Title
Social Justice and Equity Commission (SJEC) Founding Members Work Group Meeting-Discuss Future Commission
Recommended Action
Discussion only. No action needed.
Report
Issue:
Discuss Focus Group Sessions and the future Commission.
Staff Contact:
Olivia Salazar de Breaux, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator, Human Resources, 360.753.8343
Presenter(s):
Olivia Salazar de Breaux, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator, Human Resources
Background and Analysis:
On November 2, Council approved a process to establish a Social Justice & Equity Advisory Commission (Commission), including that the process be led by a Founding Member Work Group (Work Group) made up of five community members representing marginalized populations, with an emphasis on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
The Work Group will host a series of Community Conversations to elevate the voices of marginalized community members, and use the input gathered to recommend to Council the new Commission’s:
• make-up and terms;
• formal name (as “Social Justice & Equity Commission” is a Council-approved placeholder);
• scope of work; and
• first year work plan
At their January 21, 2021 meeting, the Work Group selected a team of two consultants, Fernell Miller and Dr. Jen Self to help support this body of work, including providing expertise, guidance, and support in designing and facilitating community conversation, analyzing and summarizing the input gathered, and formulating recommendations to guide the establishment of the Commission.
The purpose of this meeting is for the Work Group to discuss the future Commission.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There is significant interest to address systemic racism and inequality. Input that staff and City Councilmembers are receiving from community members strongly supports a process that is highly inclusive, pays specific attention to the concerns and experiences of marginalized community members, and fosters and repairs trust amongst the City and community members.
Options:
N/A
Financial Impact:
Council has allocated $60,000 in 2020 Council goal funds to support development of a new Advisory Commission to address social justice and equity issues. Funding will primarily be used for the consulting team and Founding Members Work Group contracts. There may be additional accessibility tools or services purchased to support public engagement.
Attachments:
N/A