06-25-19 Human Rights Commission Minutes7800 Golden Valley Road I Golden Valley, MN 55427
763 593 3989 1 TTY 763-59339681 763-593-8198 (fax) I www.goldenvalleymn.gov
Human Rights Commission
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Tour of Golden Valley Historical Society Museum
Tour began at 6 pm, led by Crystal Boyd.
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:37 pm by Chair Mitchell.
City of
golden -
vall(
June 25, 2019 — 6:30 pm
Golden Valley Historical Society
6731 Golden Valley Road
Roll Call
Commissioners present: Maurice Harris, Carrie Yeager, Jonathan Burris, Teresa Martin, Chris Mitchell,
Kyle Scott, Leah Persky, Destiny Nathan
Commissioners absent: Eve Clarkson,
Staff present: Kirsten Santelices, Human Resources Director
Council present: Joanie Clausen, City Council Liaison
Guests present: Sylvia Kaplan, Ambassador Sam Kaplan, Don Anderson
Historical Society Building Presentation
Don Anderson, Volunteer Secretary for the Golden Valley Historical Society shared with the Commission
the history of the church, which is the home of the Golden Valley Historical Society and the Historical
Society Museum, where the HRC is holding the meeting.
Approval of Agenda
MOTION by Martin to add "Why Treaties Matter Discussion" under Old Business and
approve agenda. Seconded by Scott. Motion carried.
Special Presentation
Chair Mitchell and Council Member Clausen introduced the Commission to Sylvia Kaplan.
Santelices read the certificate of appreciation
Approval of May Regular Meeting Minutes
MOTION by Burris to approve the April 23, 2019 regular meeting minutes as amended (with
administrative changes). Seconded by Yeager. Motion carried.
Golden Valley Pride Festival Recap
Vice Chair Yeager provided a recap of the event set-up and provided recommendations that the
Commission find ways to improve the booth appearance for subsequent events. Commissioners agreed
that the magnets and stickers were popular and sparked good conversations. Suggestions for future
events include: giving away scarves/handkerchiefs with the HRC loo, giving away dog treats and having a
water bowl and having a tablecloth with the HRC more visible.
This document is available in alternate formats upon a 72 -hour request. Please call
763-593-8006 (TTY: 763-593-3968) to make a request. Examples of alternate formats
may include large print, electronic, Braille, audiocassette, etc.
City of Golden Valley Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
June 25, 2019 — 6:30 pm
Day of Service Planning
Chair Mitchell provided an overview of past "Day of Service" activities for the benefit of the new
commissioners. The Commission discussed whether or not they wanted to continue centering their
volunteer opportunity on the National Day of Service (Sep 11), or move the volunteer opportunity to
another date. The Commission further discussed whether or not the volunteer opportunity should be
centered within the City of Golden Valley or could extend beyond city limits. Vice Chair Yeager suggested
an opportunity to discuss career pathways with teenagers. Commissioner Persky offered a potential
opportunity to volunteer with Kosher Meals on Wheels. The Commission decided to research more
opportunities and discuss further at the July meeting.
The Commission discussed whether they should push out encouragement for community members to
volunteer on their own rather than host a collection. Chair Mitchell shared that there are websites and
resources that allow individuals to be matched with volunteer opportunities. Ultimately the Commission
agreed that a collection is a great way to give community members a chance to participate.
MOTION by Scott to host a collection for PRISM during the week of September 9-13, 2019,
and connect with PRISM to determine what items are most needed in the month of
September. Seconded by Burris. Motion carried.
Anti-Semitism Education and Awareness Discussion
Commissioner Harris shared that there was an opportunity to connect with Tolerance MN and Holocaust
Education to promote an event centered around the book "Pendulum" on July 30. The Commission
agreed that it was too quick of a turn -around time to get involved in that event. Commissioner Persky
shared that the Jewish Community Relations Council has an educational bureau that may have
opportunities for the HRC to connect with. Persky will forward the information to staff. Staff shared that
the new Assistant to the City Manager's Office worked for the University of Minnesota in the office of
Genocide and Holocaust Outreach program, which may provide another resource for the HRC. Chair
Mitchell volunteered to contact the U of M and Commissioner Harris volunteered to contact someone
from the JCRC. The Commission discussed using this as an opportunity to educate themselves and
neighboring community HRCs. Commissioner Martin suggested that it may be a good idea to have a
workshop of some kind every year on a relevant topic to ensure the Commission has helpful information
to advise the City Council.
Commissioner Nathan suggested that the name of the event be something other than "Anti-Semitism
Event" to ensure the appropriate message is delivered to the public. Staff will change the name to "Anti-
Semitism Education and Awareness." The topic will be added to the July meeting for more discussion.
Why Treaties Matter Update
Commissioner Martin provided a recap that the Commission will host the "Why Treaties Matter" exhibit
on loan from the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council during the month of October. Commissioner Martin
will check with MAC to confirm dates of the exhibit and reach out to the library to gauge interest in
City of Golden Valley Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
June 25, 2019 — 6:30 pm
promoting reading materials on the topic. Commissioner Martin will also confirm with staff that the
appropriate paperwork and waivers have been signed.
Adjourn
MOTION by Scott to adjourn at 8:05 pm. Seconded by Harris. Motion carried by unanimous
consent.
Chris Mitchell, Chair
ATTEST:
Kirsten Santelices, Staff Liaison
Respectfully submitted,
Kirsten Santelices, Staff Liaison