On Wednesday May 16, from 6:30-8:00 pm, the St Cloud Regional Human Rights Commission hosted a community forum. Two new commissioners were in attendance, as well as three representatives from different community organizations.
The Commission presented its work plan to the new commissioners and the three representatives. Then the new commissioners and community representatives had a chance to share what they were working on within their organizations. Commissioners and the community representatives found out that they had some common goals, but we did not have sufficient time to fully address the main question: How can we collaborate in our efforts? The Commission also sought feedback from the community representatives on how to improve.
Some suggestions and advice that the Commission received included:
1. More community forums. Invite everyone to the table.
2. Tap into the communities that we are not already a part of.
3. Seek out volunteers from the senior center.
4. Learn how to communicate better with groups who do not believe in the same things that we do.
5. Focus on education and outreach rather than enforcement. Many people in the community are intimidated by the Human Rights Commission due to its role as "enforcer". Even our Human Rights Commissioner is called an "Enforcement Officer".
The next meeting of the St Cloud Regional Human Rights Commission is Wednesday June 20th at 6 pm at Independent Lifestyles in Sauk Rapids. We will be discussing the feedback.
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