Title
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Social Service Human Relations Board (SSHRB), March 23, 2017
Body
DRAFT UNTIL APPROVED
Social Service Human Relations Board
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Social Service Human Relations Board (SSHRB),March 23, 2017
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
President Blake called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present were Vice-President Hyman, and members Chilcott, Hastings, Jenks, and Youngblood. Absent was member Sorensen.
1.-A SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE DAILY READING -
President Blake provided a brief history of the International Season For Nonviolence Campaign, and shared the Season for Nonviolence way of living peacefully for the day, which was Service. Being helpful to others without seeking anything in return is a gift - to the recipient and to you.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of the regular meeting of January 26, 2017, and special meeting of February 23, 2017, were approved as presented. M/S Hyman / Jenks Sorensen Unanimous
3. AGENDA ITEMS
3.-A JOINT DISCUSSION AND WORK SESSION OFTHE BOARD AND ITS WORKGROUPS
President Blake announced that this evening’s meeting will be a work session. She added that this will be an informal discussion as to what projects and activities the Board will be pursuing over the next year, in addition to launching its Community Needs Survey.
Staff provided background as to the projects and activities for the Board to consider that were included in past-President Williams letter to the Mayor and Council following the Board’s community forum held on November 29, 2016.
Regarding “Encourage and facilitate the broader use in the community of the Everyone Belongs Here (EBH) poster”, the Board agreed that the EBH theme, with and without the rainbow graphic, continues to be used throughout the community. The Board to offer its support to community organizations in general, and the AUSD LGBTQ Roundtable in particular to support programs and activities in the spirit of EBH. Staff shared that both ACCYF and the Board have funds available to support the AUSD LGBTQ Roundtable EBH Campaign if requested.
Regarding “Support and facilitate an honest conversation about the housing crisis”, it was agreed that the Alameda Housing Authority would be the best organization to move these conversations forward, if it feels it is appropriate to do so.
Regarding “Create a database on hate crimes and bias-motivated acts, located on the City's website that the public could access with accurate updates including information on community responses to these acts”, staff shared that APD Chief Rolleri has agreed to create a database on hate crimes, which he will include as part of his monthly reporting of crime statistics.
The Human Relations Workgroup (HRW) has discussed calling a meeting of “conveners”, such as John Knox White, Rev. Laura Rose, Susan Davis, Sarah Henry, etc., to discuss who might take on receiving\posting non-criminal bias motivated incidents. This group may also be helpful in efforts to “improve the way our community communicates with each other”.
Regarding “Educate and mentor community populations that are underrepresented on city boards and commissions, so local government reflects the community”, it was suggested that the City Clerk’s Office might be able to provide an orientation to boards and commissions.
Regarding “Engage the City Council to be ready to participate with a prepared response to hate crimes with specific actions” it was suggested that we might have a discussion with City staff regarding the reinstitution of the Hate and Intolerance Response Team (HIRT)
Regarding ”Engage disenfranchised communities, including the Muslim community”, discussion included the possibility of having a “Festival of Families” event, or holding a community multicultural event such as last year’s “Unity Picnic”, which was hosted by the Black Achievers Alliance, AUSD, and ACCYF.
Finally, the Board discussed the two Council priority referrals that fall under the mission and Charter Authority of SSHRB: “Make recommendations for city policy revisions and additions related to aiding Alameda’s homeless individuals”, and Consider outreach efforts to provide immigrant and refugee support services and programs”.
While these priorities have yet to be approved by the Council, member Youngblood is chairing the new Homeless Action Plan Workgroup, and is joined by past Board members Biggs and Williams. Member Youngblood is attending Homeless Action Plan Committee meetings, and gathering information as to the City’s current efforts and practices regarding the homeless. Staff is working with AUSD, Mayor Spencer, and Vice-Mayor Vella to develop a Know Your Rights presentation in one of our schools. It was agreed that the Human Relations Workgroup would create a subcommittee to work on issues regarding support services to Alameda’s at risk immigrants and refugees.
Workgroups will meet over the next two months to prioritize, and develop strategies for all of the issues discussed this evening.
3.-B WORK GROUP PROGRESS REPORTS
- NONE
4. BOARD/STAFF COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA - NONE
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - NONE
6. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:02 PM
M/S Youngblood / Hastings Unanimous
Respectfully submitted by:
Jim Franz, Secretary