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Home My WebLink About2021-02-23 Minutes Page1 DRAFT MINUTES DRAFT MEETING MINUTES New Hanover County/ City of Wilmington Community Relations Advisory Committee Virtual ZOOM Meeting February 23, 2021 5:30 PM Committee members present: Liz Carbone, Jen Johnson, Kathy King, Lori Wainright, Scott Whisnant, Courtney Horton, and Reddgo Long Jr., Kim Geiger, and Florence Warren Staff Present: Linda Thompson, NHC; Suzanne Rogers, COW; Erica Jacobs-Graham, COW, Crystal Williamson, WPD Absent: Evelyn Bryant, Megan Mullins, and Reverend Charles Davis Public: Anne Ettelman Call to Order Chair Lori Wainright called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm. Roll call was taken. A quorum was established. Minutes 1/26/2021 Kathy King moved minutes be approved as presented, Reddgo seconded, and the motion passed. Agenda 2/23/21 Courtney moved the agenda be approved as presented, Kathy seconded, and the motion carried. th Debrief from January 26 Planning Session w/Vantage Pointe – Lori th Lori asked for feedback/reflections on the January 26 planning meeting. Jen responded that the meeting was somewhat helpful and a good start to developing a plan for the year. Lori added that there is more work to do to create priorities. Liz remarked it was a good first step. A. Establish priorities for next 2-5 years Lori referred to her notes summarizing the 1/26/21 meeting, which she previously shared with the CRAC via email. She reviewed the notes and referred to a matrix that Liz prepared to track CRACs work on priority issues. (see attached). B. “Issue/champion” versus sub-committee structure Page2 DRAFT MINUTES A discussion ensued about the functionality of the existing sub-committee structure. The resolution that created CRAC includes bylaws which define the membership and sub-committee structure – identifying three sub-committees Programming, Education and Crisis. That said, the bylaws allow for the creation of additional sub-committees, including ad hoc, as deemed appropriate by CRAC. Therefore, a more practical approach is to organize CRAC’s work around pertinent Issues of Concern related to discrimination, equity, inclusion, and diversity. These Issue will be prioritized, and a Champion will be identified to lead actions related to the issue. “Issue Champions” will work with other CRAC members and report back to the full CRAC on recommended actions. CRAC members are ask to sign-on to work on Priority Issues. The existing Crisis sub-committee will be comprised of all members of the CRAC; this sub-committee will serve to formulate responses to issues that require a timely consideration by the CRAC and possible action, for example the letter of support for removing confederate statues, or the action to investigate CFPUA’s possible use of water restriction devices for delinquent customers. Membership to “Issue Groups” and chair for the Crisis sub-committee will require CRAC members to volunteer and inform Lori and Suzanne. After full discussion the proposed change to sub-committee function via “Issue” focus was adopted by consensus. After discussion of subcommittees, Suzanne provided the bylaws requirements stating, “the committees are mandatory but, can create new subcommittees as needed.” Kathy suggested that the crisis subcommittee be ADHOC. Update on ongoing projects LGBTQ – Jen Johnson. Jen reported that a follow-up letter restating CRAC’s recommendations had been sent to the City and County. The City has verbally replied indicating a Resolution addressing LGBTQ inclusion has been drafted and is being reviewed by the City Attorney. Linda Thompson reported that New Hanover County is also working on a LGBTQ Resolution. The issue is currently who will enforce the policy? The county is finding best practices from other counties/cities. Jen continued, updating the CRAC on a January meeting she convened of LGBTQ stakeholders, including community-based organizations. She shared her research on the negative impact of discrimination on LGBTQ, especially youth in school. The Frank Harr Foundation agreed to host continued meetings to continue advocacy for LGBTQ youth. A working group meeting was scheduled by Frank Harr for 2/24/21 at 5:30pm. Jen shared her findings on from speaking with youth, teachers, and parents, in addition to her research review. In these conversations Jen heard concerns about counselor confidentiality, harassment and bullying, fear of retaliation, lack of training and understanding about LGBTQ youth. Jen will be meeting with Stephanie Adams, School Board member, to share this information and explore how to work with NHCS to utilize NC Equality resources to improve policy and create effective strategies to support LGBTQ youth, families, and teachers. Further, Jen suggest a letter from CRAC to the NHC School Board. Jen made the following motion: the CRAC will send a letter to the Board of Education to report the results of our investigation into LGBTQ discrimination concerns in the schools and recommend that they consult with Equality NC's Education Policy Director to develop a two-year plan for creating a more inclusive and welcoming school environment for LGBTQ students and teachers. Courtney seconded the motion, and the motion carried by unanimous vote. Neighborhood Schools -Scott Whisnant with help of Kimberly Geiger. Scott reported he continues to collect data and refine the presentation in relation to input received. He expects to present his findings on Page3 DRAFT MINUTES the impact of Neighborhood School policy to a joint meeting of the NHC School Board, NHC Board of Commission, and Wilmington City Council in late March or early April. He asked the group for input on their thoughts about the wished of the African American community on the preference to improve the low performing schools or move kids to increase racial diversity within the schools. It was suggested that further research into this question and identify best practices or models to consider. Health Equity- Discussion about this topic being of interest to Evelyn. Minority Business- Discussion about this topic being of interest to Megan City Rise Up/ Renaming – Liz Carbone. The City requested a CRAC appointment and Liz volunteered to represent CRAC on City initiative to provide input on policy for renaming streets, etc.. To date, she has not heard from the City on dates, etc. but she will keep CRAC posted. Workforce Housing Advisory Committee – Evelyn Bryant & Lori Wainright. Lori reported on the 2/3/21 meeting of the WHAC, which included presentations from consultants on housing needs assessment and public opinion survey. WHAC continues to work on a housing plan to present to the City and County in late April. Youth Engagement- Reddgo Long Jr.. Reddgo reported on a meeting with Big B to plan a youth forum. Reddgo is following up with Big B to finalizing plans. He proposes a series of virtual forums with a Big Event to culminate the series. The events should target youth up to age 24 and include speakers- Champions of Diversity- with insights into topics of interest and concern to youth and engage youth in a discussion around the topic as it relates to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Reddgo suggest using the StreamYard App as the platform. He will create a plan and schedule to present to CRAC for review and comment. He asked that members send him ideas for speakers. Master Calendar of events/groups addressing Equity, Diversity, Inclusion – Liz reached out to Cape Fear Collective to ask then to join with CRAC to create and host a community calendar. They agreed. Announcements: Lori will email information on a Resiliency Conference Jen will email a webpage resource on Person Centered Language Public Comment: No public comment. Recognize Anne Ettelman, NHC League of Women Voters. Meeting adjourned at 6:55 pm Attachments Page4 DRAFT MINUTES Notes 1/26/21 CRAC Planning Meeting prepared by Lori Wainright 1. Decide what long-term initiatives to prioritize for the next 5 years  Follow models of past successes (LGBTQ / School Redistricting)  Evaluate and share what other groups are working on  Align with City and County on Diversity, Equity initiatives  Be able to respond to immediate needs as they arise (Crisis Ad hoc)  Is our mission /vision in line with this? Do our committee structures support the work of the C-RAC or should we align with issues? These are the areas of interest identified by C-RAC members: LGBTQ issues in schools and the greater community awareness (JEN) How well do we understand diversity and equity as a committee/community (LORI) Socio-economic opportunities/Minority Entrepreneurship Needs (MEGAN) School disparities / education (SCOTT and KIMBERLY) Outreach for community concerns “making C-RAC a household name,” identifying concrete channels for advertising/social media (EVELYN, FLORENCE, LIZ, LORI) Workforce Housing (EVELYN, LORI) Youth Engagement (CRYSTAL Williamson, WPD Diversity & Inclusion Officer) Outreach to LATINX community (LIZ) Addressing needs of people with disabilities (LIZ, JEN) Voices not heard: Reddgo Long, Rev Davis, Courtney Horton Action Steps: 1. Create master document of projects, point person, action steps, deadlines and collaborating agencies (Vantage Point model) 2. In collaboration with CLEAR (Peyton Earey/Mebane Boyd), and County Equity & Diversity Office create master list of organizations and what they are working on-identify gaps and collaborations 3. Assign point person to the City’s Rise Up campaign 4. Appoint every C-RAC member to a subcommittee (either Education or Programming) 5. Reassign Crisis as Ad hoc for issues that come up that need our attention 6. Assign person to follow up with implementation of recommendations of C-RAC (KATHY) 7. At every meeting, provide roundup summary of community events/conversations/programs https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qaqeR3kD8f-PUlcLm_dlshwM4R4bM- C0ERghix2V5CU/edit?ts=602ec26e Page5 DRAFT MINUTES Project Lead C-Affiliated Groups Goal & Actions Steps RAC rep Neighborhood Scott W GOAL: Schools LGBTQ Issues Jen J Equity NC GOAL: Resiliency Taskforce  Equity NC MEI Frank Harr Foundation recommendations to City/County  Research and presented report at public meeting  Made recommendations to the School Board  Follow up April 2021 Minority Megan M Chamber of GOAL: Entrepreneur- ship Commerce Genesis / Economic Block Development Health Equity Evelyn B Novant GOAL: Workforce Lori W Mtgs 1st Wednesday @ GOAL: Housing 3:00 PM Rise UP City Liz C GOAL: Renaming efforts Community Florence GOAL: Awareness W  C-RAC website went live July 1, Evelyn B 2019 Lori W  Advisory role to the 1898 Commission (Liz)  2020 survey of community funded by the City to assess public views of discrimination at school, governmental policies, housing.  WAVE project with Creekwood (6/2019)  Discrimination Package: Resource/Outreach Site @ Downtown Library every Monday at 9:00 AM (2019) Criminal Liz C Resiliency TF-1st GOAL: Justice/Law responders  Deputy Sarvis attended 8/2019 Enforcement subcommittee mtg said that CRAC would be included in any crisis Page6 DRAFT MINUTES  CRAC invited to do “ride along” (8/2019)  CRAC invited to participate in de-escalation training (2018)  CRAC briefed on use of force policies (2020) Bias, Diversity, Florence REsiliency TF GOAL: Equity W Youth Engagement Reddgo L Coast Radio YWCA GOAL: Brigades Dreams  Met with Big B in January-need to follow up Latinx Community GOAL: Raise awareness of needs of immigrant communities; ensure that C- RAC has representation  Access to governmental services/health equity Individuals with Jen J GOAL: disabilities  Cochair of CFDC Vanessa Lacer presented to CRAC (9/2019)  County held Deaf and hard of hearing town hall (9/2020) Master Contact & Liz C Cape Fear Collective GOAL: Calendar  Spoke with Patrick Brien from Resiliency TF CFC