Highlights of Numerous Projects in 2009

 

The League joined with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights to present an Annual Conference on Human Rights Day in December. The theme for the Conference was “Where Do We Go From Here?” inspired by a speech Dr. Martin Luther King delivered in Atlanta, GA in 1967.

League Track workshops:

1. League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions Annual Election and Capacity Building session, Building Community through Language and Civility — Plymouth Human Rights Commissioners

2. Human Rights as Community Action:  How to Get the Message to the People and Get the People to Live the Message — Keesha Gaskins, JD, Executive Director, League of Women Voters in Minnesota

3. Understanding Mental Illness — Sue Abderholden, MPH, Executive Director National Alliance on Mental Illness of Minnesota

4. From Prejudice to Pride:                      Understanding Hate/Bias Crimes — Rebecca Waggoner Kloek, Anti-Violence Program Director and Phil Duran, Staff Attorney, OutFront Minnesota

• Hosted fifth “Evening Prior” event before the Annual Conference for Minnesota Human Rights Commissioners and their guests.
  
  
• Installed Standing Rules and Norms for Effective Meetings generated from a poll agreed upon by the Board of Directors.
  
  
• Updated League information on League and MDHR websites. Surveyed HRC websites for 54 cities in Minnesota.
  
  
• League members provided informal idea exchanges on human rights issues by phone, mailings and meetings.
  
  
• Designation of librarian approved to organize a LMHRC library of human rights related resources.
  
  
• Attorney Jennifer McDonald advised on issues regarding League documents.
  
  
• Materials and contact information was sent and meetings held with individuals who are seeking to start Human Rights Commissions in Alexandria Area and Maplewood. 
  
  
• Continued support of “This Is My Home” Human Rights Education project that was developed by the University of Minnesota Human Rights Resource Center in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. The League advertised and promoted the www.thisismyhome.org web site.
  
  
• The eleventh annual Essay Contest was conducted with award ceremonies at the Shoreview City Hall.
  
  
• A new Essay topic was distributed for the 2010 contest:
  
  Read and study the articles in the Human Rights Document booklet which include:
  

• What are human rights?
• Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• Bill of Rights
• Minnesota Human Rights Act
  (Who is protected? Chart)
• Hate Crime Laws

Relate this information to your own life experiences. What are the three most important human rights lessons you have learned from association with your family and friends and persons of other cultures in school or neighborhood? Write why they are important and tell how you think these lessons could influence your future life.

• Participated with other groups in promoting the MDHR poster contest.
  
  
• Provided information for local Human Rights Commissions regarding Otto Bremer Foundation grant.
  
  
• Signed a petition and encouraged fellow citizens to oppose efforts to dismantle the Minneapolis Civil Rights Commission and to support the protection and enforcement of civil rights in the city of Minneapolis.
  
  
• The LMHRC sent letters expressing our support for the Iranian people’s valiant effort to protect their right to participate in the selection and formation of their government to President Barack Obama and Ambassador Susan Rice.
  
  
• Agenda item “Board Education” was established for each Board meeting when Board members present information on topics relevant to needs of Board.
  
  
• Three issues of the Together newsletter were published and distributed this year. 

 

June 11, 2009
Civil Rights Community Social - [poster]

Date: May 22, 2009
District 10 report from: Ada Alden District Director
Re:  Local commission requests 
 
I visited the four commissions located in District 10. The following is a brief summary of the comments and requests made by each group.   Some of the requests have been addressed and I have documented the action after the appropriate entry.  I asked each group to provide suggestions, recommendations and ideas to further connection, communication and collaboration between local commissions and the League of Human Rights.

 
January 8, 2009
Eden Prairie Human Rights Commission Meeting
  
1.  Need clarification about the Bremer Grant. What is the purpose?  What amounts have been distributed?  Transparency from those providing the grant would be appreciated.
 
Bremer grant data was sent to Eden Prairie in May 2009.
 
2.  Members were interested to know budget possibilities of each city commission.  What are the guidelines, format, and availability of support staff? What financial support is present for other commissions?
 
3. Have a connection between commission liaisons.  Promote networking between liaisons. Develop shared templates, encourage ways to update system, email, addresses.
 
4. There was interest in targeting youth members to assist in website, email, technology update to connect with all commissions in a more timely and efficient manner.
 
5.  Materials from the League need to be crisp, updated and current.
 
6.  Clarify expectations from both city and league members.  Promote conversations and dialogue to establish relationship.  Clarify boundaries between local and state.
 
7. System in which positive human rights actions, behaviors, etc are recognized and commended.

 
March 2, 2009
Hopkins Human Rights Commission
  
1. A liaison connection would be helpful.  Such a relationship was present in the past and perhaps renewing those connections would be helpful.
 
2. Members would appreciate sharing projects and knowing what did and what did not work.
 
3.  Members would welcome joint efforts between communities with an opportunity to jointly promote efforts.
 
4. Website – technology – Internet use could be enhanced. Students could keep website updated and current.
 
5. We need more collaborative efforts. 
 
6. How could commissions link with honor students?
 
Seeking help for a state effort for Human Rights posters, I contacted students regarding involvement, all students either did not return my email or responded saying they were too busy.
 
7. Submit best practices when human rights work has been effective.

 
 
April 30, 2009
Plymouth Human Rights Commission
 
1. Liaison connections between different commissions would be helpful. This existed in the past. 
 
2.  Plymouth would be interested in hearing what is happening in other communities. Presently, Plymouth is busy promoting connections within Plymouth.  Training with Wayzata teachers, planning city staff training by Human Rights commission members, and involvement in Plymouth city events is primary at this time.
 
3.  Plymouth would consider hosting an event for other commissioners in District 10 to promote relationship and commutation between the groups.  An ice cream social was suggested at one of the Plymouth parks.
 


May 19, 2009
 
St. Louis Park
Human Rights Commission
 
1.  Promotion of liaison connection between those involved in District 10 would be welcomed.
 
2.  St. Louis Park has been quite successful participating in community events.
 
3.  There was interest in meeting with other commissions to have a conversation and share strengths and concerns.
 
4.  A well-formulated 2009 work plan was shared.  One of the stated goals was to connect with local (metro and state) Human Rights Commissions.
 
5.  There was interest in partnering with other boards and commissions when appropriate.
 
6.  Members were interested in the League website and how current, helpful and active it was. 
 
The communities are dedicated to improving connections.  A visit from a Le ague member was welcomed.  Specific steps taken by the League following the listed recommendations, would promote trust between all of the stakeholders.