HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-28-2025 Human Rights Commission - RevisedHuman Rights Commission
January 28, 2025
Regular Meeting — 5:30 PM
Emma J. Harvat Hall, City Hall
Agenda:
1. Call the Meeting to Order and Roll Call
2. Reading of the Native American Land Acknowledgement
3. Farewell to outgoing Commissioner Jahnavi Pandya
4. Introduction of incoming Commissioner Lubna Mohamed
5. Approval of the November 26, 2024, meeting minutes
6. Public comment of Items not on the agenda
Commentators shall address the commission for no more than five minutes.
Commissioners shall not engage in discussion with the public concerning said
items.
7. Update on Outreach and Engagement by the Police Department
s. Correspondence
9. Funding Request: Iowa City Foreign Relations Council
10. Discussion on changing the time of year when election of officers are held for the
commission
Currently per the by-laws officer elections are held in January of every year.
11. Approval of 2024 Strategic Plan
12. Racial Equity and Social Justice Grant FY25
13. Save the dates:
• Night of a 1000 Dinners (March 6)
• Youth Awards (May 21)
• Iowa City Juneteenth (June 20)
• Iowa City Pride (June 21)
1
• Human Rights Awards Breakfast (October 22)
14. Staff & Commission Updates
This item includes an opportunity for brief updates from staff and commissioners.
Commissioners shall not engage in discussion on updates.
15. Next Meeting Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2025
16. 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 this meeting, please contact the Office
of Equity and Human Rights at 319-356-5022 or email humanrights(a-)-iowa-
city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet
your access needs.
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Agenda Item #2
Native American land Acknowledgement
Prepared for the City of Iowa City's Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Human
Rights Commission
PURPOSE
Iowa City owes its existence to the many Indigenous Peoples who were the original stewards of this land
and who were subjected to manipulation and violence by non-native settlers, invaders, and governments
in order to make this moment possible. Acknowledgement of this truth is central to our work toward
reconciliation across all barriers of difference and injustice. Starting with a Native American Land
Acknowledgement, this Commission will bear witness to the legacies of violent displacement, migration,
and settlement that have marginalized those who were the first inhabitants of this land. We must also
address the mistreatment and exclusion that Native Americans continue to face today. The Ad Hoc Truth
and Reconciliation Commission and the Human Rights Commission encourage the community and City of
Iowa City to join us in these efforts through the use of a Native American Land Acknowledgement.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
To be read at all public meetings and events:
"We meet today in the community of Iowa City, which now occupies the homelands of
Native American Nations to whom we owe our commitment and dedication. The area of
Iowa City was within the homelands of the Iowa, Meskwaki, and Sauk, and because
history is complex and time goes far back beyond memory, we also acknowledge the
ancient connections of many other Indigenous Peoples here. The history of broken
treaties and forced removal that dispossessed Indigenous Peoples of their homelands
was and is an act of colonization and genocide that we can not erase. We implore the
Iowa City community to commit to understanding and addressing these injustices as we
work toward equity, restoration, and reparations."
LEARN MORE
Native Governance Center Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgement
US Department of Arts and Culture: Honor Native Land Virtual Resources and Guide
Meskwaki Nation - History
Special thanks to the University of Iowa Native American Council for their work and guidance, as well as
members of the public, for their input.
Agenda Item #5
Draft Minutes
Human Rights Commission
November 26, 2024
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Commissioners present: Roger Lusala, Doug Kollasch, Mark Pries, Vianna Qadoura, Kelsey Paul Shantz, Idriss
Abdullahi, Emily Harkin.
Commissioners present via Zoom: None.
Commissioners absent: Jahnavi Pandya, Elizabeth Mendez Shannon.
Staff present: Stefanie Bowers.
Recommendation to City Council: None.
Meeting called to order: 5:34 PM.
Native American Land Acknowledgement: Kollasch read the Land Acknowledgement.
Public comment of items not on the agenda: None.
Approval of meeting minutes of October 22, 2024 & November 4, 2024: Pries moved; the motion was
seconded by Lusala. Motion passed 7-0.
Updates on Outreach and Engagement by the Police Department: Staff provided a handout from the new
Community Outreach Sergeant Eric Nieland.
Funding request: Pries moved and Lusala seconded, to provide funding to the Johnson County United
Nations Association for its program, Human Rights: Engagement into Action being held on Tuesday,
December 10 at 6PM in Meeting Room A at the Iowa City Public Library. The event will engage seven of the
former "Night of 1000 Dinners" honorary NGOs in a set of roundtable discussions about the state of human
rights in Johnson County, specifically in the areas that they work in.
Strategic Plan: Commissioners spoke about meeting in December in order to go into the New Year with a
clear plan. Paul Shantz asked if there will be new commission members joining at the start of the new year.
Staff answered there will be one new commissioner. Lusala asked when the new member would start with
the commission and staff answered their term starts the first of January.
It was agreed that commissioners would read the Strategic Plan document on their own time and come
prepared to discuss it at their next meeting. A motion was announced to put the strategic plan on the
agenda for a special December meeting date. Paul Shantz suggested to use the December meeting to
discuss the material but wait until January to vote to approve the plan. It was agreed this matter could be
included in next meeting's discussion.
Racial Equity and Social Justice Grant (RESJ): Kollasch started the discussion by asking commissioners if
they had any questions on the reports submitted to the commission. Lusala shared the idea of possibly
inviting members who submit reports to the meetings in order to ask questions and discuss their work.
Kollasch shared that he would like to add into the criteria of the grant that the recipients would present a
progress report to the commission. Paul Shantz brought up a previous idea of assigning a commissioner to
each grant recipient in order to maintain communication and a positive relationship with the commission.
Kollasch brought up the fact that City Council had concerns about grants and the process that boards and
commission use to recommend awardees. Kollasch asked staff if there were any directives that came from
the discussion that would be important for the commission to know. Staff answered that the focus wasn't
necessarily on the racial equity and social justice grant. The main concern seems to come from who has
received funding previously. Staff also mentioned making sure those applying for the grant are applying to
the right grant or if they should be directed to other city funding opportunities.
Pries asked staff if all grants are approved City Council regardless of the board or commission. Staff
answered that all grants that come from a city board or commission go to City Council for approval. The
commission discussed whether the City Council reviews who has or hasn't received a grant previously from
the city.
RESJ Grant Review
The commission reviewed the updated RESJ Grant application and rubric with staff.
• Staff read the updated Purpose section of the grant and prefaced that the language used comes from
the Human Rights Ordinance along with the City Council's strategic plan. Staff also explained that the
grant period would likely start sometime in February and questioned if the commission would like to
give less time than the four weeks currently allocated for applications to be submitted.
• Commissioners discussed the timeline and clarified that with a potential release date of February 1s'
submissions would be ready for review by March 15Y which would keep the commission on a similar
timeline they have previously operated on. Lusala suggested allowing three weeks for submissions due
to the fact the starting date for applications is later than usual and would allow the commission to
review applications sooner. Paul Shantz confirmed with staff the timeline and staff noted the
commission is about one month behind their usual release date on the grant. However, if the
applications are opened by February 1s' and reviewed in March it would be pretty much the same
timeline. Paul Shantz suggested keeping submissions open for a full four weeks to allow all applicants
ample time. Kollasch agreed the four weeks may be best for applicants. Staff noted a decision could be
made later.
• Protect Requirements were discussed next with staff noting the language of this section comes from the
Human Rights Ordinance and/or the City Council's strategic plan. Points 1, 2, 5 and 6 of this section
come from the City Council's strategic plan, 3 and 4 come from the Human Rights Ordinance.
• Project Eligibility Criteria was reviewed, and staff confirmed the project duration dates are not at all
flexible. Lusala asked for clarification that it can be a repeat organization as long as their project is new.
Staff confirmed, yes. Kollasch asked if there is a way to define a "new" project. Lusala offered that
although the mission may be the same for an organization the commission should look at the target of
the project being proposed to consider if it is "new" compared to their last grant submission. Staff
confirmed the main purpose of this statement is to avoid giving the same organizations money for the
same project(s) year after year. Paul Shantz suggested defining what the commission's definition of a
"project" is and using that as a chance to disclaim they would like the project to be a new effort that
contributes something beneficial to the community. Staff suggested linking people to previously funded
projects to use as an example. Qadoura asked staff if there is a list of previous recipients of the grant.
Staff confirmed, yes. Lusala clarified that the commissioners will receive the list in a later email when it is
time to review applications. Lusala also clarified that the commission will be responsible for reviewing
each application and accepting or denying applicants, which is when previous recipients come into
consideration. Staff confirmed that the city is requiring staff to provide a list of previous recipients to
board and commissions offering grant opportunities.
• Ineligible Expenses, Paul Shantz asked Staff if it may be necessary to provide an explanation for
"operational costs" listed under ineligible expenses due to confusion in the past. Staff confirmed a
previous description can be included. Paul Shantz also requested clarification for "consultant fees" listed
under ineligible expenses. Staff agreed to provide clarification. Kollasch requested including specifics in the
clarification on the application.
• P2. Next, Applicant Eligibility was reviewed. Staff noted a new ineligibility requirement "Applicants cannot
be for profit businesses..." Kollasch brought up that some organizations have concerns regarding budget
restrictions. Kollasch read from an email from CommUnity that noted while they have a large annual
budget a lot of the money is restricted to specific services and does not properly reflect their operating
budget for new projects. Lusala shared his experiences working with non -profits and the reality that a
majority of annual budgets are restricted to one particular service or resource. Qadoura agreed it is hard
to draw a line and recommended considering the organization itself. Paul Shantz proposed removing the
limit and writing "The annual budget of requesting organizations will be reviewed." Pries clarified that they
will still be asking for the annual budget total in the application. Staff confirmed, yes. Paul Shantz
suggested requiring that question to be answered. Staff confirmed it is required. Lusala suggested
requesting an organization's 990 in order to get a better picture of the organization's entire budget.
Paul Shantz questioned the wording of the first bullet point "The organization must be physically located
in Iowa City." Paul Shantz suggested an alternative requirement that would read "The project must
serve Iowa City residents primarily." Staff was unsure of the City's stance on the matter but shared that
there is a strong preference for the organizations to be Iowa City based. Staff also noted that there
would need to be a way to quantify the amount of people being helped within Iowa City. Qadoura
shared her concerns for organizations operating out of Coralville but benefiting Iowa City residents as
well. The alternative would be to change the wording that allows the commissioners to decide if Iowa
City residents benefit from the organization enough to be considered. Harkin suggested changing the
wording to "The project must only serve Iowa City residents." Lusala brought up the fact that this would
be hard to track and may discriminate to those living outside of Iowa City. Staff clarified this rule comes
more for the selection process rather than the applicants themselves. With all things considered it was
agreed to leave the rule as is for the time being.
• Funding Restrictions was discussed with staff explaining that the $10,000 suggested maximum would
allow for more organizations to be funded, however the decision will ultimately be up to the
commission. Kollasch and Pries stated they agree with the $10,000. Paul Shantz shared her reservations
on the limit stating organizations may then be limited to what they can accomplish. Kollasch recognized
Paul Shantz concerns and offered a possible limit of fifteen to twenty thousand dollars. Kollasch also
explained that a new goal is to spread the funding out more across the city to more groups. Paul Shantz
responded that her understanding was a focus on diversification rather than reach. Lusala shared that
he was in favor of reaching more people/ organizations rather than allocating a majority of funds
between fewer organizations. Kollasch confirmed with staff that this can be changed in later years if the
commission feels they would like to change the maximum amount to be allocated to each organization.
Lusala offered the idea of $12,500 as a maximum amount.
Qadoura asked about including a clause that states if the organization has previously received this grant,
they cannot receive more than X amount this time around. Qadoura's question will be addressed in the
next bullet point. Staff informed the commission that some organizations do not use the full amount of
the grant they receive and have to return the remaining balance to the city, therefore limiting the
maximum amount to be received may help with this concern. Staff suggested settling on $20,000 as the
maximum amount to be received. Commissioners agreed. Paul Shantz requested to include in the
presentation given to new applicants an average amount typically granted so there is an understanding
that receiving the full amount ($20,000) is exceptional.
The next point regarding previous recipients of the grant receiving a lesser amount was discussed.
Kollasch shared he fully supports this point. The commission decided the maximum to be received by
previous grant recipients (in the last two years) is no more than $5,000.
• Reviews and Funding Allocation. All were in agreement and understanding for this section.
Grant Responsibilities were discussed. Pries clarified that the grant would operate on a reimbursement
basis. Staff reiterated this will be a new approach to allocating grant funds. Paul Shantz and
commissioners agreed the new reimbursement approach is favored. Staff explained the next point
would require grant recipients to submit three quarterly reports to the commission along with a final
report. Pries asked if the report would be solely up to the recipient or if there is a form/ template that
can be provided. Staff confirmed a template can be created and provided if need be. Commissioners
agreed that a quarterly report could include video and photos.
• Application: Staff read through the application. Commissioners had no changes.
• Rubric: Lusala asked if applicants will have access to the rubric. Staff confirmed, yes. Paul Shantz asked
about reworking the section of project outcome expectations to make it more accessible and to create
meaningful feedback. Staff will reword this part of the rubric.
4
Qadoura asked how commissioners are to know if applicants have a history of implementing projects
well (Scoring Criteria #6). Lusala answered they will receive a list of previous recipients. Pries agreed
that is not enough information for commissioners to understand and score organizations off. Paul
Shantz suggested encouraging applicants to include as much detail as possible when it comes to
touching on topics the commission is clearly looking for. Lusala commented it may be the commissions
responsibility to check the history of applicants.
Staff suggested changing the wording of the criteria and adding a question that addresses their ability to
follow through with the project. Commissioners agreed to staff's suggestion. Abdullahi touched on the
third point of the criteria regarding the project's benefit to the community. Abdullahi suggested adding
into the application how they will measure the success/ impact of their project. Staff stated a similar
question was used in a previous application and can be included in the new one as well. Commissioners
agreed to the change. Kollasch stated question 5 on the application may help commissioners measure the
impact and goal for each project.
Paul Shantz asked staff if there could be character limits for each text section to keep answers on topic and
meaningful. Staff offered to check with other departments about lowest and highest character counts for
other grants to come up with a suggested limit.
A motion to approve the Racial Equity and Social Justice Grant for fiscal year 2025 as discussed and edited
was moved by Lusala and seconded by Qadooura. Motion carried 7-0.
December Meeting Date: Kollasch suggested Thursday, December 12th for a special meeting on the strategic
plan. Commissioners agreed this time would work to meet.
Announcements of Commissioners:
Lusala: Wished all a happy time with family.
Abdullahi: Wished those celebrating a Happy Thanksgiving and all commissioner to enjoy the holiday.
Paul Shantz: Shared news that a member of the Peace in Our Cities network she works with has
successfully launched an office of violence prevention in Bristol, UK.
Kollasch: Shared he has been reappointed for a full term and also accepted the proclamation for
Transgender Day of Remembrance at last week's City Council meeting. Kollasch wished all a happy holiday
and to enjoy the time with family.
Harkin: Thanked the commissioners for welcoming her to her first commission meeting.
Pries: Encouraged commissioners to visit the Cedar Rapids Art Museum to view an exhibit titled A More
Perfect Union: Political Art from the Collection. Pries also spoke on his work with Interfaith Alliance and the
film on Christian Nationalism.
Qadoura: Shared that the Iowa City Mosque has welcomed a Christian Homeschooling Co -Op group. Also,
the Coralville Food Pantry will host a community meal on December 6'" at S:OOpm. She ended with asking
commissioners to keep those suffering due to war in mind.
Announcements of staff: Staff announced there will be a third -floor remodel so the Equity and Human Rights
Office will be relocating to the Robert A. Lee Recreational Center Meeting Room A.
Adjourned: 7:32 pm.
Human Rights Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2024
(Meeting Date)
NAME
'PERM
EXP.
1/23
2/27
3/4
3/26
4/23
5/28
7/23
8/27
9/24
11/26
12/12
ahnaviPandya
2024
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
A
A
Emily Harkin
2024
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
P
Doug Kollasch
2024
X
X
X
X
X
X
Z
X
X
P
Tana Qadoura
2025
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
P
Idriss Abdullahi
2025
-
-
-
-
X
Z
X
Z
A
P
Mark Pries
2025
X
A
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
P
Roger Lusala
2026
X
X
X
A
X
X
X
X
X
P
Kelsey Paul Shantz
2026
X
X
X
X
Z
X
X
A
X
P
Liz Mendez -Shannon
2026
X
X
X
A
Z
X
X
A
X
A
KEY: X = Present
A = Absent
Z = Present via Zoom
10
Agenda Item #6
Correspondence
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"TNsLTBORDIIeTATI�ON„
Anna Julia Cooper and the "Courageous Revolt" against Jim Crow
Education in the Nation's Capital
Presented by Dr. Shirley Moody -Turner Thursday, February20 / 72:00 - 7:00 PM
In this live webinar, Shirley Moody -Turner will discuss her biography -in -
progress on trailblazing Black educator, Anna Julia Cooper, and her
recent Washington Post article, "Punished for Leading: How the Black
Female Head of a DC School was Punished for Leading." Most
importantly, she'll explore Anna Julia Cooper's "Courageous Revolt"
against Jim Crow education and show how Cooper was punished for
ca rryi ng out the work she was h i red to do.
Dr. Shirley Moody -Turner is an associate professor and award -winning
teacher of English and African American Studies at Penn State. She is
the a uthor a nd ed itor of severa I books —most recently the Peng u i n
Portable Anna Julia Cooper.
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Scan the QP Code to Register!
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ANNA JULIA COOPER
Ediled by SHIRLEY MOOOY.TU RIDER
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IOWA CITY
PUBLIC LIBRARY
**AW
Tough Conversations About Our Racial Divide... and How We Can Begin to Heal
Saturday, February 1, 2025. 1-3pm Iowa City Public Library
A Presentation and Panel Discussion based on Three Books of Positive Change
Dave Markward Daniel Henderson Steve Berry
From Dubuque to Selma and Beyond: My Journey to Understand Racism in America
-
by Dave Markward
This remarkable Memoir intertwines Dave's personal growth with significant historical events
and figures as he delves into the heart of America's racial divides. The work is a testament to
his unwavering belief inhumanity and the power of education to effect change.
About the Author - Dave Markward has dedicated his professional life to public education,
I'YOrit vllbllC1Ele l�r
Selma&Beyonj
serving as a trusted source of knowledge for five decades. He started his career as a junior
"E IRUa"
high school science teacher, then served as a coach, principal, school district superintendent,
college instructor, and educational consultant. Dave earned higher degrees from Augustana
College and Western Illinois University, and a doctorate from Illinois State University. He
lives in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
oar�ISIL
MENGEREO�'
Spiritual Journey to Antiracism: A Travel Guide for White People by Daniel Henderson
This book will challenge every white person to consider taking a very specific voyage. But the
trek isn't always easy and is filled with detours and side roads. Henderson will be your guide
through this metaphorical journey, where you will discover the white supremacist script that
you've been given without your knowledge or approval.
About the Author - Daniel Henderson lives in Washington, Iowa. He is director of
"Washington for Justice" which is a grassroots advocacy group that works to make that
community an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming place for all people. He attended Dana
College, studied Educational Administration at University of Nebraska Omaha, and continues
to teach American History at a local community college.
T.E.A.R.S. (Teach Everyone All Racism Sucks) A Novel by Steven Torriano Berry
Racism and hatred are learned behaviors with many destructive thoughts, feelings, and beliefs
indoctrinated into us at an early age. As we live and grow, these rotten seeds fester to become
ugly attitudes that can lead to mistrust, conflict, and life -threatening situations. Two little boys
come innocently into the world blessed with good faith and high hopes for their futures. They
Racould have been the best of friends, but life, their parents, and society's rules set them on a
collision course of hate and destruction.
About the Author - Steven Torriano Berry is an award -winning independent filmmaker. His
self -published novel "T.E.A.R.S." is based on his feature length screenplay confronting the
roots of racism in America. He received his BA in Art/Photography from Arizona State
University and earned his MFA in Motion Picture Production from the University of California,
Los Angeles. He is Professor Emeritus at Howard University's Department of Media,
Journalism, and Film. He lives in Coralville, Iowa
BOOKINGS CONTACT: Daniel Henderson. Danleehen55@email.com or 319-461-1055
13
Houses into Homes
CHA1��
Youth Volunteer Academy
Guidebook and Curriculum
14
CHANGEBM ROUND
The Change Your World Youth volunteer Academy is an
opportunity for high school students to learn about social justice
and racial equity while giving back to the community. Students will
hear from community leaders and complete a curriculum on
social justice topics and the history in their own community. The
Academy also includes time for students to assist with volunteer
projects, learn more about our organization, and earn volunteer
hours. It is our mission that through the Youth Volunteer Academy,
students will be empowered to become social justice -centered
leaders within their communities.
TOPICS
• Trust -Building
• Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES)
• Identity & Cultural Proficiency
• History of Housing Inequality
• Rapid Rehousing, Exiting Crisis, and Furniture Poverty
• Microaggressions, Stereotypes & Prejudice
• Historical Systems of Oppression, Cycles of Poverty
• Domestic Violence
• Delivery Day
• Reflection and celebration
LEARNING OUTCOMES
• Understand historical systems of oppression that impact our experiences and
communities.
• Build awareness of identity, privilege, and implicit bias
• Develop leadership skills that social justice -centered and maintain inclusive
environments
• Meaningfully reflect on what volunteering means to you and the impact it has on
your community
15
HOUSES INTO HOMES
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I
LET'S GET STARTED
• Introduce present Houses into Homes staff
• Share Houses into Homes mission and a brief overview of the organization
• Give a brief overview of how the Youth Volunteer Academy started and the goals of
the program.
• Students and staff introduce themselves: name, school, grade, and check -in
question (below)
• Warehouse tour
CHECK -IN QUESTION
If you could only listen to one musical artist forever, who would it be?
SCAVENGER HUNT
• Goal is to become more familiar with the warehouse space to and to begin
working together as a team.
• Students split into teams of two or three and located hidden puzzle pieces
throughout the warehouse.
• All teams come together to fit the puzzle pieces together on a puzzle board.
16
HOUSES INTO HOMES
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I
NOTES
While most sessions can be
moved around to different points
through the program, we
recommend this goes first as it
establishes values and norms
that students will revisit later.
You will need a whiteboard, giant
post -it, or other method of
writing and displaying your
community values and norms. Be
sure to have these recorded for
future reference.
RESOURCES
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
Who am I and why am I here? How are we
going to treat each other as we journey
through this program together?
GOAL
Get to know each other and set groundwork
for the following weeks.
ACTIVITIES
• Introductions
• Team -building
• Set group guidelines
• Group discussion
• Building our ideal community
• Reflection and sharing emotion
TRUST -BUILDING AND CIRCLES
Who is in the room?
• Ask students to form groups based on their year in school. Give students a few
minutes to ask questions and get to know each other before coming back together
as a large group.
• Ask students to introduce someone else from their group, spending at least 30
second sharing what they learned about the other person.
Establishing community values and norms
• Ask students to think about a value that they feel they most try to embody in their
life. Go around the circle and have students share.
17
HOUSES INTO HOMES
CHANGE yW SESSION 1
WORLD
• Have students reflect on and each share a norm they think the group should agree
to follow when engaging with each other throughout the program.
• Invite students to elaborate on what different values and norms mean to them and
what they look like in practice.
Building your ideal community
• Break up students into small groups of 3 to 4. Give each group a sheet of paper and
writing utensils.
• Ask students to draw a house on their paper and have them brainstorm ideas for
what an ideal community would look like. invite students to write or draw their ideas
in their house.
• The houses may have different floors or levels, and students can think about what
builds the foundation for strong communities and build up from there.
WRAP - UP
Introducing your neighbor
• Have students learn as much as they can about a partner in their group in 2
minutes. Have them gather basic information (name, year in school), but ask
students to really try to get to know each other.
• Reconvene as a large group. Going around the circle, have each student introduce
their partner. Each student is asked to talk for at least 30 seconds about what they
know about their partner.
Reflecting and Sharing Emotion
• What emotions came up for you during our activities today?
• What is something you're excited about as we begin the next few weeks together?
Something you're unsure of?
CONSIDER FOR NEXT TIME...
• What do we accomplish when we take time to learn about the people around us?
• Think about what you are hoping to gain through this experience and what steps
you can take to help meet those goals.
18
HOUSES INTO HOMES
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I
NOTES
We recommend an evaluation of
how this topic is relevant for your
particular organization. We also
highly recommend utilizing an
expert to lead discussion.
You will need a deck of cards for
one of the activities we have
included.
RESOURCES
• Dr. Nadine Burke TEDTalk
• ACEs questionnaire
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
How do experiences from our past shape how
we experience the world now? How do they
influence our mental, physical, and emotional
health?
GOAL
Respond to others with greater understanding.
Be open to listening. Apply a trauma -
informed, healing, and growth -centered
approach to your volunteer work.
ACTIVITIES
• Check -in
• Review of trust -building lesson
• Supplemental video
• ACEs questionnaire
• Card activity
ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES
Checking In
• Let students know that in today's lesson, they will be discussing trauma and its
impacts on communities. Students will not be asked to share their story or name
their traumas.
• Ensure students have access to a safe, private space should they need it at any
time and inform them of what that space is.
Reviewing Trust -Building
• Revisit the values and norms list that students created. Check in to make sure that
all students are okay with the list and make sure there is nothing else they feel they
need to add. 19
HOUSES INTO HOMES
CHANGE yW sessioN 2
WORLD
ACEs Questionnaire
• Show students the video (linked in the resource section) of Dr. Nadine Burke's
TEDTalk on the ACEs study.
• Give students copies of the ACEs questionnaire linked in the resource section.
Students are welcome to fill it out if they choose, but do not have to. They will not be
asked to share their experiences. This activity is for the purpose of raising
awareness of traumatic experiences and how they can impact our lives.
Card Activity
• Shuffle a deck of cards and deal the cards out to students. Students can look at
their cards, but they should not share them.
• Discuss with students
o We cannot change the cards we are dealt
o Anybody could have an ace in their hand, or even multiple
o We cannot know what others' cards are, and it is their choice whether to share
• Invite students to ask any questions they may have about the ACE study
WRAP - UP
Discussion
• Why do you think having a trauma -informed perspective is important?
• Why might trauma -informed practices be important in a school setting? Why are
they important in working with our organization?
• Can you think of a trauma -informed or healing -centered practice your school could
adopt right now to support people who have experienced trauma?
Connection to Trust -Building
• How does understanding trauma relate to our conversations about trust?
• What do we accomplish when we take time to learn about the people around us?
• How do we meet someone with compassion and understanding while respecting
that they may not want to share their story?
CONSIDER FOR NEXT TIME...
• What are some ways you can integrate trauma -informed and healing -centered
practices into your life?
• When you feel yourself thinking or speaking from a place of judgment, remember
what we've learned today. How can we approach situations differently?
20
HOUSES INTO HOMES
Adverse Childhood Experience Questionnaire for Adults
California Surgeon General's Clinical Advisory Committee
oces owore,
$CREEN.THEAT,HEAL.
Our relationships and experiences —even those in childhood —can affect our health and well-being. Difficult
childhood experiences are very common. Please tell us whether you have had any of the experiences listed
below, as they may be affecting your health today or may affect your health in the future. This information will
help you and your provider better understand how to work together to support your health and well-being.
Instructions: Below is a list of 10 categories of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). From the list
below, please place a checkmark next to each ACE category that you experienced prior to your 18'h
birthday. Then, please add up the number of categories of ACEs you experienced and put the total
number at the bottom.
1. Did you feel that you didn't have enough to eat, had to wear dirty clothes, or
had no one to protect or take care of you?
❑
2. Did you lose a parent through divorce, abandonment, death, or other reason?
❑
3. Did you live with anyone who was depressed, mentally ill, or attempted suicide?
❑
4. Did you live with anyone who had a problem with drinking or using drugs, including
prescription drugs?
❑
5. Did your parents or adults in your home ever hit, punch, beat, or threaten to harm each other?
❑
6. Did you live with anyone who event to jail or prison?
❑
7. Did a parent or adult in your home ever swear at you, insult you, or put you down?
❑
8. Did a parent or adult in your home ever hit, beat, kick, or physically hurt you in any way?
❑
9. Did you feel that no one in your family loved you or thought you were special?
❑
10. Did you experience unwanted sexual contact (such as fondling or oral/anal/vaginal
intercourse/penetration)?
❑
Your ACE score is the total number of checked responses
Do you believe that these experiences have affected your health? Not Much 0some 0 A Lot
Experiences in childhood are just one part of a person's life story.
There are many ways to heal throughout one's life.
Please let us know if you have questions about privacy or confidentiality.
215/5/20
CHANGE ym RESOURCES
WORLD
How childhood trauma affects health across a lifetime - Dr. Nadine Burke Harris
https://www.ted.com/talks/nadine_Burke_harris_how_childhood_trauma_affects_
health -across _a_lifetime?language=en
ACEs and Toxic Stress: Frequently Asked Questions
https:/ /developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/aces-and-toxic-stress-frequently-
asked-questions/
The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Health and Development in
Young Children
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8882933/
Adverse Childhood Experience Questionnaire for Adults
https://www.acesaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/Q7/ACE-Questionnaire-for-
Adults-Identified-English-rev.7.26.22.pdf
NTA 187111 =11 �
Discussion
22
HOUSES INTO HOMES
kkk
I
NOTES
RESOURCES
• Identity Wheel Handout
• Cultural Proficiency Handout
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
How does your identity impact your
experiences and the way you move through
the world? What is cultural proficiency and
how do we practice it? How do we identify and
address harms like stereotypes and
microaggressions?
GOAL
Understand that who we are is important to
how we show up in spaces. Identify where we
stand on the cultural proficiency continuum
and how we can move towards cultural
proficiency.
ACTIVITIES
• Check -in
• Review of ACES lesson
• Identity wheel
• Cultural proficiency continuum
• Identifying microaggressions
IDENTITY AND CULTURAL PROFICIENCY
Checking In f ACEs Review
• Let students know that in today's lesson, they will be discussion topics of identity,
privilege, and identity -based harms like stereotypes and microaggressions. Discuss
that while they may feel some discomfort at times, it is part of the learning process.
Remind students of their established values and norms and to keep those in mind
during discussion.
• Briefly recap what students learned in the ACEs lesson. Invite students to share if they
thought of or noticed anything relating to their send-off questions.
23
HOUSES INTO HOMES
CHANGE yW SESSION 3
WORLD
Identity Wheel
• Discuss the difference between personal versus social identity. Hand out copies of
the identity wheel worksheet (linked in the resource section) to each student.
• Discussion questions
o Which identity on the wheel feels most salient to you?
o Which identity do you think about the most? The least?
• Be sure to point out that students' answers to the above questions may vary.
Cultural Proficiency Continuum
• Shuffle a deck of cards and deal the cards out to students. Students can look at
their cards, but they should not share them.
• Discuss with students
• We cannot change the cards we are dealt
o Anybody could have an ace in their hand, or even multiple
o We cannot know what others' cards are, and it is their choice whether to share
• Invite students to ask any questions they may have about the ACE study
Microaggressions
• Why do you think having a trauma -informed perspective is important?
• Why might trauma -informed practices be important in a school setting? Why are
they important in working with our organization?
• Can you think of a trauma -informed or healing -centered practice your school could
adopt right now to support people who have experienced trauma?
WRAP - UP
Putting It Into Practice
• How does understanding trauma relate to our conversations about trust?
• What do we accomplish when we take time to learn about the people around us?
• How do we meet someone with compassion and understanding while respecting
that they may not want to share their story?
CONSIDER FOR NEXT TIME...
• What are some ways you can integrate trauma -informed and healing -centered
practices into your life?
• When you feel yourself thinking or speaking from a place of judgment, remember
what we've learned today. How can we approach situations differently?
24
HOUSES INTO HOMES
kkk
I
NOTES
This is a very lecture -heavy
session. We feel this was
appropriate for us given the
direct relevance to our
organization's work.
You may need to ask further
questions to guide student
discussion than what is
provided here.
RESOURCES
• Presentation materials
. ?
. ?
. ?
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
What is housing inequality? What historical
conditions have shaped the neighborhoods
and communities we live in today? How do
privilege and systemic racism and inequality
map across the housing landscape?
GOAL
Understand historic actions and events that
contirbute to housing inequality. Be able to
make critical observations about how these
dynamics continue to impact our communities
and impact POC neighborhoods and
communities in adverse ways.
ACTIVITIES
• Check -in
• Review of ACES lesson
• Identity wheel
• Cultural proficiency continuum
• Identifying microaggressions
THE HISTORY OF HOUSING INEQUALITY
Checking in/Reviewing ACEs
?a
Redlining
• Home Owners Loan Corp created maps to designate certain neighborhoods as
desirable (green) or undesirable (red)
• Black neighborhoods were likely to be deemed undesirable, classified as "D
neighborhoods," and mapped as red 25
HOUSES INTO HOMES
CHANGE yW sessioN a
WORLD
Loans & Covenants
• People of color systemically and intentionally denied loans to purchase homes
• Banks and realtors worked in collusion with encouragement from the federal
government
• Presence of discriminatory lending continued even after Supreme Court ruling
against it in 1948
The GI Bill
• White families were given government assistance in securing housing and
educations
• Most Black veterans were left behind and did not receive benefits
• Mass migration of white families into newly -formed suburbs
Suburbia
• Suburban neighborhoods necessitated construction of highways
• Highway construction often targeted POC and Jewish neighborhoods, displaced and
disrupting people from their homes
Vigilantism
• Sundown towns: primarily white towns and cities that display considerable hostility
to non -white and/or non-Christian visitors or residents
• Unwritten rule that non -white individuals should not be out past sundown
White Flight & Post -Redlining Era
• White families leave urban centers for suburbs
• "There goes the neighborhood" sentiment of racist fears among white families when
POC families move into the neighborhood, and are then convinced to quickly sell
homes for inflated prices to African Americans
• Neighborhood home values decrease as area becomes more racially diverse
• Gentrification
Sub -Prime Mortgage Crisis
• In the early 2000s, people with lower credit scores were given loans that allowed
them to purchase their first homes
• Black people and Latinos were more than twice as likely to receive unfavorable,
high -cost loans
• Banks targeted minority communities to make a profit off of loans
Environmental Racism
• POC neighborhoods, and Black neighborhoods in particular, are more likely to be
exposed to environmental hazards
• More likely to have landfills, highways, or high -polluting factories near homes, 26
leadina to hiaher exposure to pollutants HOUSES INTO HOMES
CHANGE yW sessioN a
WORLD
Loans & Covenants, continued
• Banks and realtors worked in collusion with encouragement from the federal
government
• Presence of discriminatory lending continued even after Supreme Court ruling
against it in 1948
The GI Bill
• White families were given government assistance in securing housing and
educations
• Most Black veterans were left behind and did not receive benefits
• Mass migration of white families into newly -formed suburbs
Suburbia
• Suburban neighborhoods necessitated construction of highways
• Highway construction often targeted POC and Jewish neighborhoods, displaced and
disrupting people from their homes
Vigilantism
• Sundown towns: primarily white towns and cities that display considerable hostility
to non -white and/or non-Christian visitors or residents
• Unwritten rule that non -white individuals should not be out past sundown
White Flight & Post -Redlining Era
• White families leave urban centers for suburbs
• "There goes the neighborhood" sentiment of racist fears among white families when
POC families move into the neighborhood, and are then convinced to quickly sell
homes for inflated prices to African Americans
• Neighborhood home values decrease as area becomes more racially diverse
• Gentrification
Sub -Prime Mortgage Crisis
• In the early 2000s, people with lower credit scores were given loans that allowed
them to purchase their first homes
• Black people and Latinos were more than twice as likely to receive unfavorable,
high -cost loans
• Banks targeted minority communities to make a profit off of loans
27
HOUSES INTO HOMES
CHANGE yW sessioN a
WORLD
WRAP - UP
Discussion
• What is your connection to the current reality of housing inequality?
• Where do you see yourself or your family interacting with this timeline?
• Where do you see some of these topics in our current world and community?
• Can you think of any examples you've come across in your life where some of these
dynamics might be at play?
CONSIDER FOR NEXT TIME...
• Think about what you've learned today and see if there is anything new you notice
about your neighborhood, community, or family home history.
• Housing inequality has a long history. How might this contribute to the issue we aim
to solve in our organization?
28
HOUSES INTO HOMES
kkk
I
NOTES
RESOURCES
• Presentation materials
. ?
. ?
. ?
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
What is furniture poverty and why does it
persist? What are some experiences that
leave folks in need of furniture and what
challenges do they face? What is the impact
of furniture poverty on individuals and
families?
GOAL
Learn about barriers that exist for individuals
and families in crisis situations that may result
in furniture poverty. Understand how furniture
poverty affects health and wellbeing. Become
more familiar with Houses into Homes' mission
and operations.
ACTIVITIES
• Check -in
• Review of housing inequality
• Exiting crisis and rapid rehousing
• Furniture poverty
RAPID REHOUSING, EXITING CRISIS, AND
FURNITURE POVERTY
Checking in/Review of Housing Inequality
• What do you remember from last week? Was there anything you noticed or
encountered since we last met that you connected to our lesson?
2s
HOUSES INTO HOMES
Agenda Item #8
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
2025-01-22 12:28:26 PM
Name*
Iowa City Foreign Relations Council
Address*
Street Add ress
308 E. Burlington Street #282
Address Line 2
City State/Province/Region
Iowa City IA
Postal/Zip Code Country
5240 USA
19119
Name*
Peter Gerlach
Preferred pronouns
he/him
Phone number*
319.244.8886
Email address*
peter@icfrc.org
Date of Program*
4/4/2025
Program Title*
Fostering Climate Resilience Together
Location name*
Iowa City Public Library
Location Address*
Street Add ress
123 S Linn Street
Address Line 2
City
Iowa City
Postal/Zip Code
52240
State/Province/Region
IA
Cou ntry
USA
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.
ICFRC is an independent, non -partisan organization that hosts speaker programs, community forums, and educational experiences to help
Iowans better understand international issues and foster global engagement. We welcome, include, and support people of all
backgrounds and beliefs and are enriched by learning from and with each other. We embrace the responsibility of creating spaces in which
people feel welcome to learn from and engage with others across all lines of difference.
Is there a financial cost to participate in the project?*
Q Yes QQ No
Describe how socioeconomic barriers to attendance will be addressed.
All ICFRC programs are free and open to the public, with in -person, livestream, and recordings for late viewing options. This program is
hosted at the ICPL, a community -oriented space in the heart of downtown.
31
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)
Q Yes
QQ No
Will any City of Iowa City department or division provide any support for this event?*
(Include in -kind and financial support)
Q Yes
Qi No
Please list all funding sources or in -kind support for this event including the amount*
We are currently reaching out to partners and other organizations in the communityfor funding support.
Attache Itemized Budget
ICFRC - Itemized Budget - City of Iowa City Human Rights Sponsorship Request Form.docx
Previous
16.09KB
Next
KW
Itemized Budget
City of Iowa City Human Rights Sponsorship Request Form
Fostering Climate Resilience Together
Friday, April 4, 12-1pm, ICPL
Speakers: Dr. William Gutowski, Jr., Dr. Martha Durr, Dr. Brandi Janssen, and Dr. Linda Shenk
Description: A panel of UI and ISU researchers, sovereign tribal communities, and women
farmland -owners will discuss how they are collaborating to foster climate resilience through a
recently funded NOAA Climate Adaptations program that supports the Central Midwest states of
Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri.
• More information about the NOAA Climate Adaptations Program here.
As a small nonprofit, we are primarily requesting support for significant personnel time and effort.
This includes staff time for:
• producing and disseminating marketing materials
• day -of hosting
• support from two interns to create a welcoming and smooth experience for attendees.
Thank you in advance for considering this request,
Peter
Peter Gerlach
Executive Director
ICFRC
33
Agenda Item #7
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Iowa City Human Rights Commission
Strategic Plan
2024
34
Report prepared by:
Jennifer Horn -Frasier
Bluebird Sky, LLC
Jennifer@BluebirdSkySolutions.com
BLUEBIRD IK If
1911
CONTENTS
Executive Summary ......................................... 1
Context.........................................................2
Process.............................................................. 2
Strategic Plan ................................................... 3
Recommended Next Steps ............................. 6
Strategic Action Plan ........................................ 6
Conclusion......................................................... 7
Appendix:
Key Insights from Commissioner Survey ........9
Notes from Strategy Retreat 2 .......................12
KW
Blank for 2-sided printing
37
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In the fall of 2024, the Iowa City Human Rights Commission (ICHRC) engaged in a series of strategic
planning activities and retreats that resulted in a new strategic plan. The main elements of the plan are
listed here, with details following in the body of the report and the appendices.
PURPOSE OF THE IOWA CITY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
The Iowa City Human Rights Commission exists to raise awareness of and advocate for the protection of
fundamental rights and to celebrate the diversity and shared humanity of all community members.
DESIRED OUTCOMES FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS
Internally: Consistency and stability within the commission
Externally: High community engagement in which there is meaningful two-way interaction between the
commission and the community
GOALS
1) INTERNAL —Commissioner training: New commissioners receive thorough training, and knowledge
from outgoing commissioners is transferred to the rest of the ICHRC.
2) INTERNAL —Shared leadership: Commissioners share responsibility for activities in which the ICHRC
engages.
3) EXTERNAL —Community engagement: The commission develops deep understanding of the human
rights needs and concerns of the community to inform its recommendations to City Council and to
strengthen the support it provides for community members and organizations working on human
rights.
KEY ACTIVITIES
Goal 2a: Shared Leadership —December Planning Session
The commission would meet in December each year, once the new commissioners are selected and the
outgoing commissioners are still in place. This meeting would be used to provide the desired continuity
from year to year and set goals and plans for the coming year.
Goal 2b: Shared Leadership —Rotating Quarterly Programming
Each quarter, a different group of two to four commissioners would volunteer to organize community
engagement programming, in collaboration with city staff members.
p. 6
38
STRATEGIC PLAN
CONTEXT
The Iowa City Human Rights Commission (ICHRC) created a strategic plan in the first half of 2022, at the
tail end of the challenging pandemic period. The ICHRC made progress on the programs and goals it had
set in that plan but, by 2024, commissioners felt they could be doing more. Thus, they decided to
engage in another strategic planning process with a goal of increasing the engagement and impact of
the ICHRC in the post -pandemic era. Specifically, the commission wished to explore ways it could more
actively support the community it represents.
PROCESS
The 2024 strategic planning process followed by the ICHRC was organized into four phases:
Phase 1: Where are we now? Understanding the current state through a survey and preliminary
conversations
Phase 2: Where are we going? Clarifying the future direction and desired outcomes through a
facilitated retreat
Phase 3: How will we get there? Designing projects and specifying actions to help the ICHRC achieve
the desired outcomes through a second facilitated retreat
Phase 4: Turning plans into action: Determining how to organize commissioners' efforts to carry out
prioritized projects
In Phase 1, the online survey comprised 13 items, the results of which were used to design the planning
retreats. Key insights of the survey are included in the appendix.
In Phase 2, the objectives for the retreat included these:
Create a shared understanding of the current state of the Iowa City Human Rights Commission
and human rights in our community.
Provide input to city staff on key topics to guide their work in support of the ICHRC.
Create a first draft of a framing question to guide the development of the new strategic plan.
The retreat in Phase 3 was designed around the following objectives:
Create a clear shared vision of the future of how the commission will function in the next three
years.
Set goals for the next three years.
Identify metrics to track that will allow the ICHRC to evaluate progress toward its goals.
This report summarizes the output of the first three phases. Phase 4 is planned for early 2025.
p. 7
39
THE PLAN
The strategic plan that emerged through the first three phases of the process is focused on helping the
ICHRC collectively and as individual commissioners to be more active and engaged in the community.
The group evaluated what had worked and not worked well in the previous two years, learned more
about the activities of the commission prior to when the pandemic halted much of that activity, and
developed a new shared vision of the commission they want to be for the future.
All the work of the commission must be grounded in its duties that are stipulated in its charter. These
duties are as follows:
1) Make recommendations to the City Council for legislation on discrimination.
2) Cooperate with other agencies and organizations to plan and conduct programs designed to
eliminate racial, religious, cultural, and other intergroup tensions.
3) Educate the public on human rights and unlawful discrimination, such as organizing and
facilitating educational public forums that address one or more of the broad range of topics
included within the rubric of human rights.
While these duties are clear, the commissioners wished to explore ways to see them in action. To that
end, they distilled the duties into a single statement of purpose:
The Iowa City Human Rights Commission exists to raise awareness of and advocate for
the protection of fundamental rights and to celebrate the diversity and shared
humanity of all community members.
The Future State: Where are we going?
In discussing the future it would like build, the commission identified key outcomes in two main
categories: how the ICHRC functions internally, and how the ICHRC engages with the community.
Internally, the commission would like to build toward greater consistency and stability. The commission
has nine members, three of whom are replaced each year. Regularly adding new commissioners keeps
perspectives fresh and ensures that the ICHRC can reflect changes taking place in the community. The
challenge with this structure, however, is ensuring that outgoing commissioners' knowledge,
perspectives, and activities are passed along to new commissioners. Continuity and stability are
important to ensuring the commission operates efficiently and effectively, and the commissioners
identified this as an important outcome to plan for.
Externally, the commission would like to achieve a state of high community engagement in which there
is meaningful two-way interaction with the community. The ICHRC would like to be seen by the
community as a supportive resource that listens with curiosity and empathy to all. This deep
engagement will enhance the ICHRC's ability to be responsive to what it learns from the community. The
commissioners are aware that its current level of engagement activity in the community is lower than it
was in the years prior to the pandemic. Thus, their focus is on how to strengthen engagement.
P. 9
40
The Plan: How will we get there?
Commissioners identified several goals, each with supporting actions.
Internal Goals 11 Supporting Actions
a) Every new commissioner participates in a
standardized onboarding process by the end of their
1) Commissioner training: New first month of service.
commissioners receive thorough b) Experienced commissioners serve as mentors for new
training, and knowledge from commissioners during their first year on the ICHRC.
outgoing commissioners is transferred c) Departing commissioners share an overview of their
to the rest of the ICHRC. critical activities and vital community relationships
with the staff and commission prior to their last day of
service.
a) Each December, the commission holds a planning
session to set goals for the coming year and to make
2) Shared leadership: Commissioners plans for meeting those goals.
share responsibility for activities in
which the ICHRC engages. b) Each quarter, a rotating group of commissioners is
responsible for leading the planning and executing of
community engagement activities.
External Goals
3) Community engagement: The
commission develops deep
understanding of the human rights
needs and concerns of the community
to inform its recommendations to City
Council and to strengthen the support
it provides for community members
and organizations working on human
rights.
Supporting Actions
a) Commissioners, as representatives of the ICHRC,
attend, participate in, and/or present at public events
with residents from all areas of the community.
Engage frequently in community conversations.
b) Commissioners regularly share with the full ICHRC
what they are hearing and learning in the community.
c) Commissioners regularly receive updates about the
issues being addressed by the Office of Equity.
d) Commissioners use these community interactions to
identify areas of local human rights concerns and
explore what advocacy might be needed.
The Plan: Some details
While detailed plans are needed for each of the Supporting Actions included in the previous two tables,
the commissioners have developed initial plans for two items.
Goal 2a: Shared Leadership —December Planning Session
The commission would like to meet in December each year, once the new commissioners are selected
and the outgoing commissioners are still officially in place. This would help provide the desired
continuity from year to year through the following activities:
• Celebrating the work of the year
• Reviewing progress made on the goals set at the beginning of the year
• Setting commission -level goals for the coming year
• Setting individual goals for the commissioners who will be serving in the coming year
• Recognizing and thanking outgoing commissioners
• Welcoming incoming commissioners
• Establishing mentor relationships
• Allowing opportunity for all to become better acquainted in preparation for voting on new
leaders at the January meeting
Goal 2b: Shared Leadership —Rotating Quarterly Programming
Each quarter, a different group of two to four commissioners would volunteer to organize community
engagement programming, in collaboration with city staff members. Some ideas for programming
include these:
Programming related to the various awards given by the commission
Education topics related to award recipients, to current events, or to other issues and concerns
the commission is aware of through its community engagement efforts and the regular updates
from the city staff
Programming developed in collaboration with other community organizations, such as Great
Iowa City or the United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties
Setting the Commission Up for Success
In the previous strategic plan, the ICHRC had organized subcommittees to address each of the three
priorities it had identified. These subcommittees were designed to meet monthly to plan and carry out
their respective plans. While each subcommittee made some degree of progress on its goals, the
commission found that it was difficult to accomplish the goals in that structure. Each subcommittee
included only three people, and it was difficult to establish and maintain a regular cadence for the work
outside of the regular ICHRC meetings. Thus, during the current strategic planning process, the
commission explored other ways to organize the work of the new strategic plan in order to better set
itself up for success.
p. 12
42
As the commission carries out the activity of this strategic plan, it will incorporate the following
practices:
• Annually set and track goals for the commission as a whole.
• Each commissioner should also set and track personal goals in support of the ICHRC's annual
goals.
• Each quarter, rotate teams to lead programming efforts. Also rotate the responsibility for
leading and capturing notes for subcommittees or teams.
• When there is a need for a subcommittee to meet, consider holding the meeting the same day
as the ICHRC monthly meeting.
• Identify and record clear action items for each meeting.
• Follow up on action items from previous meetings.
• Regularly evaluate progress being made toward strategic goals by tracking measurable metrics.
RECOMMENDED NEXT STEPS
Given the rate of change in the world today, a strategic plan needs to be a living document that evolves
as the organization makes progress and responds to changing external conditions. For this plan, the
overall purpose of the commission and the umbrella outcomes should be constant guides, while the
details of the actions the commission takes from year to year are adjusted to account for progress and
change.
Thus, the framework for annual plans and activities should be these three elements taken together:
Purpose: The Iowa City Human Rights Commission exists to raise awareness of and
advocate for the protection of fundamental rights and to celebrate the diversity and
shared humanity of all community members.
Internal Outcomes: Consistency and stability within the commission
External Outcomes: High community engagement in which there is meaningful two-
way interaction between the commission and the community
Starting with the December 2024 planning session, it is recommended that the commission take the
following action each December:
1) Set a small number of specific, measurable goals for the coming year for the commission as a
whole
2) Identify one or two metrics to track for each goal
3) Define activities that can be implemented to achieve the goals
4) Set timelines for these activities
5) Identify who will be responsible for the activities
6) Invite each commissioner to set personal goals in support of the commission's goals, along with
a metric or two for each
p. 13
43
Following this planning session, each monthly commission meeting could include an agenda item to
review progress on the strategic plan, celebrate progress, and troubleshoot obstacles.
Additionally, the commission may want to consider including at each monthly meeting the opportunity
for each commissioner to make a micro commitment. This is a commitment each individual offers in
accordance with their time, interests, and resources to engage in some activity that helps further the
goals of the commission. A micro commitment typically requires up to an hour of time to complete.
Then commissioners could also report each month on the outcomes and learning from their micro
commitment to help educate and inform colleagues and to seek assistance for activities where needed.
The combination of annual commission goal setting and planning, individual goal setting, sharing the
leadership for new activities, monthly progress monitoring, and monthly micro commitments can create
a powerful result of progress.
CONCLUSION
The commission has created a framework for its work that provides clear guidance and also allows for
flexibility to adapt to the evolving issues and needs of the community it serves. Additionally, the
approach it has chosen is one that lends itself to starting relatively small and building on actions over
time. This type of approach helps ensure the commission will not be overwhelmed by the new work but
instead will be organized to make steady progress over time, increasing its positive impact —a
tremendous benefit to the entire community.
p. 14
44
=72prAgenda Item # 13
r
NIGHT OF
0 DINNERS
MRATE INTERNATIONAL
WOMEN'S DAY
Enjoy an international buffet dinner, entertainment, and
recognition of women -led organizations advancing UN Sustainable
Development Goal #3: Good Health and Well -Being.
Ir Hosted by the Johnson County United Nations Association
Thursday, March 616:00 - 8:00 PM
Unitarian Universalist Society
2355 Oakdale Road, Coralville, IA
Benefitting:
The Free Medical and Dental Clinic
Prairielands Freedom Fund
Healthy Start for Refugee Children
It �®
U NA * USA
Johnson County Chapter
Tickets:
Community Members: Suggested Registration $50
Students/Limited Income: Suggested Registration $20
Ticket sales end
on March 1, 2025
Scan QR for more
information and to
purchase tickets.
M
❑�