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2019-01-15 Minutes - training Page 1 aśśĊ╜■┼ a╜■ĵĊśℓ New Hanover County/City of Wilmington Community Relations Advisory Committee New Hanover County Government Center Finance Conference Room 500 230 Government Center Dr., Wilmington, NC 28403 January 15, 2019 4:00 PM Committee Members Present: Evelyn Bryant, Reverend Chuck Davis, Melanie Frank, Jeffrey Hovis, Jen Johnson, Kristen McKeithan, Elise Rocks, Lori Wainright, Florence Warren, Dr. Anne York Absent: Kathy King, Owen Wexler Staff Present: Bo Dean, NHC; Tim Burgess, NHC; Dahria Kianpour, NHC; Suzanne Rogers, City of Wilmington I.Call to Order Chairwoman Bryant called the meeting to order. Quorum established. II. New Business: Chairwoman Bryant introduced Bo Dean, New Hanover County, to present the training for committee members. wśō╜śŎśŕ Ă┼ś■ŕĂ Welcome and OARRS (Outcomes, Roles, Rules, Agenda) Review and scope of CRAC (and exercise) Break Building Consensus on Meeting Process Wrap up and next steps w◘▄śℓ participants Chair, vice-chair Bo Facilitator, Dahria Note Taker Suzanne sitting participant Timekeeper Bo hĵĊľ◘▓śℓ Group reviews and agrees on the scope of the CRAC Group understands open meetings rules Group agrees to a meeting process Page 2 wĵ▄śℓ Everyone participates Humor helps Truth over harmony conflict is okay Speak one at a time Respect Dʼn◘ĵ♫ 9ŝśʼnľ╜ℓś Members were asked to answer the following four questions: vĵśℓĊ╜◘■ و What (if any) obstacles and/or challenges are you as a committee or you personally facing or encountering with the work of this group? Concerns include: No clear focus Lack of resources to collect info Lack of momentum No clear mandate from City/County vague of what being asked to do Charter too broad Lack of communication Budget determine if there is one with the County Work schedules/time constraints Processes and better procedures How to appropriately address each other in a professional manner Questions and ideas discussed: What resources are needed to help move this? Mission statement, focus and having purpose, how to take action (vision). Discussed how to connect information gathered in order to function and drive what the committee is trying to accomplish. vĵśℓĊ╜◘■ ﻮ What has/have you realized something about another, yourself, city, county, that you can do something, that you need each other or whatever that has been of a particular awakening. Discussed the following ideas: Members being agents of change Meeting one another Difference between this committee and human relations commission Having community members attend meetings to hear their input Racial divides Verbal de-escalation with police Committee is in a dynamic place in its evolution vĵśℓĊ╜◘■ ى What gives you inspiration or inspires you about this committee and its work or who inspires you in this effort? Reflection and discussion to remember why each member is present and involved in the committee. Common desire for community. vĵśℓĊ╜◘■ ﻰ What are the tools and methods, procedures or other means, that help to make sure you can do what is prescribed for you as a committee? What helps make it possible for you to do the work of this committee? Suggestions included: Guidance/clear direction from County/City has committee asked them? Page 3 Define goals/objectives/specific tasks that are measurable Listen to each other Review new ideas Facilitator would be beneficial Closer communication with government officials Ideas discussed: How to do what is being suggested? Provide more training opportunities, allow each other to give input, create structure. Personal background is a tool (utilizing skill sets), as well as networking. Next step to take: Connect committee desire with a process to help get there. .ʼnśĂ╫ يﻮﮭ♫▓ يﻮﻲ♫▓ Brief discussion was held about how meeting discussions sometimes veer away from the path at hand. Mr. Dean provided a suggestion for how to stay on task. Members can politely help each other stay on track during a discussion. Discussion was held regarding two main topics: Getting direction from those who can lead the discussion from government bodies The committee has not addressed government bodies to see what should be the focus and have not received any purpose or clear focus from the appointing authorities. Members have been using their own network/ideas to bring people forward to gather info. The committee did receive funds from the City to conduct the survey. There was a brief discussion regarding process and how to bridge their focus with the 6 specific areas from the committee flyer, which includes: 1.To study and research by means of meetings, conferences, public hearings and other appropriate means any conditions which represent prejudice or discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, creed or religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or medical condition. 2.To develop educational and instructional materials and programs to promote equal rights, tolerance, understanding and inclusiveness and to prevent or alleviate discrimination. 3.To promote intergroup communication and relationship building and provide avenues for diverse groups to come together. 4.To serve as a resource during times of community crisis that stem from intergroup conflict. 5.To provide information and referrals to existing community organizations and resources that are working to promote healthy intergroup relations. 6.To recommend, in an advisory capacity, to the Appointing Authority necessary procedures, programs or policies that promote equal rights and the recognition and appreciation of human diversity. Determining the appropriate way to gather information and conduct meetings to be advisory to the government bodies. A brief discussion was held regarding the need for a liaison to go to for issues and as a point of contact for the committee. The committee discussed and agreed that the chair would carry the message to staff for direction and guidance. When issues arise that are important, the chair will be the contact to the County Commissioners. The committee was reminded that emails concerning this committee are considered public record whether sent via a county or personal email account. This is due to the committee being constituted as a public body under North Carolina General Statute 135. Discussion was held regarding setting up opportunities for the public to attend meetings to share their input. During the public comment period, time limits are needed in order to keep the agenda focused. Members are to listen without responding. The purpose is to be advisory, not to change the situation for them but to share it with organizations or contacts who can assist. Members should be mindful of the exchange with the public and be clear with how issue will be handled. A suggestion was shared to open the meeting by stating the purpose of the committee. Members also discussed their desire to have representation both from the County and the City to attend the meetings, regardless of who is staffing the committee. Page 4 Mr. Davis left the meeting at 6:06pm Mr. Dean passed out information on future meetings moving forward and on point. He explained that by utilizing these types of rules, everyone can participate while keeping the meeting on track and the structure intact. Next steps discussed: Determine a process for meetings Define goals/objectives/specific tasks that are measurable Obtain guidance/clear direction from County/City III. Adjourn: Meeting adjourned at 6:12pm.