HomeMy WebLinkAbout8 27 2024 HRCHuman Rights Commission
August 27, 2024
Regular Meeting – 5:30 PM
Emma J. Harvat Hall, City Hall
Agenda:
1.Call the Meeting to Order and Roll Call
2.New Member Introduction
3.Reading of Native American Land Acknowledgement
4.Approval of the July 23, 2024, Meeting Minutes
5.Public Comment on Items Not on the Agenda. (Commentators shall address the
Commission for No More than 5 minutes. Commissioners Shall Not Engage in
Discussion with the Commentator or One Another Concerning Remarks)
6.Correspondence
7.Updates on Outreach and Engagement by the Police Department
8.Welcoming America Initiative Presentation (Sept. 13-22)
9.CCAN-Con 2024 (October 19)
10.National Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation (September 17)
11.Mental Health Celebration
•September 22,2024
•1-3pm
•Terry Trueblood Recreation Area (TTRA)
Hispanic Heritage Month event
•September 20, 2024
•5:30 – 7:30pm
•Robert A Lee
Indigenous Peoples Day Event
•October 14, 2024
•4:30-7pm
•Terry Trueblood Recreation Area
12.Support for a Community Transportation Commission
13.Human Rights Awards Ceremony Selection Committee
14.Retreat to Revisit the Strategic Plan
15.Commission Committees
Building Bridges (Paul Shantz, Kollasch, Pandya)
Reciprocal Relationships (Lusala, Abdullahi, Pries)
Breaking Bread (Mendez Shannon, Qaduora)
16.Staff Announcements
17.Commissioner Announcements (Commissioners shall not engage in discussion
with one another concerning said announcements)
18.Reminder Next Meeting Date is Wednesday, September 25, 2024
19.Adjournment
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.
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Draft Minutes
Human Rights Commission
July 23, 2024
Emma Harvat Hall
Commissioners present: Roger Lusala, Jahnavi Pandya, Idriss Abdullahi, Mark Pries, Vianna Qaduora,
Elizabeth Mendez Shannon, Kelsey Paul Shantz.
Commissioners present via Zoom: Doug Kollasch.
Staff present: Stefanie Bowers.
Recommendation to City Council: No.
Meeting called to order: 5:31 PM.
Native American Land Acknowledgement: Abdullahi read the Land Acknowledgement.
Public comment of items not on the agenda: Corey Stoglin greeted the commission and shared that he
served on the commission in 2007.
Approval of meeting minutes of May 28, 2024: Pries moved; and Mendez Shannon seconded. Motion
passed 8-0.
Correspondence: There is a program being held on Monday, July 30 on Water Rights at the Environmental
Education Center from 6-7 pm. The office is also sponsoring a fair housing and disability training on
Thursday, July 25 over the noon hour.
Updates on Outreach and Engagement by the Police Department: National Night Out is scheduled for
August 6 at Christ the King Church and Wetherby Park. The Ready Set School will be held on August 9 and
will offer school supplies, dental and eye screenings, vaccinations, and haircuts.
Support for a Community Transportation Commission: This item will be discussed at the August meeting
date.
Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund: Qaduora spoke about a local event that will collaborate with different
organizations and local businesses, artists, and activists that will be donating ticket revenue to Palestine
Children Relief Fund. Qaduora proposed having a commissioner speak at the event or for the commission
to have a table at the event. The commissioners discussed the possibility of tabling and what they would
need for the event. The discussion was broken up into three topics: having a commissioner speak at the
event, representing the commission as a whole at the event (with name, logo, etc.), and tabling at the
event. Lusala and Pries expressed their support for having the commission represented at the event.
Qaduora shared her reasons for supporting the commission’s presence at the event stating it is a matter of
universal human rights. Paul Shantz expressed support and stated that the charity mentioned is reliable
with their funding going where it is intended. Abdullahi expressed support for the event stating it is a
matter of human rights beyond politics. Mendez Shannon shared her support and that there was a call
from community members for the commission to show more support on the topic of Palestine. The
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commission came to an agreement that they would like to be involved in the events. Paul Shantz asked if
any commissioners would be available to attend the event in order to represent the commission. Abdullahi
and Pries agreed to attend the event and Paul Shantz shared she may be able to join for one of the two
days the event will be occurring. Kollasch spoke in support of the commission being present at the event.
The commission took a vote and unanimously agreed to be represented at the event.
Reschedule September Meeting Date: The September meeting date conflicts with an office sponsored
event. The commission moved its meeting date to the following Wednesday, September 25.
Schedule a Retreat Date to Revisit the Strategic Plan from 2022: Staff will reach out to the facilitator who
assisted on the commission’s last strategic plan to see if they are available and if so, what days in times
work for them the first weeks of November.
Human Rights Awards: The breakfast is scheduled for October 23 at 7:30 am in the Vue Rooftop.
Commission Committees’ Update:
Building Bridges (Paul Shantz, Kollasch, Pandya): Paul Shantz spoke about the committee’s communication
with the transportation commission effort. Pandya clarified there is a potential future meeting with one of
the transportation committee members. Kollasch stated the committee will regroup once they can meet
together in person again after personal travel obligations are met.
Paul Shantz spoke about her experience tabling at Pride and the change of engagement from morning to
afternoon stating there was less traffic later in the day.
Reciprocal Relationships (Lusala, Pries, Abdullahi): Pries updated the commission on their outreach efforts
to applicants who did not receive the Racial Equity Social Justice Grant. Outreach happened over the
phone with Pries and Lusala calling individuals and asking for feedback. The feedback received was
generally positive including gratitude for the call, updates on other funding received in place of the grant,
and a request for help filling out the form in the future. Pries suggested possibly assigning a former or
current commissioner to the task of helping with grant applications.
Lusala shared that the preexisting relationships with the individuals they reached out to helped ease any
tension over the discussion. Lusala also shared his suggestion to organizations to reach out to University
programs that could help with grant writing/application for future grant applicants. Qaduora asked if the
majority of people asking for help were facing a language barrier when applying. Lusala stated that a
language barrier was not the problem for the majority. Paul Shantz asked about groups requesting general
funding rather than project-based funding and if there was feedback from those organizations asking for
general funding. Lusala shared his discussion with one applicant who requested funding for a business
start-up rather than a specific project. Lusala provided clarification to the applicant of what is expected in
the application and encouraged them to apply next year.
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Pries also shared some advice he gave during his outreach like providing clarification on the importance of
particularity when applying and to avoid the sole use of AI when filling out the application. Abdullahi
shared he was unable to participate in the last meeting but values the feedback.
Pries and Lusala shared their positive experience tabling for Juneteenth. Lusala suggested providing an
informational handout the helps community members understand the commission and their work.
Breaking Bread (Mendez Shannon, Qaduora): Mendez Shannon spoke about the Meet and Greet event she
and Qaduora hosted. She stated there were attendees who filled out information cards as well as
participated in group discussions. Some takeaways from the meeting were community members
awareness of the commission, the need for more EBT support (including summer funding), a need to
support education in the community and trans rights, and more commission involvement in the
community overall, so people have access to the commissioners and get to know them. Qaduora
mentioned future Meet and Greets, or similar events should be held in more open, busy spaces where
there is more visibility to encourage community engagement. Mendez Shannon stated there was a news
station that interviewed them about the event like why they were there and for information about the
commission.
Mendez Shannon spoke about her experience tabling for Pride stating there was a lot of community
engagement and curiosity about the commission and the work they do.
Announcements of Commissioners:
Pries shared his involvement in a variety of local organizations and committees including the Common
Future Committee for the Rotary, Iowa Interfaith Alliance: Faithful Voices for Racial Justice, and Interfaith
Alliance: Exposing Christian Nationalism- which is having showings of the movie God in Country on Aug. 25
and Sept. 8. Pries also shared his experience at a Juneteenth prayer services at St. Thomas More Catholic
Church and their denial to share the movie God in Country, his involvement in preaching to expose
Christian Nationalism at Gloria Day on July 7th and 14th and attended the Iowa City Foreign Relations
Council. He also shared the shows he had seen including Come From Away, Ugly Lies the Bones, and The
Outsider.
Abdullahi shared his experience attending a University Cohort where he learned about belief systems
leading to emotional reaction and what is happening in between. The talk touched on how to manage
these emotions and control the thought process that leads to a physical reaction. Abdullahi also shared his
experience visiting the Davenport Recycling Center and learning about the work that goes into the proper
disposal of recycled materials.
Mendez-Shannon spoke about her experience working with the City High non-profit, The Golden Beakers,
that supports students in STEM who need funds to buy supplies. She also attended a fundraising event for
the non-profit that was able to raise funds through collected donations during a public singing
performance.
Qaduora Shared the work of a local organization called Hope providing aid to those in Gaza including
fundraising, telehealth efforts, and providing formula and other baby supplies to those in Gaza. Qaduora
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also spoke on the organization Iowans for Palestine. Qaduora attended a Public Space One event that
displayed young artists’ work from different backgrounds and experiences. Qaduora was able to take the
Mariam Girl’s Club to see the exhibit.
Lusala shared his takeaway from Juneteenth and the need for the commission to be more involved in the
community.
Pandya shared her experience attending a conference in London that spoke about working with children
who are displaced or experiencing war/ trauma. Pandya also had the opportunity to sit in at an LGBTQ
clinic where she learned more about the community. Pandya also did a training for suicide prevention and
encouraged others to do the same. Pandya also attended a problem management conference that is a
culturally sensitive mental health intervention that pays people to do the training and then train others in
their community. Pandya also attended Iowa Summer Writing Festival that included people across the US.
Kollasch shared his experience at Pride where he tabled Hawkeye Pride, the LGBT Alumni group, that he is
the president of he reported this was the biggest turnout he has seen for Iowa City Pride. Kollasch also
shared the San Francisco Gay Men’s Choir recent performance in Iowa City and their work providing
awareness for how AIDS impacts the LGBTQ community.
Paul Shantz shared her work exploring the intersection of mass violence and urban violence and the
takeaways that are transformative to her work. She also shared her experience attending meetings in DC
that touched on the topic of the global need for peace and how that plays into the role of community
leaders. Paul Shantz also talked about her work on disinformation and the conference she attended that
touched on the topic of identity-based disinformation through online spaces. Paul Shantz also shared the
collaborative event between the Stanley and Filmscene that touches on the topic of tourism and how its
impact on the climate, wildlife, and vulnerable communities.
Announcements of staff: Staff provided copies of the One Community One Reads selection for 2024,
Wastelands: The True Story of Farm Country. The author will be speaking in Iowa City on October 20, from
3-4:15 pm at the Boyd Law School. The book Human Justice was also introduced to commissioners.
Adjourned: 7:05 pm.
The meeting can be viewed at https://citychannel4.com/video.html?series=Local%20Government.
Human Rights Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2024
(Meeting Date)
NAME
TERM
EXP.
1/23 2/27 3/4 3/26 4/23 5/28 7/23 8/27 9/24 10/22 11/26 12/24
Jahnavi Pandya 2024 X X X X X X X
Sylvia Jons 2024 Z A A A A A R
Doug Kollasch 2024 X X X X X X Z
Viana Qadoura 2025 X X X X X X X
Idriss Abdullahi 2025 - - - - X Z X
Mark Pries 2025 X A X X X X X
Roger Lusala 2026 X X X A X X X
Kelsey Paul Shantz 2026 X X X X Z X X
Liz Mendez-Shannon 2026 X X X A Z X X
KEY: X = Present
A = Absent
Z = Present via Zoom
Correspondence
TENANTS’ RIGHTS
Presented by:
Jim Kringlen, Iowa Legal Aid Managing Attorney
Stan Laverman, City of Iowa City Senior Housing Inspector
Kristin Watson, City of Iowa City Human Rights Investigator
To empower renters with crucial knowledge, the City’s Neighborhood and Development Services, Library – Adult
Services and Office of Equity & Human Rights have teamed with Iowa Legal Aid Iowa City Regional Office to
present a Tenants' Rights Workshop. This informative session aims to educate participants about their rights and
responsibilities as tenants, equipping them with valuable insights to navigate the rental landscape confidently.
During the workshop, attendees will learn about topics including lease agreements, tenant rights and responsibilities,
eviction procedures, Iowa City’s fair housing ordinance, and dos and don’ts when moving.
Preregistration is encouraged.
Scan QR code to register
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
From:Mandi Remington
To:katierose@cmc-cr.org; cvpbrcats@gmail.com; Stephanieh@bigcr.org; ayman@cwjiowa.org; bijou@cwjiowa.org;mayra@cwjiowa.org; madison@cwjiowa.org; susan@centralfurniturerescue.org; Stefanie Bowers; Megan Hill;Malory Smysor; erin@claimingdisabilityinc.org; info@cleaniowanow.org; 100granniesiowacity@gmail.com;sdbpast@hotmail.com; flannery.currin@gmail.com; nyeager.ic@gmail.com; cogs@cogs.org;dasrajorshi@gmail.com; info@commongoodiowa.org; mowen@commongoodiowa.org; caapbenefit@gmail.com;RebeccaC@cfrhelps.org; ellie@cfjc.org; Shelly@CFJC.org; communitytransportationjc@gmail.com;jendsley@gmail.com; mayasims219@gmail.com; amelali90@gmail.com; krystal.kabela@builtbycommunity.org;emma.meyer@builtbycommunity.org; sarah.nelson@builtbycommunity.org;adrianne.korbakes@builtbycommunity.org; hai@coralvillefoodpantry.org; john@coralvillefoodpantry.org;corridoroutpros@gmail.com; crushthestigma@yahoo.com; recoverycommunityoflinncounty@gmail.com;tony.wilson58@gmail.com; sherry@deafinitelydogs.org; info@driowa.org; fnewell@dreamcityia.org;kristie@dvipiowa.org; allisont@dvipiowa.org; altamp@dvipiowa.org; lacey@dvipiowa.org; info@eidiaperbank.org;easterniowaiww@protonmail.com; mail@networkforgood.com
Subject:Join Us at CCAN-Con 2024 – Let"s Amplify Our Impact Together!
Date:Monday, July 29, 2024 12:22:42 PM
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care openingany links or attachments. **Hello Fellow Advocates & Organizers! Are you ready to amplify the incredible work we’re all doing in the Corridor region? We arethrilled to invite you to join us at CCAN-Con, our annual volunteer and civic engagementfestival taking place on Saturday, October 19th, from 11 AM to 6 PM at the Iowa City PedMall.Why CCAN-Con 2024 is Essential for Our Organizations: CCAN-Con is a uniqueopportunity for our local organizations to come together, share resources, and inspire thecommunity. Here’s how your organization can benefit from participating:
Showcase Your Impact: Set up a booth and engage directly with community memberswho are eager to learn about your work and how they can get involved. Expand Your Reach: Connect with other organizations, fostering collaborations thatcan enhance our work. Lead Workshops and Presentations: Host a session to share your expertise, recruitvolunteers, or highlight successful projects.
How You Can Get Involved:
Table at the Event: Share your mission and connect with attendees by setting up abooth. Organizations can participate for any portion of the day they are able.Host a Workshop/Skill-Share/Presentation: We expect to have openings forworkshops and presentations throughout the day. Please let us know if you have orknow of a space in or near downtown Iowa City where we can hold some of thesesessions. They have previously taken place in the library, but there is a schedulingconflict this year. Lead an Outdoor Activity: Help community members engage with your topic in fun,hands-on, interactive ways. Provide Entertainment: We are seeking performers and live entertainment. If youknow anyone who would be interested, please pass the word on and have them reach outto us- this is a great platform to showcase talent!
CCAN-Con 2024 is a chance for all of us to come together and amplify the positive changewe’re making in our community. Your participation will not only highlight the important work
your organization does but also inspire others to get involved. If you are interested in joining us at CCAN-Con 2024, please reply to this email and let us
know how you would like to participate. We are happy to answer any questions and provideadditional information as needed. You can find a public event listing here to help us spread the
word. Thank you for your continued dedication to making our community a better place. We look
forward to collaborating with you at CCAN-Con 2024! Thank You,
Mandi Remington (she/her) | Director, Corridor Community Action Network - Sign up foremails
Schedule a Meeting Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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