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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESJ Grant November 2022 Presentation.pptxInformational Session on the Racial Equity & Social Justice Grant 2023 November 2022 –Presented by the City of Iowa City Human Rights Commission AG ENDA •Welcome •Reading of Native American Land Acknowledgment •Background and History of the Human Rights Commission •Overview of the Racial Equity & Social Justice Grant •Advice & Tips on Filling out the Application. •Q &A NATIVE AMERICAN LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT 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 oflowa Native American Council for their work and guidance, as well as members of the public, for their input. IOWA CITY HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION The Iowa City Human Rights Commission was established on August 18, 1963, as the Iowa City Human Relations Commission. The duties of the Commission were to provide for the general welfare of the residents of Iowa City by studying the relationships of people of various races, colors, creeds, religions, nationalities, sexes and ancestries living within the community. To provide procedures to eliminate prejudice, intolerance, bigotry, and discrimination in the City of Iowa City. First Appointed Iowa Citians to the Commission: Moni Costantino Rev. L.D. Soens Helen Lemme Sim Strauss Richard Sidwell Emil Trott Irene Kennedy Commission Today Nine residents of Iowa City who are appointed by the City Council to serve 3-year terms. Commissioners, all committed to civil rights, reflect a broad cross-section of the community, thus insuring diversity of ideas and interests. •Outreach & Education on Human Rights •Recommendations Current Commissioners Jason Glass, Chair Ashley Lindley, Vice Chair Mark Pries Roger Lusala Bijou Maliabo Kelsey Paul Shantz Siri Felker Sylvia Jons Doug Kollasch Human Rights Awards & Youth Awards Fall 2022 Spring 2022 Implicit Bias Challenge 2021 FILM SERIES Participate in Community Events TILL FILM: PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION The Human Rights Commission will present a special preshow introduction for the screening on Friday and Saturday. “We are part of a society where the lives of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color continue to be affected by structural racism, lack of opportunity, health disparities, and direct violence by the police and others. American cities, including Iowa City, have for too long been complacent or complicit. The Iowa City Human Rights Commission hereby reaffirms its longstanding commitment and pledges to more fully act in solidarity with all who are targets of this violence and inequity. The Commission recognizes the ongoing oppression occurring not just in police departments, but also in eviction courts, legislatures, banks, academia, and hospitals. Additionally, this includes any space where Iowa City has been complacent about and complicit in the eradication of intellectual and cultural contributions by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, as well as women, and ignores the racism present in the contributions of white people and the sexism present in the works of males. We pledge the following actions to embody our affirmation that Black Lives Matter. We will continue to uplift the contributions of nonwhite, non-male, and non-Eurocentric people in our recommendations to the Iowa City City Council and support events dedicated to their recognition. We will actively confront racism, sexism, or other forms of bias within the work of the Commission or City of Iowa City by pursuing training to increase our awareness of our racism, sexism, and bias. We will support City departments’ efforts to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion. We will plan and promote additional programming opportunities focused on understanding oppression and recognizing the contributions of people from underrepresented groups, as well as promoting widespread discussion of related issues and concerns. The differential valuing of life, achievement, opportunity, and intellectual and cultural contributions based on which racialized group one is thought to be a member of is manifestly unjust. It compels us to repeat, internalize, and act on the affirmation that Black lives matter. Black lives do matter, and our collective practices, discourses, policies, and laws must reflect this. Black lives matter for the same reason that everyone’s life matters; yet we are compelled to affirm that Black lives matter precisely because institutions, practices, and behaviors have so long denied it. We are committed to continue engaging the people of our community in dialogue and action to realize a world in which “Black lives matter” is a simple description of how we all live.Until that world is achieved, we stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.” The Iowa City Human Rights Commission stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, July 2021 The Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade brings an end to many individuals' freedom to make private, informed reproductive healthcare choices with their doctors about their own bodies. It also marks the reversal of nearly 50 years of progress towards reproductive justice and the return to an era when a pregnant person's rights to bodily autonomy cease to exist as soon as an egg is fertilized. As a result, the United States now returns to a time where, depending upon the state in which they live, pregnant people may be forced to seek out illegal and life-threatening procedures and may even face criminal charges for accidental miscarriages or stillbirths. Among its many duties, the Human Rights Commission of Iowa City is tasked with educating the public on human rights and illegal discrimination. We are concerned for young people whose future education and other opportunities will be limited by state legislatures who claim control over their reproductive decisions. We are concerned for physicians forced to weigh the benefits of helping pregnant individuals against the consequences of assisting in or facilitating procedures that terminate unwanted or even dangerous pregnancies. We are especially concerned for the coming generations who may now have to bear the burden of advocating for and establishing comprehensive, inclusive reproductive rights. In order to truly understand the weight of the Supreme Court's decision, we must recognize that the series of cases leading up to Roe laid the foundation for many of our constitutional rights to privacy. This "right to privacy" was originally derived in 1965 from a somewhat nebulous concept that Justice Douglass called a "penumbra" -an implied right to privacy that was a critical prerequisite to make several articulated rights meaningful. This paved the way for other critical human rights achievements, such as marriage equality. Today's Court has challenged this interpretation of the Constitution, stating that there is no implied right to privacy. The result could extend far beyond simply seeing safe abortion facilities and providers vanish in many areas throughout the country. It could impact access to contraceptives; increase the criminalization of pregnant people and providers who seek to terminate even an unsafe pregnancy, and empower private citizens to scrutinize -and, in some states, police -each other's reproductive health choices rather than offering support for bodily autonomy and reproductive justice (a term, notably coined, by a group of black female activists in their address to Congress in 1994 ). Finally, as a commission, we are most concerned for pregnant people of color, who will be disproportionately impacted by this Supreme Court decision. We recognize that people of color already face far greater risks when seeking health care in this country, especially leading up to and during childbirth. The maternal mortality rate for women of color is over three times greater than the national average and is six times greater here in Iowa (cdc.gov). We consider this Supreme Court ruling as a call to action. We must refuse to forfeit 50 years of human rights progress, and we encourage Iowa City residents to: Use your voice and your sphere of influence to amplify intolerance for this reversal of human rights progress. Attend and/or support local protests to collaborate with community members and amplify their messages. Speak openly about abortion and reproductive rights with your family members and friends in an effort to decrease the stigma surrounding this highly divisive topic. Vote not only in national but in local and state-level elections. We, the people, choose those who have the power to make legislative decisions about human rights. Engage with your representatives to articulate your support for the Women's Health Protection Act. Donate to grassroots organizations helping individuals access reproductive healthcare services (e.g. Emma Goldman Clinic, Planned Parenthood -Iowa City, Iowa Abortion Access Fund, Iowa Jane Collective, and so many more). Continue to take all of these action steps until we are able to bring about substantive change. Human Rights Commission releases statement on Roe v. Wade, July 2022 On Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, the Iowa City Public Library (ICPL) hosted a Drag Storytime and Costume Ball. Drag Storytime is a voluntary program that provides educational opportunities and fun, enriching experiences to families with children of all ages. The City of Iowa City Human Rights Commission believes this programming strongly aligns with ICPL’s values of access, belonging, collaboration, and community. Though many drag storytime events have been hosted by ICPL since 2018, the Oct. 15 storytime was the first to be attended by a group of protesters. According to the Iowa City Press-Citizen, the group: •Carried signs accusing the library of “grooming” children •Verbally insulted the event, the performers, and the attendees •Stood in the room during the event holding signs and not participating in the activity Members of this Commission believe in the right to protest and to express opposing viewpoints. While this protest was a lawful one, the group’s purpose seems to have gone beyond the protest of a program with an opposing viewpoint. Tactics were deployed with the intent to insult, intimidate, and disrupt a children’s story hour. Parents who attended the program stated that the presence and behavior of this group of adults prevented the children and their families from the full and equal enjoyment of the library’s services. We believe the actions of the protesters and the manner in which they displayed their opinion were disruptive and disrespectful,as well as harmful to LGBTQ+ members of our community. One of the duties of the Human Rights Commission is to educate the public on human rights and discrimination. Drag queen storytime is a platform for sharing the beauty and importance of diversity, inclusivity, and belonging. Humans are not born to hate. We are taught to hate. One of the best ways to overcome hatred is by learning about and engaging with the diverse people who surround us in the world. Drag storytime does not teach children to challenge their identity. It simply teaches them to accept that some people do. The rate of suicide among LGBTQ+ youth is significantly higher than that of their straight and cisgender peers, with the rates even higher among LGBTQ+ youth of color. The main cause is bullying and a lack of acceptance from their peers. Events like drag queen storytime combat harmful norms by teaching kids to accept and embrace the differences in others. Lessons of compassion, empathy, understanding and a love of reading are immensely valuable in our community and the world at large. The Iowa City Human Rights Commission affirms the following: •Members of this Commission wholeheartedly support the programming of the Iowa City Public Library and its efforts to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment, especially for events designed for our youngest residents. •All residents of Iowa City have the right to enjoy the services provided by the library without fear of intimidation, verbal insults, or enduring a hostile and disruptive environment. •We support the library’s drag storytime events and any programs that promote learning and acceptance. •Members of our community have a right to feel safe and welcome at all public events. •The City of Iowa City is a diverse and inclusive community, and this type of hate and intolerance is unwelcome. It is especially abhorrent that this protest took place at an event specifically designed to celebrate our diversity, promote learning, and foster acceptance. Members of this Commission encourage residents to show their support for ICPL’s Drag Storytime events, as well as other events that promote diversity, equity, inclusivity, and belonging in our community. Furthermore, as it is LGBTQ History Month, we encourage residents to continue learning about and celebrating the many accomplishments of LGBTQ people. If you are an LGBTQ youth struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, help is available 24/7 through The Trevor Project. Call 1-866-488-7386 or text 678-678. Adults seeking help can dial 988 to reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Human Rights Commission releases statement in support of the Iowa City Public Library’s Drag Storytime and Costume Ball, October 2022 BACKGROUND ON THE RACIAL EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE GRANT In 2017, the City Council created the Racial Equity and Social Justice (RESJ) Grant to assist community- based organizations in building capacity to address racial equity and social justice needs. One hundred thousand dollars has been allocated for the RESJ Grant for 2023. PAST RECIPIENTS OF THE RESJ GRANT Access to Justice Antelope Lending Library Center for Worker Justice II Great Plains Action Society Iowa City Bike Library I Iowa City Compassion Inside Out Reentry II Iowa Harm Reduction Iowa Legal Aid Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition Labor Center II Little Creations Academy Mood Disorder Clinic Multicultural Development Center of Iowa Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County Refugee & Immigrant Association Open Heartland I Sankofa Outreach Connection I Shelter House I South District Neighborhood Association Successful Living Sudanese Community Center University Food Pantry World of Bikes HOW WE DEFINE SOCIAL JUSTICE “The goal is full and equal participation of all groups and individuals in a society that is mutually shaped to meet their needs,allow them to reach their full potential, and limit/decrease barriers. This definition includes a vision of a society that is equitable, and where all members are physically and psychologically safe and secure.” •Teaching for Diversity and Social Justice by Adams,Bell and Griffin (2007). THE PROJECT SHOULD ADDRESS ONE OR MORE OF THESE AREAS Building Communities Criminal Justice Education Employment Health Housing RESJ GRANT REQUIREMENTS •The organization must be physically located in Iowa City. •An organization can request no more than $25,000. •No more than 25% of the total funding requested can be for operational costs. i.e., payroll, rent, office supplies, utilities, insurance, and taxes. •The project must address one or more of the priority areas. •The project must be a new project. *Exception: organizations funded in the last grant cycle may reapply for the same project to be funded for one additional time. •Governments, public schools, and colleges/universities cannot be primary applicants. ***There are no restrictions on whether applicants are for profit or not for profit. THINGS TO CONSIDER IN DECIDING ON A PROJECT If yes, develop an action plan. The plan should consider the following: State the gap or need identified How can the organization remove or mitigate any gaps or needs? What supports are need?How will success be measured? Is there data or community trends that demonstrate the gap or need? What are the priorities of the organization? Are there indicators that there are gaps or needs in services or programs that the organization can address? SUGGESTIONS, ADVICE, AND TIPS 1.Make sure in filling out the application that you're clearly communicating the background and goals of the project. (Have someone else proofread it prior to submitting). 2.Once you have filled out the application save it and have someone unfamiliar with the project proofread it for you to make sure it’s grammatically clear and that you have met all the guidelines. 3.Be clear and specific about the outcomes you anticipate. SUGGESTIONS, ADVICE, AND TIPS, CONTINUED 4.Don’t ask for more than you need. 5.Partial funding may be recommended if from the budget it appears that the project could be completed with less funding. 6.The Commission will factor into its recommendation whether an organization has or will receive funding from the City for any projects. FINAL TIP Cut and paste the application form into a WORD or similar document. Type out the responses to each question and then cut and paste each response back into the online form always make sure you have a saved copy of all your responses just in case the session times out. COMMISSION REVIEW OF SUBMISSIONS TIMELINE FOR THE RACIAL EQUITY & SOCIAL JUSTICE GRANT Start early. Late applications are not reviewed. The grant link to apply will be active from Thursday, December 1 through Friday, January 6. The Human Rights Commission will send a recommendation to the City Council for review and approval no later than March 31, 2023. Funding allocated by June 1, 2023. ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS If you need to request an accommodation in filling out the application form due to a language barrier or a disability, please contact humanrights@iowa-city. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. GRANT & LOAN OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE CITY www.icgov.org/professionalassistance Questions? For questions on the grant or the process contact humanrights@iowa-city.org or call 319-356-5022