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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuman Rights and Diversity - 06/12/2014 APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE HUMAN RIGHTS AND DIVERSITY COMMISSION THURSDAY,JUNE 12, 2014 7:00 P.M., 125 EDEN PRAIRIE CENTER Office of Housing and Human Services COMMISSION MEMBERS: Sandra Filardo (Chair), PG Narayanan (Vice Chair), Tonja Bivins, Jenny Buckland, Sana Elassar, Connie Iacovelli STAFF: Patricia Fenrick, Staff Heidi Wojahn, Recording Secretary STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES: Chase Carlson, Emily Higgins, Karena Lin GUEST: Niya McCall, Eden Prairie High School I. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Vice Chair Narayanan called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. Commissioners Filardo and Bivins were absent. Fenrick announced Harry Davis has resigned from the Commission. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Iacovelli moved, seconded by Buckland, to approve the agenda. Motion carried 4-0. III. MINUTES MOTION: Elassar moved, seconded by Buckland, to approve the May 8, 2014 minutes. Motion carried 3-0-1 with Iacovelli abstaining. IV. OLD BUSINESS A. 5K UPDATE Buckland reported there are over 750 registrants for the 5K run/walk. The goal was 500. Because the necessary corporate sponsorships came in, all registration proceeds will go to charity. Fenrick reviewed the major donors and sponsors noting some of the contributions are in the form of in-kind donations. She also went over the media coverage we expect to get. Buckland said there will be a follow-up event at Wooddale Church on June 19th featuring a documentary and boutique at which HRDC can advertise any related follow-up events it decides to sponsor. Elassar said one idea is to have a Region 5 HUMAN RIGHTS AND DIVERSITY COMMISSION MINUTES June 12, 2014 Page 2 FBI presentation and discuss trafficking in the regional multi-state area. The Minnesota Trafficking Task Force could supplement with local information. Fenrick said Eden Prairie Police could also be there to answer questions. Buckland said an additional option is to have another showing of"Half the Sky". The 4-hour film could be split into two evenings with a facilitated discussion after each portion. Although the movie would attract a younger demographic, it covers more topics than just trafficking. The high school would be a good venue. Higgins said high school health and social studies teachers have expressed an interest in being kept in the loop on HRDC events. Having popcorn available would be a draw. The end of September or early October would probably work best from a student perspective. Elassar noted the timing is good with the Safe Harbor Act going into effect August 1. Discussion ensued about the pros and cons of showing the film in its entirety versus the 45-minute excerpt used for Community Cinema. Fenrick requested a subcommittee work on this over summer. Higgins and Lin volunteered. Filardo was recommended since she already has established contact with Eden Prairie schools. Fenrick will follow up with her. Buckland announced she is hosting a mother/daughter book talk about Half the Sky on August 13. Narayanan recommended having someone articulate local trafficking issues before the showing. Higgins suggested using One Voice contacts to promote the event. Elassar said a good way to engage youth is to lead in with trafficking-related stereotypes and to dispel myths. Fenrick said it would be best to hold the FBI presentation two to four weeks after the film. Elassar will investigate dates and forward information via email. Fenrick will then draft a blurb for Christine from Grace Church to send to those who are registered for the 5K and to announce at the June 19th event. Buckland noted there are some issues in terms of accessing youth to educate and empower them. Elassar stated this is not a topic everybody is open to hearing about so there has some resistance. Discussion followed about how to best reach youth in the target age range. Elassar reported there are 60 volunteers helping out on Saturday. Fenrick said the mayor is opening the walk, a pastor from Grace Church is opening the run, and she has requested Narayanan blow the air horn to start the run. Elassar will send a follow- up email about a meeting place for Team HRDC. Fenrick said pictures taken at the event can be emailed to her. V. REPORTS OF STAFF —Fenrick A. INTERFAITH SERVICE There has been talk of adding an international festival component to the annual interfaith ecumenical Thanksgiving service held in Eden Prairie. International festivals typically do not have a faith focus. No decision has been made yet. It would be best to partner with another group if it comes to fruition. B. BIAS CRIME The perpetrator from the previously-mentioned case pleaded guilty and has agreed to get help. The victim did not have to go to trial but will be in attendance for the HUMAN RIGHTS AND DIVERSITY COMMISSION MINUTES June 12, 2014 Page 3 sentencing and has asked Fenrick to accompany him. Elassar asked if a victim's impact statement will be read at the sentencing. Fenrick said she has spoken with the victim about drafting one and will investigate further. C. NEW STUDENT COMMISSIONERS There will be four student commissioners for the 2014-15 academic year plus an additional one just for fall. D. UPCOMING ELECTIONS There was racial tension focused primarily on the Somali community during the last election cycle at the Eden Prairie Library voting site. Fenrick has learned the only way for HRDC to get involved in the election this fall is for individuals to become election judges. Judges must be a citizen and 18 years of age. Volunteer training is involved. Those interested should let Fenrick know. E. BEST BUY GRANT $5.10 remaining. VI. FUTURE MEETINGS/EVENTS The next HRDC meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 11, 2014, 7 p.m. at Eden Prairie Center, Room 125. 5K Run/Walk—June 14 Carlson stated he has enjoyed his time on HRDC. The time commitment needed to serve as captain of the school's speech team will prevent him from being a part of the Commission next school year. McCall mentioned her coaches have addressed the topic of trafficking. She can help spread the word about future related events via her cheerleading team. Narayanan announced IndiaFest will be held August 16 at the Capitol grounds in St. Paul. This is a free event. Elassar noted the upcoming Pride Parade in Loring Park in June and asked if there was a way for HRDC to be involved. Fenrick said her office is partnering with Hennepin Tech for GLBT ally training July 8, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Lunch is included. She was hoping to get this scheduled prior to the parade but there wasn't enough time. VII. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Buckland moved, seconded by Iacovelli, to adjourn. Motion carried 4-0. Vice Chair Narayanan adjourned the meeting at 8:12 p.m.