Title
Vote on a request to approve Formation and Organization of Human Relations Task Force
Abstract
ACTION REQUESTED: Vote to Approve Formation of Organizational Human Relations Task Force
INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND:
In February 2017, the Board of Commissioners reviewed an early report on options to create a new Human Relations Commission or Committee. At that time, the commissioners felt that it was important to hear from diverse voices in the community.
During March-May, 2017, the Director of Community Relations sponsored four focus groups that included community groups, county agencies, African Americans, Hispanic/Latino residents, school system and youth organizations.
The feedback from these 57 people indicated that that the county needed to rethink the type of group needed to effectively promote better understanding and mutual respect among residents of varying backgrounds and identities, include race, ethnic origin, gender identification, income level, age, education and geographic location.
DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS:
Several common themes emerged from the focus groups:
* Transportation challenges
* Self-segregation in schools
* Barriers to parental involvement with their kids
* Barriers to diverse voices on major issues facing the county
* Limited services access in western Chatham
* Not enough for youth activities outside schools
* Limited affordable and safe housing
* Poor access to broadband for school and work
They identified the following as vital to actually leveraging change: faith community, nonprofits, K-12 schools, community college, law enforcement, nonprofits, county human services agencies, business community, elected officials, youth and seniors. They also noted that a very diverse group of people would need to lead this effort.
The focus group members generally agreed that elected officials and Chatham County have a key role, but more as catalysts/conveners and funding support. Instead, community ownership emerged as vital to ma...
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