Auburn Human Rights Commission
Members: Present (P) Absent, (A); Excused (E)
Karen Sheftic-Burns, Ex.Dir. P Fred Richardson, Comm.; P Zan Liebowitz, Sec.; _E_
Judah Rodriguez-Sierra; _A__ Fr. Stephen Mack; _P_ Lebertus van der Werff (pend.); P_
Gwendolyn M. Jones; _E_ Kent Brandstetter; _P _ Anthony DeCaro _P
(Youth Member) Shawntee Barr _P__
Members Present: _6_ Members Absent: __1 Members Excused: 2 _
Meeting called to order at 5:10 pm
Approval of last month’s minutes: Approved/second by Members Mack/Brandstetter
Auburn Human Rights Commission
Director’s Report - March 2004 Meeting
· Monthly intakes for February (55) consisting of questions and complaints dealing with racism, housing matters, unjust termination, employment, and general questions concerning issues surrounding human rights. – Members discuss.
· Black History Month Program/Reception SUMMARY: Program was successfully attended by 150+ students, teachers, principals, parents, service organizations, and citizens from the community. HR received many positive comments and “thank you” on our efforts to promote awareness of diversity through education. HR received excellent press coverage on the day of the event and throughout the month of February, complete with photos and editorial. Letter to the Editor with thanks to all participants…
Members discuss how the program has grown and are pleased with the positive comments and support it receives from the schools/community. Program was well covered by the press. Members express thanks to HR Director for an other successful program.
· Monthly Budget: Members please see monthly activity report attached.
Members discuss line appropriations and pending expenses.
· Budget 2004-2005 Budget Review Session UPDATE: The proposed Human Rights operating budget remains the same as last year. Again, this includes the addition of a part-time Para-Legal/Investigator for gathering data in the field. City Manager agreed that requesting the position in hopes of fulfillment is better than eliminating it and appearing to no longer need the expansion.
Discussion: Members always remain hopeful for expansion funds. There are two more “rounds” of budgetary sessions planned. HR will learn of any changes to the proposed budget by the next meeting in April.
· Human Rights Scholarship: On-going. Public Service Announcement on cable and more mailers should bring HR to its goal of $500. Newly printed raffles are available members wishing to sell more for the cause. Currently HR is expanding the general mailing list in hopes of generating more funds. Bulk mailing provided a large coverage area, but the return didn’t warrant the effort. That is on “hold” status for now.
Members discussion. HR Scholarship funds are at midpoint. Members are to sell more tickets for additional fund raising. Recipient selection will be by HR Members, same as last year.
· Attended Homsite monthly Board Meeting: Discussion/presentation of materials concerning housing, rehabilitation programs, and budgets.
· Human Rights Awareness Advertising Campaign: On-going. Discussion
· Juneteenth Day UPDATE: Ongoing. Donna Dalton, Booking Agent for the Black Storytelling League has come into a verbal agreement with HR for a $200 booking of Robert “Jed” Snead, Professional Storyteller. At the time of this report, HR awaits the requested written contract. This storyteller is part of a large group of storytellers (please see attached information/press coverage on their group.) Commission Members please remember the date/info: Juneteenth Day at Booker T. Washington Community Center on Tuesday, June 15 from 1- 3:00 pm. FREE ADMISSION.
Discussion: Printed information is viewed by members. A promotional videotape was to arrive but as of this writing has not. HR Commissioner is familiar with this group and states that their members are “very good.”
· Women’s History Month Program: Connecting with Ellen Mnich – Aunt Helen’s Closet. Her professional storytelling format provides a positive female role model while sharing multicultural stories based upon experiences from travel around the world. We need to finalize a presentation date/fee for this area. At the moment we are playing “phone tag.”
Discussion: HR Commissioner and Members discuss site for the program. The past two year’s HR presented this program to Seward School. Commissioner recommends that the program rotate cites so that all elementary schools will have an opportunity to view/participate in this program on alternating years. Members chose Casey Park School for this year’s program site.
New Business:
Members discuss the United Way Fundraiser scheduled for March 24, 2004. Although most organizations/companies pay for the members representation at community events, the HR Commissioner advises all participating members to personally pay $12.50 when representing the Commission. Participating members are: F. Richardson
(or Z. Liebowitz), L. van der Worff, A. DeCaro, K. Sheftic-Burns.
Old Business:
Recap of Black History Month Program
Motion to Adjourn at 6:10 pm : Approved/Second by DeCaro/Brandstetter
Minutes Respectfully Submitted by Commission Secretary
Zan Liebowitz
Next COMMISSION MEETING
Wed. April 7, 2004 at 5 pm
Please call 255-4122
if you cannot attend the meeting.
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