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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11 28 23 AgendaHuman Rights Commission November 28, 2023 Regular Meeting – 5:30 PM Emma J. Harvat Hall, City Hall Agenda: 1. Call the meeting to order and roll call 2. Reading of Native American Land Acknowledgement 3. Presentation of “Big Check” to the Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa 4. Approval of the October 24, 2023, meeting minutes 5. Public comment on 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 or one another concerning said items) 6. Correspondence 7. Updates on Outreach and Engagement by the Police Department 8. Funding Request – Jewell Amos 9. Racial Equity & Social Justice Grant • First Quarterly Reports for FY23 Grant Recipients • FY24 Grant Updates and Information 10. Commission Committees • Building Bridges (Maliabo, Paul Shantz, Pandya) • Reciprocal Relationships (Lusala, Qadoura, Jons) • Breaking Bread (Kollasch, Pries, Ismail) 11. Save the date: MLK Day 2024 Mercer Aquatic Center • January 15, 2024, 10AM-2PM 12. Staff Announcements 13. Commissioner Announcements (Commissioners shall not engage in discussion with one another concerning said announcements) 14. Adjournment Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all City of Iowa City- sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in these events, please contact the Office of Equity and Human Rights at 319-356-5022 or humanrights@iowa-city.org. Agenda Item #2 Page 1 of 2 Draft Minutes Human Rights Commission October 24, 2023 Emma J. Harvat Hall Commissioners present: Jahnavi Pandya, Sylvia Jons (via Zoom), Doug Kollasch, Bijou Maliabo, Roger Lusala, Mark Pries, Viana Qadoura. Commissioners absent: Kelsey Paul Shantz, Ahmed Ismail. Staff present: Stefanie Bowers, Tre Hall, Sergeant Kevin Bailey. Recommendation to City Council: No. Meeting called to order: 5:35 PM. Native American Land Acknowledgement: Pries read the Land Acknowledgement. Approval of meeting minutes of September 26, 2023: Kollasch moved, and Maliabo seconded. Motion passed 7-0. Updates on Outreach and Engagement by the Police Department: Sergeant Bailey introduced Community Outreach Specialist Tre Hall. Hall provides updates on Community Violence Intervention, Safety Village preparation, the Community Police Academy, and the upcoming coat drive for youth and adults. Racial Equity and Social Justice Grant: Grant informational sessions will be held on November 8 and 15. Maliabo, Kollasch, Lusala, and Paul Schantz will do November 8, and Kollasch and Maliabo will do November 15. Staff will assist in getting the check delivered to the Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa. Paul Shantz and Jons will deliver it to Great Plains Action Society at Truthsgiving in early November at The Englert Theatre. Jons provided an overview of her Guide for Human Rights Commissioners Supporting Iowa City Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant Recipients for 23-24. Commission Committees: Breaking Bread – No update. Reciprocal Relationships – Qadoura will replace Channon on this committee. Building Bridges – No update. Partnerships with Recreation Department: All Around the World, scheduled for November 12, has been canceled. Announcements of commissioners: Pries spoke on a meeting that coincided with the Commission’s Page 2 of 2 meeting this evening on manufactured homes. Jons mentioned an upcoming program the Commission is co-sponsoring with the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council. Lusala asked for Commissioners to keep Israel and Palestine in their prayers. Maliabo noted that October 24 is United Nations Day. Kollasch spoke on watching the recording of the City Council meeting from October 17 and the reaction or lack of reaction from some council members. Qadoura introduced herself to her fellow commissioners. Announcements of staff: Staff provided an overview of the upcoming Human Rights Awards Breakfast. Adjourned: 6:36 PM. The meeting can be viewed at this link https://citychannel4.com/video.html?series=Local%20Government. Human Rights Commission ATTENDANCE RECORD YEAR 2023 (Meeting Date) NAME TERM EXP. 1/24 2/28 3/28 4/25 5/23 6/27 8/22 9/26 10/24 11/28 Roger Lusala 2023 P P P P P P A P P Bijou Maliabo 2023 P P P P P P A P P Kelsey Paul Shantz 2023 P P A Z P P P P A Jahnavi Pandya 2024 P P A Z P Z P P P Sylvia Jons 2024 P A P P Z Z P A Z Doug Kollasch 2024 P P P Z P P P P P Viana Qadoura 2025 - - - - - - - - P Ahmed Ismail 2025 P P P P P P A P A Mark Pries 2025 - - - - - - P P P KEY: P = Present A = Absent Z = Present via Zoom Human Rights Sponsorship Request Form Cover Letter (required reading) The Iowa City Human Rights Commission is allocated $2000 annually to provide financial assistance to community events designed to eliminate racial, religious, cultural, or other intergroup tensions, including but not limited to, sex, color, creed, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, or national origin. Rules and Requirements for Sponsorship: The organization must be physically located in Iowa City. The program must take place in Iowa City. The program must have a date and location. The event date must be prior to the request for financial assistance. Applicants cannot be governments, public schools, or colleges/universities. Applicants request cannot exceed $250.00. Request must include a budget. Request must include other sponsors. Request cannot be for reimbursement or honorariums to speakers or guests. Request cannot be for rental deposits for the venue. Request cannot be for fundraising purposes. Requests will be denied if another city department/division has financially contributed funding or will be contributing funds for the program. Funding will not be disbursed without the submission of a W9. If the request is approved for financial assistance an organization cannot request any further assistance in the same fiscal year. Signature* Sign here that you have read and understand the rules and requirements. Date Time 2023-10-20   11:39:57 AM Application Organization Name * jewell l amos Address* Street Address 1607 Hollywood Blvd Address Line 2 City Iowa City State/Province/Region IA Postal/Zip Code 52240 Country United States Contact person Name * jewell l amos Preferred pronouns she/her Phone number * 3199311092 Email address * Jewellamos@gmail.com Program details Date of Program* 12/15/2023 Program Title * T-shirt contest Location name* Grant Wood Elementary School Location Address * Street Address 1930 LAKESIDE DRIVE Address Line 2 City Iowa City State/Province/Region IA Postal/Zip Code 52240 Country United States Describe how the program eliminates racial, religious, cultural, or other intergroup tensions, related, but not limited to: sex, color, creed, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, or national origin.* Contest will be for 5th and 6th graders that are moving to middle school next fall. Each student will be provided a free shirt with all their classmates names. This will help with building community and eliminate the need for the students families to fund the shirts. Over 75% of Grant Wood students are from a minority group and over 75% are from low-income families. Is there a financial cost to participate in the project?* Yes No Describe how socioeconomic barriers to attendance will be addressed. Free for the students to participate in and free shirts for the students Previous Next Budget Amount Requested (Maximum request $250.00)* $250.00 Has any City of Iowa City department or division provided any support for this event?* (Include in-kind and financial support) Yes No Will any City of Iowa City department or division provide any support for this event?* (Include in-kind and financial support) Yes No Please list all funding sources or in-kind support for this event including the amount * Hills Bank $100 Old Capitol Screen printers will discount shirts to $8.70 from $10.83 X100 shirts=$213 in kind. Attache Itemized Budget _shirt contest.pdf 21.4KB T shirt costs 100 shirts 1 color screen on back 1 color screen on front 1 color logo on sleeve $8.70 per shirt for the Gildan 5000 100%cotton T.Screen charge $25x3=$75 Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa 1556 S. 1st Ave #C, Iowa City, IA 52240 I 319-594-7593 I info@cwjiowa.org SMART Board Installation -Empowering Learning One of our pivotal milestones was the installation of a SMART Board in our computer lab, a transformative addition that amplified our ability to serve the community effectively. This interactive display system became the epicenter of our educational programs, enabling us to host a series of workshops and training sessions. Beyond being a technological marvel, the SMART Board became an instrument of empowerment, as it allowed us to connect with diverse audiences, serving various linguistic communities. Empowering the Underserved -Classes and Workshops CWJ's mission revolves around empowering individuals through education. Our ongoing series of workshops, which include computer literacy, business development, ESL, and more, are key components of our empowerment initiative. To date, we've organized multiple workshops, with the first three focusing on Business, Computer Literacy & ESL, attracting over 66 participants. These workshops aim to dismantle barriers and provide practical skills and certifications that can lead to better employment and living conditions. For example, some of our computer courses offer 3 Wright House of Fashion (WHF) is incredibly grateful to receive $25,000 for the 2023 Big Dream Fashion Experience. With the funding we successfully organized programs and events as part of the Big Dream Fashion Experience. WHF was able to offer training and workshop opportunities to over fifty young individuals in the Iowa City community. WHF sought out additional expertise and ongoing engagement from individuals in varies fields such as set production, music, modeling, graphic and visual arts. We strived to create a landscape to attract innovative, creative, job-creating entrepreneurs whose location decisions are influenced by the presence of diversity and resources in Iowa City. 1. WHF utilized the funding to curate a variety of fashion experiences and opportunities. This encompassed the creation of fashion shows, mock shows, production of garments, and the collaboration of various individual’s integral to the successful execution of these initiatives. One of WHF’s notable achievements was staging shows in an alleyway and outdoor spaces, drawing hundreds of attendees, where we showcased fashion directly from WHF using recycled clothing. 2. In June 2023, WHF hosted our first Juneteenth celebration event, marking a significant milestone in our organization. This occasion was a tribute to the descendants of enslaved Black Americans, acknowledging their resilience and using art and fashion to reclaim a shared heritage, while expressing their social and political freedoms. To make this event a reality, WHF leveraged grant funds to produce garments and materials, empowering young fashion designers to craft unique, self-inspired pieces. These creations took center stage at the Juneteenth fashion event, allowing us to showcase the incredible talents of emerging artists. This event provided a welcoming space for many Iowa City community members, uniting them and fostering a sense of togetherness. We welcomed young deejays and served delicious food, enhancing the bonds among the people we are proud to represent. Our celebration was honored by the participation of artists, community leaders, cultural partners, donors, and representatives from the media. 3. Together, we commemorated and uplifted the resilient Iowa City community of artists that WHF has both nurtured and been nurtured by over this past year. This event served as a powerful testament to Iowa City’s transformative influence of art, fashion, and unity. FY23 Social Justice Racial Equity Grant Report November 1st, 2023 Fashion Shows 1. Empowerment: Our efforts empower young fashion designers, models, and various professionals within the industry by providing them with opportunities, experience, and fair compensation. 2. Sustainability: By using old clothing and recycling materials, we promote sustainability and responsible fashion practices, aligning with contemporary efforts to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry. 3. Community Impact: The alleyway shows and the involvement of WHF directly engage the community, bringing art and fashion. Why is this important? FY23 Social Justice Racial Equity Grant Report November 1st, 2023 FY23 Social Justice Racial Equity Grant Report November 1st, 2023 As our mission is to build an ecosystem for entrepreneurs and creatives. The model calls and workshops assist with this goal by bridging new people into the space so they can experience what it would be like to be a part of an emerging industry like fashion. This also builds essential skills about time management, confidence, trusting and working with others. These are. essential to the workforce and building civic minded residents in Iowa City. Held 4 workshops and paid workshop assistant and workshop trainers. In house DJ and production of a soundtrack to then use for fashion shows. Provided training for 12 models and they performed in 2 different shows. This is important to social and emotional training for a lot of people involved it teaches responsibility and the skill of personal development. Fashion Workshop/Practices FY23 Social Justice Racial Equity Grant Report November 1st, 2023 This thirteen-week course explored the dynamic relationship between fashion and activism. The central themes of the class focused on harnessing the potential of fashion as a potent tool for advocacy, catalyzing social change, and addressing critical societal issues. Distinguished leaders from Warner Music Experience’s Creative Department (WMX) introduced WHF students to the creative aspects of the music industry, such as merchandise design, collaboration with artist teams, and the art of expressing an artist’s identity through fashion. We also collaborated with the University of Iowa School of Art and Art History, which provided us with the necessary resources, including computers and a dedicated volunteer to assist in design instruction. Furthermore, our students had the unique opportunity to engage and present their design concepts to Warner Music staff from various departments such as marketing, e-commerce, sales, and human resources. This course marked the conclusion of an open house and graduation event for students to showcase their work to family, friends and the community. This programming became a reality thanks to the generous grant funding that supported various critical elements, enabling us to craft a dynamic and enriching learning journey for all program participants. This played a pivotal role in ensuring access to Adobe software for creative endeavors and covering utility expenses to guarantee a well-lit and fully powered environment. It also provided resources to host distinguished guests who offered valuable insights and experiences, and supply nourishment and beverages to foster an ideal learning atmosphere. WHF was also able to purchase two TVs for career development sessions and obtain merchandise for fashion shows and associated activities. Fashion Activism Workshop 1. Empowerment: It empowers participants to recognize the transformative potential of fashion and how it can be harnessed to effect positive change in society. 2. Education: By providing access to Adobe software, utilities, and career development sessions, it equips participants with the necessary tools and skills to pursue a career in the fashion and activism industry. 3. Engagement: Hosting special guests and offering food and beverages foster an environment for rich dialogue and the exchange of valuable insights, enhancing the learning experience. 4. Community Building: The acquisition of TVs and merchandise for fashion shows contributes to building a strong sense of community among participants and the wider audience. 5. Partnership Impact: The partnership with Warner Music and collaboration with the University of Iowa School of Art and Art History demonstrate the strength of working together to support educational initiatives and create opportunities for young individuals interested in fashion activism. 6. Sustainability: By addressing utility expenses and providing access to technology, this program ensures that essential resources are available for an enriching learning experience. Why is this important? WHF’s commitment to maintaining this yearly pro- gramming underscores the profound influence of fashion and the vital role of partnerships and grant funding in nurturing the next generation of fashion activists and advocates for social change. This com- mitment is a platform for empowering individuals to effect positive change in society by bridging the inter- section of fashion and activism. WHF will continue to craft experiences and opportunities as a testament to our dedication to fostering talent, sustainability, com- munity engagement, and principles of human rights, all the while highlighting the transformative potential of art and fashion in our broader community. The Social Justice Racial Equity Grant is a cornerstone in providing essential financial support to sustain the livelihoods and creative expression of those involved in these initiatives.