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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTRC Agenda 3 20 2024Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission Special Meeting Wednesday, March 20, 2024 5:30pm ICOR Boxing 391 Highland Avenue AGENDA: 1.CALL TO ORDER & WELCOME 2.READING OF NATIVE AMERICAN LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 3.TRUTH TELLING: DURING THIS EVENT, COMMUNITY MEMBERS WILL TELL THEIR TRUTHS: THEY WILL SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE OF HARM RELATED TO PUBLIC SAFETY AND COMMUNITY JUSTICE IN IOWA CITY. DAVE RAGLAND AND MELINDA SALAZAR OF THINKPEACE WILL FACILITATE THIS SESSION. 4.ADJOURN 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. Resolution establishing Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission Prepared by:Council members Janice Weiner and Laura Bergus Resolution No.20-228 Whereas,in Resolution No.20-159 (Initial Commitments addressing the Black Lives Matter Movement and Systemic Racism in the wake of the murder of George Floyd by the Minneapolis Police and calls for action from protesters and residents),the Iowa City City Council resolved as follows: By October 1,2020,create an ad hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission to bear witness to the truth of racial injustice in Iowa City and to carry out restorative justice,through the collection of testimony and public hearings, with such work to include a recommendation to the Council of a plan for dedicating and/or renaming public spaces and/or rights of way in honor of the Black Lives Matter movement;and, Whereas,the City Council committed to allocate City funds of $1 during the present Fiscal Year to support Resolution 20-159,which includes a variety of initiatives,among them the Truth and Reconciliation Commission;and, Whereas,truth and reconciliation underscores the imperative that confronting and reckoning with the past is necessary for successful transitions from conflict,injustice,resentment and tension to peace,equality and connectedness;and, Whereas,while we acknowledge that other forms of injustice and challenges have occurred over the course of the history of the city of Iowa City,the focus of this Commission is on race;and, Whereas,the City Council acknowledges the existence of painful,systemic,persistent,and varied forms of racial injustice in Iowa City,and acknowledges that such injustice persists despite past efforts to address it, consistent with observations that systemic racism and white privilege are deeply resistant to change;and, Whereas,the Iowa City community must look comprehensively into its past and bear witness to the truth of racial injustice in order to provide the best possible foundation for moving into a future of equity based on healing and hope;and, Whereas,the City Council recognizes that,for a Truth and Reconciliation process to be meaningful,it must include bold action to confront privilege,stimulate difficult conversations,and reach and engage a full cross-section of the community,including those in the community not inclined to engage or resistant toengagement;and, Whereas,a comprehensive process will require that City of Iowa City departments and the City Council itself participate,including individual councilors,in good faith,in the process and to actively encourage broad participation throughout the community,and the City Council hereby commits to such participation and encouragement;and, Whereas,creation of an Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission is in the best interests of the City and its residents. Now,Therefore,Be It Resolved by the City Council of the City of Iowa City,that: 1.The Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)is hereby established. 2.The TRC shall have nine members who are representative of the City's BIPOC communities and organizations,including those who have direct lived experience with systemic racism,as well as experts who support those communities.To the extent possible,as determined by the City Council,the TRC shall include representation from groups such as the Iowa Freedom Riders,the Black Voices Project,the South District Neighborhood Association,the Iowa City Human Rights Commission,and the Community Police Review Board. Johnson County residency is required.Iowa City residency is preferred but not required if an applicant offers expertise or representation not available from applicants who reside in Iowa City.Members of other City boards and commissions are eligible to serve on the TRC. 3.Applications for membership on the TRC shall be announced,advertised,and available in the same manner as those for all City boards and commissions. 4.The TRC shall select the Chair,who when present will preside over all meetings,and the Vice-Chair,who will serve as chair in the absence of the Chair. 5.Within the charges of the TRC set forth herein,the TRC is not required to seek approval from the City Council,mayor,or city manager to set its own agenda and prioritize its activities. 6.The TRC shall be facilitated by an independent consultant,funded by the City,with expertise in group facilitation and human rights,and to the extent possible,experience with diversity,implicit bias,mediation and conflict resolution,until such time as the TRC concludes by the favorable vote of at least three-fourths of all the members of the TRC (7/9)that facilitation is no longer needed. 7.To conform with the requirements of laws pertaining to open meetings and public records and to facilitate transparency and public education and participation,administrative/clerical assistance and media/event assistance shall be provided by City staff as determined by the City Manager and City Clerk.Media assistance may be supplemented by outside expertise on a case-by-case basis if the Commission believes it will substantially expand outreach. 8.The TRC shall determine the frequency and conduct of its meetings.The meetings will be open to the public and conducted in accordance with Chapter 21 of the Iowa Code.Records,documentation,and communications of the TRC will be public records under Chapter 22 of the Iowa Code. 9.The TRC shall serve from the date of appointment of all members to June 30,2022.The TRC shall have an organizational meeting no later than 30 days after the appointment of all members. 10.Within 90 days of its organizational meeting,the TRC shall recommend to City Council a preliminary budget for funds needed to carry out the charges of the TRC beyond what existing City staff,programs,and services can provide. 11.The charges of the TRC are as follows: A.Fact-Finding The TRC shall collect evidence,including first-hand testimony,of discrimination and racial injustice in multiple settings and compile a complete record of racial injustices that will inform and support thefundamentalinstitutionalandpolicyreformsnecessarytoaddresssystemicracism. B.Truth-Telling The TRC shall:1)Provide multiple fora and creative opportunities for persons impacted and traumatized by racial injustice to share their stories of racial injustice and experience to be heard by:(a)fellow communities of color;(b)a broad cross section of the entire Iowa City community;and (c)key decisionmakers in city government,the business community and the University;2)Explore ways to provide such opportunities through art,music,theater,workshops,rallies and other forms of congregation,multimedia and listening designed to reveal truths that cannot be fully expressed in traditional fora;and,3)Create a repository for community stories expressed in multiple media (written,video,audio,art)that can be catalogued and used to educate and inform members of the community. C.Reconciliation The TRC shall:1)Provide opportunity for and facilitate direct conversation among and between community members of color,white community members and representatives of various sectors in which people of color experience discrimination and injustice (e.g.police and protesters,landlords and tenants, students and teachers,patients and health care providers,business owners and staff);2)Create a replicable model that provides a structure for enabling these conversations throughout the city;3)Make available opportunities for a broad cross section of the community to learn about discrimination and racial injustice in our community;and,4)Identify and recommend to the City Council institutional and policy reforms,new social practices,expectations,protocols,habits,rituals,conversations and celebrations that will move Iowa City toward a shared experience of race and difference,justice and equity and community and harmony. 12.The TRC shall strive to provide a safe and supportive space for its work,premised on mutual respect,and shall conduct its work so as to promote healing and justice.The T RC shall consider the possibility of adverse actions against those who participate in its work.The TRC shall carefully consider mechanisms to protect participants,and shall work to support those who allege harm due to their participation in the TRC process. 13.The TRC shall submit periodic updates to City Council to include,but not be limited to:its plans for community education;recommendations for Council action;requests for resources the TRC needs to carry out its work;and recommendations to dedicate and/or rename public spaces and/or rights of way in honor of theBlackLivesMattermovement. 14.By May 1,2022 the TRC shall submit to City Council: A A report summarizing the work of the TRC. B.A repository of community stories expressed in multiple media (written,video,audio,art). C.Recommendations to the City Council for:1)Institutional and policy reforms to end systemic racism;2) Opportunities to create new social practices,expectations,protocols,habits,rituals and celebrations that will move Iowa City toward a shared experience of race and difference,justice and equity and community and harmony;3)Measures to enhance the autonomy/securitylsovereignty of communities of color and mitigate disparities in social and economic power;and 4)A recommendation on whether and in what form the work of the Commission should continue. 15.At any time in its work,and no later than June 30,2022,the TRC shall strive to submit to City Council a replicable model and structure for conversations between people of color 20-228 and white community members and representatives of various sectors in which people of color experience discrimination and injustice. 16.Absent further action by the City Council,the T RC will dissolve on June 30,2022. Passed and approved this 15 day of September,2020. City Attorney's Office -09/10/2020 Resolution establishing Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission Resolution 20-228 was passed by the Iowa City City Council September 15,2020 Duties The charges of the TRC are as follows: 1.Fact-Finding -The TRC shall collect evidence,including first-hand testimony,of discrimination and racial injustice in multiple settings and compile a complete record of racial injustices that will inform and support the fundamental institutional and policy reforms necessary to address systemic racism. 2.Truth-Telling -The TRC shall:1)Provide multiple fora and creative opportunities for persons impacted and traumatized by racial injustice to share their stories of racial injustice and experience to be heard by:(a)fellow communities of color;(b)a broad cross section of the entire Iowa City community;and (c)key decision-makers in city government,the business community and the University;2)Explore ways to provide such opportunities through art,music,theater, workshops,rallies and other forms of congregation,multimedia and listening designed to reveal truths that cannot be fully expressed in traditional fora;and,3)Create a repository for community stories expressed in multiple media (written,video,audio,art)that can be cataloged and used to educate and inform members of the community. 3.Reconciliation -The TRC shall:1)Provide opportunity for and facilitate direct conversation among and between community members of color,white community members and representatives of various sectors in which people of color experience discrimination and injustice (e.g.police and protesters,landlords and tenants,students and teachers,patients and health care providers,business owners and staff);2)Create a replicable model that provides a structure for enabling these conversations throughout the city;3)Make available opportunities for a broad cross section of the community to learn about discrimination and racial injustice in our community;and,4)Identify and recommend to the City Council institutional and policy reforms,new social practices,expectations,protocols,habits,rituals,conversations and celebrations that will move Iowa City toward a shared experience of race and difference,justice and equity and community and harmony. Iowa City Truth and Reconciliation Commission Community Encounter:Truth Telling and Healing Circles Wednesday,March 20 &Thursday,March 21,2024 Welcome! "To heal,we must first acknowledge the truth of our collective trauma." "Racism is not just a matter of individual prejudice;it is a systemic issue that affects us all.To heal,we must first acknowledge the truth of our collective trauma." -Resmaa Menakem The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Iowa City was created,in the wake of the George Floyd protests,to facilitate difficult and sometimes painful conversations on racial injustice in our midst.The Commission’s mandate (Resolution No.20-228)consists of researching the facts, listening to the diverse voices of our community,and offering healing opportunities that lead to reconciliation.We offer these guidelines to co-create an environment that supports racial justice and healing and offers respect for the dignity and humanity of Truth Tellers and Witnesses. Facilitators:Dr.Dave Ragland and Dr.Melinda Salazar from The Truth Telling Project and Think Peace Learning and Support Hub partners. Agreements: 1.Listen fully,from the heart,with respect,and allow space for silence.Bear witness,and do not provide advice or argue with others. 2.Allow what others say to move you.Reflect upon,consider,and honor the meaning of what others say so you can hear their truth. 3.Speak for yourself from the “I”perspective,from your own experiences and perspectives. Avoid generalizing for others in the room like using “people think….” 4.Be courageous,honest,and open with your own stories.Speak your truth from your heart and acknowledge your emotions. 5.Observe what comes up for you,be aware of possible triggers from past trauma. 6.Exercise self-care,and seek support from the care element the Commissioners establish. Community Encounter: Truth Telling & Healing Circles, Day 1 Wednesday, March 20, 2024 Location: ICOR Boxing (391 Highland Ave.) Time Led By Topics/Details/Activity 5:30 pm (60 minutes) All, TRC Chair Dillard, Native Partners, Think Peace Welcome & Dinner ●(Chair Dillard) Formal opening, Native American land acknowledgment, Welcome ●(Minister/Imam from Black Community) ●(Native Partners) Opening ceremony ●(David Ragland & Melinda Salazar) Community agreements 6:30 pm - 8:10 pm (100 minutes) Think Peace, TRC Commissioners Testimony & dialogue ●(Dr. Melinda Salazar, Dr. David Ragland, TRC Commissioners) Truth tellers share their experience – 65 minutes ●(Dr. David Ragland & Dr. Melinda Salazar) Dialogue – 35 minutes 8:10 pm - 8:15 pm (5 minutes) TRC Chair Dillard Formal Public Meeting Closing 8:15 pm- 9:30 pm (75 minutes) Native Partners Healing Circles - not open for the public ●(Manape LaMere, Donnielle Wanatee, Terry Medina) Healing Circles, by invitation only – 75 minutes 9:30 pm All Departure Community Encounter: Truth Telling & Healing Circles, Day 2 Thursday, March 21, 2024 Location: The James Theater (213 N. Gilbert St.) Time Led By Topics/Details/Activity 5:30 pm (60 minutes) All, TRC Chair Dillard, Native Partners, Think Peace Welcome & Dinner ●(Chair Dillard) Formal opening, Native American land acknowledgment, Welcome ●(Minister/Imam from Black Community) ●(Native Partners) Opening ceremony ●(Dr.David Ragland & Dr.Melinda Salazar) Community agreements 6:30 pm - 8:10 pm (100 minutes) Think Peace, TRC Commissioners Testimony & dialogue ●(Dr.Melinda Salazar, Dr.David Ragland, TRC Commissioners) Truth tellers share their experience – 65 minutes ●(Dr.David Ragland & Dr.Melinda Salazar) Dialogue – 35 minutes 8:10 pm - 8:15 pm (5 minutes) TRC Chair Dillard Formal Public Meeting Closing 8:15 pm- 9:30 pm (75 minutes) Native Partners Healing Circles - not open for the public ●(Manape LaMere, Donnielle Wanatee, Terry Medina) Healing Circles, by invitation only – 75 minutes 9:30 pm All Departure