contributions of refugees. Amount of funds requested. Attach an itemized budget (field below).* $ 250.00 Attach itemized budget.* N1 KID Budget 2019.docx List other fu nde rs below: Sponsorships so far: Trinity Episcopal Church, Sanctuary Church, Iowa Peace Corps Association. 20+ requests pending. 13.35KB Has this organization applied for anyother Cityof Iowa Cityfunding for this activity/eve nt/prog ram? f Yes r No If yes, what department were the funds requested through? How much funding was requested? Was this request granted? O Yes O No Has the organization received anyfunding from the Cityof Iowa City in the last year?* O Yes O No If yes, what department were the funds requested through? HR Commission, for Night of 1000 Dinners 2018 How much funding was requested? $ 250.00 How will this activity/eve nt/prog ram be marketed? Sponsors' networks, UNA members, posters, media advisory, guest editorial in IC Press Citizen Will sponsors be mentioned and/or logos be used in the marketing of the activity/event/program? O Yes O No Is the activity/eve nt/prog ram a fundraiser?* F Yes O No If yes, explain:* Net proceeds will be donated to local groups and UN programs empowering women. Night of 1000 Dinners 2019 Income Sponsorships Tickets and Donations Total Income Expenses Food & Food Equipment Printing Sound System Rental Platform Rental* Postage" Supplies Venue Rental Total Expenses * Rental of a 8'x12' speakers platform This budget would net $3,000 II�NidF:�ikl Draft Budget $2,500 2,500 $5,000 $1,000 200 125 350 50 150 224 $1,959 Officers Jim Olson President Nitaya Burnham Vice -President Jean Lloyd -Jones Past President Nancy Allendorf Treasurer Board Members Mercedes Bern-Klug AIMAIRUW�_1 Johnson County Chapter Stefanie Bowers Iowa City Human Rights Commission 410 East Washington Street Iowa City IA 52240 Dear Stefanie, Your organization has been a loyal sponsor of our annual Night of 1,000 Dinners and we value your support. Once again, we invite you to join us for this festive evening of international food, good company and music by a group of young people from the Democratic Republic of Congo. It will take place on March 13, 2019, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center in downtown Iowa City. Bob Burnham This year we will celebrate International Women's Day by recognizing the Joyce carman-Baldus contributions of three organizations which have made significant contributions locally to one or more of the United Nations Sustainable John W. Fuller Development Goals.: Katy Hansen A list of sponsor benefits, a sponsor/contribution card and return Badri Hamdan Koko envelope are enclosed for your convenience. Britta Loftus We look forward to having you as a sponsor of the 2019 Night of 1,000 Dinners demonstrating your continued support of the work of the Johnson Jean -Paul Mugemuzi County UNA. If you have questions or would like more information, please Dorothy M. Paul contact one of us. We hope to hear from you soon. Janice Weiner Sincerely yours, Beverly Witwer Clson, President Jean/ Lloyd Jones Johnson County UNA Jinfolson921(a)gmail.com l.com 308 E. Burlington St 319-S12-0007 319-466-3079 #245 Iowa City IA 52240 Enc: 3 Night of 1000 Dinners 2019— Sponsorship Information Sheet What. An international dinner to mark International Women's Day, held annually in Iowa City since 2001. International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the achievements of women. The Johnson County Chapter of the United Nations Association — USA is the lead sponsor. When. Wednesday, March 13, 5:30 to 7:00 pm Where. Robert A. Lee Recreation Center, 220 S Gilbert St. Iowa City Theme: International Women's Day --Local Organizations Working for UN Goals The United Nations has adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals for the period 2015-2030 (see below). On March 13 we will recognize three local organizations a founded by women, managed by women, or in which women and men have collaborated to make significant contributions towards achieving one or more of these goals in the Johnson County area. The Event. An international buffet dinner with selections (including vegetarian and vegan options) provided by several local restaurants and groups, followed by a brief recognition of the work of three organizations. In addition, we will enjoy music performed by a group of young people from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Sponsorship Levels. All sponsors will be listed in pre -event publicity (if the sponsorship is confirmed by February 28) and a listing in the event's printed program. Sponsorships are available for businesses or non-profit groups at the following levels: • $500, includes 8 complimentary tickets for the event • $250, includes 3 complimentary tickets • $100, includes 1 complimentary ticket • Student sponsorships for student groups that provide at least two volunteers on the night of the event, includes I complimentary ticket for each student volunteer Checks for sponsorships should be payable to "Johnson County UNA" and mailed to the Johnson County UNA at 308 E. Burlington Street, #245, Iowa City, IA 52240. Tickets. For community members: $25 in advance; $30 at the door. Students: $12 in advance; $15 at the door. To reserve, contact Jim Olson, jimolson921@gmaii.com. Ticket proceeds will support the educational and advocacy work of the United Nations Association in Johnson County and Iowa. Sustainable Development Goals: No Poverty; Zero Hunger; Good Health; Quality Education; Gender Equality; Clean Water and Sanitation; Affordable and Clean Energy; Decent Work and Economic Growth; Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; Reduced Inequality; Sustainable Cities and Communities; Responsible Production and Consumption; Climate Action; Life Below Water; Life on Land; Peace and Justice Institutions; Partnerships to Achieve these Goals. We welcome your participation! Thank you! IOWA CITY HUMAN RIGHT COMMISSION STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION REPORT 2018 Facifitate,d Jeff Scltatt Institute of Public Aff4irs University of lorva IOWA CITY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION 2018 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction.................................................................................... Page 3 Strategic Planning Session ... ............ .................. .,...,..,..,..................... Page 3 Update —2014Goals/Priorities ............ ........ ............ ................. .,..,. Page GeneralDuties ofHRC ...... ........... ..:..................... ................... Page 4 Areasof Interest— ........................... ........ ....... ;........................ Page Accomplishments......................................................................... Page 7 Issues, Concerns, Trends, and Opportunities .......................................... Page 8 On -Going Commitments.................................................................. Page 10 New Priority Projects, Programs or Initiatives ...........:........................... Page II Organizational Effectiveness Initiatives ............................................. Page 1 I FinalComments................................................................................................. Page 12 Exhibit A — Significant Projects, Programs, Policies, and Initiatives Considered Page 13 2 IOWA CITY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION 2018 Introduction The Iowa City Human 12ights Commission (ICHRC) requested the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) to assist the Commission with strategic planning. IPA agreed to organize and facilitate a process that involved the following steps: 1. Prepare a questionnaire to IC14RC Commissioners a regarding; the key purposes of the Commission, recent accomplishments, issues/trends/concenrs/opportunities, potential new initiatives, programs, or policies and suggestions to improve. organizational effectiveness; 2. Conduct a strategic planning session with Commission r; 3, Preparation of this report. Strateaic Plannin Session A strategic planning session with ICHRC was held on February 22, 2018, at the Helling Conference Room in Iowa City City Hall. The following Commission members were in attendance and participated at this meeting: Eliza Jane Willis (Chair), Joe Coulter, Adil D. Adams, Jeff Falk, Tahuanty Pena (Vice Chair), Arianna Aron, Cathy McGinnis, and Jonathon Munoz, Also in attendance and participating in the session was ICHRC Coordinator Stefanie Bowers. Update - 2014 Coals/Priorities The participants reviewed the status of implementing the following goals/priorities as established during ICHRC previous planning session in 2014: 2014 Review On -Going Commitments • Youth Awards. • Awards breakfast. + Building Blocks to Employment Job Fair. • Mayoral proclamations, • Centin fling Educational programs. • 6e4nt WRg Outreach efforts. • Compliance with Chapter 2 of the Municipal Code, New Priority Projects Programs and In iativec • Develop listening posts for outreach to target communities, • Enhance presence with quarterly presentations to City Council on Commission events, programs and initiatives. • Affordable/universal/accessible housing - educational programs • Hold meetings with various community groups. General Duties of the Human Rights Commission HRC Coordinator Stefanie Bowes reviewed the general duties, powers and responsibilities of HRC as set forth in Chapter 2 of the Iowa City Municipal Code. Areas of Interest The participants reviewed and discussed the following areas of interest that the Commissioners felt HRC should be involved in: Community • Events revolving around people of color and their history in the form of activities, conferences, programs etc. • 1 would also like to see little libraries in underprivileged neighborhoods. Part of that, would be inviting the community to participate in the making of these libraries. • Any area under the broad range of topics in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights within the geographic area of Iowa City and its immediate surroundings. These would include discrimination in employment, housing, schooling, and facilities,, standards of living, law enforcement, and judicial proceedings. • Get more involved with housing issues in the community, especially in terms of the impact on undocumented and documented immigrants who appear to be suffering from discrimination. • Consider the equity issues raised by current eviction policies and practices. We should maintain and expand our relationships with organizations working for greater equity and nondiscrimination in our community, • Developing a list of community organizations concerned with social justice issues that may benefit from our assistance. • Community education regarding Racial Equity • LGBTQI - community education • Social equity in affordable, accessible housing, Increased funding for social justice and racial equity grants • Johnson County/Iowa City Access Center Project, More community meetings and townhalls and events, a Social justice activities for young generations to participate in all activities and try to get donations. • General education regarding human rights and the role of the commission. For example, explaining the power of municipal HRCs in general and the federal and international framework, e.g. ICERD, which informs that power, • The HRC should be able strive to educate the residents of Iowa City how to best practice human rights in their day to day interactions with others, and the resources available to them to help them do that. • Voter registration in areas of the city that are under -represented + Voter participation rates in non -presidential elections • Community ID • immigrant rights - School • Changing the curriculum used in schools around history. • Having the accurate information on black history. • Learning about other people in the civil rights era vs, year afteryear learning about the same individuals. • Having administration, teachers, and support staff of color throughout the district. o Racial equity in the school system and the wider community. • Tate High School is often forgotten about when it comes to outreach efforts. Tate is part of 1CCSD but often the stigma surrounding Tate prevents community members and programs from reachingout. o Programming that is offered in West and City should also be offered at Tate. Public Saffgil • A role in responding to hate crimes or incidents when they occur. • Developing a rapid response team with re: to hate crimes and bias crimes. • Obtaining information regarding Community Police Review Board and • Obtaining information/communication with Police Department Accomnlisi►ments The following were identified as recent accomplishments of ICHRC: • Outreach to Broadway and Pheasant Ridge (Overcharging on rent). • Organizing a number of programs and panel discussions. • Co -sponsoring similar events with other groups. • SJRE Grants: o Evaluating and submitting recommendations for the City SJRE grants, o Designing procedures for the SJRE grant. • Review & responses to requests for- funding • Human rights awards and recognition program. • Participated in planning, sponsorship, and activities re: MLK Day. • Participated in Iowa City Pride. • Participated in planning and sponsorships of Juneteenth activities. • Community building exercise in 2016. • Community IDs. • Focus on the issues involving immigrants/Muslims. • Obtained recognition for Indigenous Peoples Day, • Participation in City Manager's Roundtable. • Crossing Bridges conference. • Know Your Rights -Domestic Abuse. • Activities at the Coralville and Iowa City library with immigrant communities. • Preparation/distribution of educational materials by I-IRC staff. For a more complete list of accomplishments, refer to the Commission's annual reports. Issues, Concerns, Trends And D2ppo2rttuinities The following were identified as issues, concerns, trends, and opportunities that may affect future ICIIRC services, policies, programs or operations: Community Outreach Su • Find more supports, activities or programming for young men specifically young men of color. • Status and quality of life for undocumented or documented immigrants. • Access to parks and outdoor /indoor recreational activities. • Education about human rights and a need for people to speak out against some of the hateful things we are seeing and hearing. Education • Establish programming in/out of school, extracurricular activities, trips that will be inclusive for all youth, backgrounds, race, ethnicity, and gender. • Classes devoted to the real history of ALL youth of color. • Create 3 events that align with the trimester system used in high schools in ICCSD, Each trimester, there will be an event, activity, program etc. made for all youth of color. • The financial and geographic disparity within the ICCSD needs to be investigated and discussed for its current effects and future implications. + Fairness and equity in the school environment. Housine • Housing conditions and building code enforcement. • Evictions: trends and enforcement in small claims court for fairness and compassion. Domestic violence and violence in general. • Affordable housing. • Mortgage rid l-i-n-ng practices, primarily against Latino applicants (Iowa City has high percentage of denials). Public Safe • Information regarding police training and recruitment, for example training on the use of weapon, • Iowa City Substation needs to be community friendly. The doors are always closed and are tinted so you never know if they are open or not. • The grave threats faced by undocumented immigrants. • Hate crimes. • Increase in bias incidents. • Increase in incidents of violence; need to promote ALICE training. • Disproportionate minority contact and incarceration. • Equity for criminal defendants. • Opioid epidemic. • Access Center development. • Racial and Ethnic diversity of police force -need to reflect the community. • Language access, including for persons accused of crimes. Transportation • Transportation availability and its relation to financial ability • Sidewalk accessibility in certain parts of town QjLff • Coping with climate change - equity impact. • A new set and clear goals and objectives, or a strategic plan, for Commissioners to follow; • Responsibilities and expectations of the Human Rights Commission in the coining years as our community continues to grow. • Recruiting more leadership from the immigrant communities. • Support for Neighborhood Centers. • Support for organizations who positively impact community. • Publish a magazine every three month that reflects on human rights. • Keep addressing the issue of diversity among the community. • Promote social justice and other values of the Commission. • Human rights issues that are important for the city but cannot be addressed by the city. Relationship between the city and university on human rights issues, On -Going Co m m ittti en is The following were identified as on -going commitments of the Commission for the upcoming 24 — 36 month period: • Continue Youth Awards. • Continue Awards breakfast. • Building Blocks for Employment Job Fair. • Mayoral proclamations. • Continue educational programs. o Continue educational programs re affordable/universal/accessible housing • Continue outreach efforts. • Continue voter registration activities in areas of the city that are under- represented • Continue support for Community ID program • Compliance with Chapter 2 of the Municipal Code. to New Priority Projects, Programs and Initiatives The following were identified as new priority projects, programs, and initiatives of the Commission for the upcoming 24 - 36 month period (listed in priority order): 1. Affordable housing — Nvork with landlords regarding background and credit checks which can make it very difficult for some to find adequate housing 2. (Tie) Have more speakers of color and other diverse backgrounds to come to Iowa City to talk about current issues (Tie) Develop youth -oriented education programs and activities (Tie) Develop and disseminate city and/or county -wide newsletter listing events and programs related to human rights S (Tie) Year-round event, all of which should take place in Lakeside, Broadway, Pheasant Ridge and all mobile home comas, (Tie) More Commissioner participation in events. 7. (Tie) Develop plan/program to more effectively collaborate with other city agencies, organizations, non -profits. (Tie) .Involvement with Johnson County/Iowa City Access center development and staffing Qigwg ational I ffectiveatess Initiatives Due to time limitations, review and discussion of ideas relating to improving organizational effectiveness were defened to a subsequent session. 11 Final Comments It was a pleasure to once again assist the Iowa City Human Rights Commission with this project. It is important to note that the prioritization of projects and initiatives is not "cast in stone," They can be modified as new circumstances may occur, It is recommended that staff prepare an "action plan" for accomplishing the planning goals. The action plan would define the steps that would be needed to accomplish each goal, identify who is responsible for implementation, and establish a time]ine for accomplishment. The action plan should then be presented to the Commission for review and approval. It is also recommended that staff review with the Commission the status of implementing the goats on a quarterly basis. Jeff Schott Institute of Public Affairs The University of Iowa February 23, 2018 12 Exhibit Iowa City Human Rights Commission Strategic Planning Session — 2018 SIGNIFICANT NEW INITIATIVES PROGRAMS OR POLICIES CONSIDERED • Having more speakers of color come to our City and talk about current issues. • Youth version of Human Rights Commission or create a group made specifically for youth in our community. • Year-round events all of which should take place in the Lakeside, Broadway, Pheasant Ridge, and all trailer home courts. e Perhaps a citywide "contest" to increase voter participation in city or county elections in non presidential years. • City and/or countywide newsletter listing events and programs related to human rights. • Develop plan/program to more effectively collaborate with other city agencies, services, organizations, and non -profits, etc. • Affordable housing - working with landlords regarding their background and credit checks, which can make it very difficult for some people to find adequate housing. • Encourage more immigrant membership on city boards/commissions • Support soccer competitions with other communities or, cities. • Involvement with Johnson County/Iowa City Access Center Development and Staffing. • City -sponsored grant writing workshops (e.g. general principles and methods). • More Commissioner participation in events • Develop rapid response team to respond to hate crimes • Develop youth -oriented education programs and activities 13 February w , • w S[eLuue Bowers From: Shams Ghoneim <shamsghoneim@mchsi.com> Sent: Sunday, January 20, 2019 11:51 AM To: Stefanie Bowers Subject: Fwd: 2019 Johnson Country CROP WALK information FYI. I pray you are keeping warm and safe. Best regards Shams Begin forwarded message: From: "'barrjohno' via Consultation of Religious Communities" <consultation-of-religious- com m unities(aDaooa lea roups.com> Date: January 20, 2019 7:20:36 AM CST To: Consultation of Religious Communities <consultation-of-reliaious- com munities(cDgooglearoups.com> Subject: 2019 Johnson Country CROP WALK information Reply -To: barrjohno <barriohno(a)sau.edu> JOHNSON COUNTY CROP WALK 2019 The 2019 CROP Hunger Walk will be on Sunday, April 71h, at 1:30 p.m. and begin at the Free Lunch building at 1105 Gilbert Court. Registration will begin at 12:45 p.m. The "RALLY" event will be on Tuesday, February 261h, from 4-6 p.m. at both Zion Lutheran Church at 310 North Johnson Street and Christ the King Lutheran Church at 325 Mormon Trek Boulevard, both in Iowa City. The rally is for those who would like to become a recruiter for their organization, and to pick up educational materials as well as donation envelopes. It is also a good time to meet members of the Crop Walk team and ask questions. CROP works with Church World Service to transform communities around the world through just and sustainable responses to hunger, poverty, displacement and disaster, including the victims of the recent hurricanes here in the U.S. 25% of the money we raise goes directly to the Johnson County Crisis Center Food Bank. Please help us to help others. Barb Lange 351 3762 ( Home) 515 897 9335 ( cell) Carol Hulseberg 930 7157 bj60lange@q.com hutch (a)netins.net Stetmie Bowers From: Veronica Fowler <cindy.garcia@aclu-ia.org> Sent: Monday, February 11, 2019 2:45 PM To: Stefanie Bowers Subject: Tinkers in Iowa next week to celebrate 50 years since U.S. Supreme Court Win Civil rights trailblazers Mary Beth and John Tinker will be returning to Iowa to celebrate a half -century on February 24 since their landmark student rights win, with the help of the ACLU of Iowa, at the U.S. Supreme Court. They defended their right to wear black armbands to their Des Moines schools to protest the Vietnam War. The Tinkers will arrive in Des Moines on Sunday, February 17, and will speak in a number of public schools and college classes over the following ten days. Events of note are: Friday, Feb. 22: State Historical Building: The Tinkers will host hundreds of Iowa students, joined by Stanley Griffin, the son of civil rights hero Edna Griffin, and Parkland, Florida, high school students. Saturday, Feb. 23: The fun and famous Raygun T-shirt store has created a special "Don't Tinker With My Rights" shirt and is hosting a student reception with the Tinkers. Sunday, Feb. 24: On the actual anniversary, the Tinkers will do a live C-SPAN interview, host a press conference at Mary Beth's former school, and host a community reception immediately after. Parkland student journalists will also be present. Monday, Feb. 25: The Tinkers will speak in the evening at Iowa State University. Tuesday, Feb. 26: The Tinkers will speak at the University of Iowa at the Old Capitol. Before their lecture, the ACLU of Iowa will host a reception for ACLU supporters with the Tinkers at the Old Capitol. Those interested in attending should email sarah.conrov@aclu-ia.org. Wednesday, February 27: The Tinkers will speak at Drake University. For a complete and current listing of events, as well as background information on the case, go to: https://tinkertourusa.org/tourinfo/tinker-turns-50/ Best, Veronica Veronica Lorson Fowler Communications Director American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa Cell: 515-451-1777 0 www. aclu-Ia.OI'q Voting Rights Restoration Clinic If you have been convicted of a felony and are interested in getting your right to vote back, we will be providing free legal advice and application assistance. V Date: Saturday, March 2nd Time: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. VVPlace: Boyd Law Building, Iowa City, IA Please call 319-335-9023 by February 15 to reserve an appointment. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa - sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact The The following documents were handed out during the meeting. successfilt "Living To: The Iowa City Human Rights Commission February 19, 2019 From: Successful Living Subject: SJRE Grant awards On the evening of January 24, 2019, Successful Living's Executive Director, Roger Goedken, and our Director of Grants & Development, Carla Phelps, attended your evening meeting at City Hall where you voted on recommendations for who would receive SJRE grant funds. We had applied and came to the meeting to learn if we would succeed in getting some much -needed funding. We pored over previous SJRE applications as we'd been advised, and wrote, proofed and re- wrote our proposal with high expectations. Prior to the meeting the commission ranked the applications/agencies. Our agency was ranked 47. The first 6 in rank all received full funding. After that you had around $81k left. Our application was for $16k and was to pay for tickets for our mentally ill clients, all disabled, to be able to attend events they otherwise are unable to ever attend. We clearly stated this in the narrative and on our spread sheet/budget. Our application also made clear, as one commissioner stated, that partial funding could be readily utilized in lieu of full funding. Yet we heard commissioners say they did not understand or perhaps did not believe how we would spend the money (except for one: she said she was at that moment looking at our spreadsheet and believed she did know how we would spend the money; no one much listened to her or responded). We witnessed commissioners admit that they did not actually remember the content of applications. One said there were no reference to disabilities from applicants! Meanwhile those of us observing were required to sit silently since we were given to understand in advance that our comments or questions would be unwelcome. And then you SKIPPED OVER OUR 7te RANKED APPLICATION/AGENCY in favor of two lesser ranked organizations. YOU IGNORED YOUR OWN RANKINGS. At least two members appeared very pleased at that, so as to be able to fund personal favorites, ranked highly by one or two individuals but not by all. We found this offensive. Our clients have nothing. And face ugly stigma and discrimination every day. We are used to that at our humble little agency (small but mighty — we've survived for 20 years) - but we never expected it from the Human Rights Commission. That $81k would have gone a long way toward concretely improving the lives of the people we help. They would have only been able to attend half as many events (unless we received additional funding elsewhere), but that would be so much better than none at all. It appeared that your logic was that you only want to fund 100% of any proposal and refuse to partially fund any proposal. This is very hard to understand, especially when a program like we described lends itself to partial funding. And especially since your application asked what we would do if only partially funded. It is just all very hard to understand and feel that the commission's decision lacked basic fairness and follow-through of established protocol. We feel Social Justice particularly was sorely missing the evening of January 24, 2019, and an adherence to the developed ranking protocol would have resulted in improved impartiality. Kind,regpr CarlkLP..helps, BEA, Grad Dip -Counseling, MS-Psy. Director, Grants & Development Successful Living Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Cell: (319) 471-1809 Email: cphelps@icsuccess.org Web: https:/Zwww.icsuccess.org/` Roger Goedken, BA, BS Executive Director Successful Living 2406 Towncrest Drive Iowa City, Iowa 52240 W: (319) 358-6800 x105 F: 319-3S8-6807 Email: rgoedken@icsuccess.org Web: htt ww icsuccess.cr l� L GBTQ+ YOUTH SUMMIT V � HOSTED BY ACTION FOR YOUTH DEMO UNITED MAKEUP D H CTtiV15M► I.T A R SEX SAFE HEALTH TRANS ITY ART coMMu� t[• . . MENTAL HEA FRpNKIE D. LOVER ROXIE MESS ... CH HAZEL SAN EZ ELIA BELLE TOMMi BOI OpH LEO N pBEL� �CE �o• GiSTRro ATte BREAKFAST 11 AN- " RE WORKSHOPS/PERFORMANCES 11AM - 6PM SPONSORED BY johnsm ;DecatEloard s�,n4�ITY OF OWA 1NESCO CITY OF LITERATUR