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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquity Anti-Racism Advisory Committee Minutes - 2022-01-26 EQUITY & ANTI-RACISM ADVISORY COMMITTEE (EARAC) MINUTES January 26, 2022 CITY OF KITCHENER _____________________________________________________________________________________ The Equity & Anti-Racism Advisory Committee (EARAC) met virtually on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at 5:30 pm. PRESENT: Aaliyah Whyte-Watson, Andrea Daley, Avni Adams, Christine Furniss, Danny Martin, Keitty Roblero, Paul Okoye, Saba Oji, Sharon Van Manen, Ayesha Munir, Bangishimo Johnston, Yexin Tan REGRETS: None STAFF: Elin Moorlag Silk, Senior Researcher, Equity, Anti-Racism & Indigenous Initiatives Rea Parchment, Senior Anti-Racism Advisor, Equity, Anti-Racism & Indigenous Initiatives DELEGATIONS: None Land Acknowledgement Offered by E. Moorlag Silk Welcome and Introductions E. Moorlag Silk thanked the committee members for their time and dedication to the committee. E. Moorlag Silk and R. Parchment introduced themselves and shared aspects of how their roles will support the committee. Committee members introduced themselves and shared their names, pronouns and something about themselves. EARII Staff Introductions The Equity, Anti-Racism and Indigenous Initiatives (EARII) Division is a five-person team. E. Moorlag Silk and R. Parchment were already in attendance and introduced themselves. The other three team members joined the meeting to share about themselves, their roles on the EARII team and update the committee on current and ongoing work. The three additional team members that joined the meeting are Jake Linklater, Senior Indigenous Advisor, Andrew Ramsaroop, Social Planning & Affordable Housing Program Lead and Suzanne Charles-Watson, Director, Equity, Anti-Racism & Indigenous Initiatives. Break – 6:30-6:40pm Draft Terms of Reference for Committee review & feedback A draft terms of reference (ToR) was provided by email to committee members in advance of the meeting for review. The ToR and the City’s Code of Conduct for Council, Advisory Committees, and Board members govern how the Committee operates. E. Moorlag Silk shared her screen and reviewed the ToR with the Committee. 1 EQUITY & ANTI-RACISM ADVISORY COMMITTEE (EARAC) MINUTES January 26, 2022 CITY OF KITCHENER _____________________________________________________________________________________ Questions & Feedback from Committee:  A committee member voiced concern about personal information being captured in meeting minutes. Staff shared that conversations will be summarized and no personal details (aside from names) will be captured in the minutes in order to foster a safe and inclusive environment.  A committee member inquired as to whether there is a policy or information that should be shared with the committee regarding conflict of interest? E. Moorlag Silk informed the committee that information covering conflicts of interest is covered under the Code of Conduct policy. E. Moorlag Silk noted a possible conflict of interest that has already been identified – if committee members also apply to the RISE grant and/or the committee member is personally connected to an applicant. Action: More discussion about the best way to resolve will occur in subsequent meetings before applicant selection begins.  A committee member inquired as to whether there would be opportunities to report directly to City Council? E. Moorlag Silk briefly touched on the reporting structure but noted it will be covered in more detail in an upcoming committee meeting. It was explained that as a committee a chair and vice-chair can be selected by the group who will represent the committee at standing committees/council meetings. Training for those roles will be provided if that option is chosen. It was also noted that it is an optional structure and staff can fulfill those roles if the committee would prefer. Action: Committee to vote on chair/vice-chair role or staff delegate.  A committee member inquired about how and what gets shared with the council. E. Moorlag Silk explained that all motions would go to the council and an annual update, but the committee has flexibility in how and when they would like to share to the council (quarterly updates for example).  A committee member inquired about the identities/diversity of council members. E. Moorlag Silk explained the demographics of those who currently sit on the council and the direct channels that this committee will have to them.  E. Moorlag Silk introduced the topic of appropriate compensation/recognition for committee members. As it stands, there are no current advisory committees at the City that receive a formal honorarium, however; it was recommended by members of the Mayor’s Task Force that committee members should be meaningfully and appropriately compensated for their time, experience, and knowledge. It was explained to the committee that options are available as to what best fits the needs of the committee (sliding scale, donation, dollar amount, etc.) o A committee member noted other similar committees in the region have been offered $75 an hour. o Two committee members appreciated that options for recognition were being offered. o A committee member suggested the possibility to split the honorarium – a monetary portion that goes directly to the committee member and a portion that gets donated to 2 EQUITY & ANTI-RACISM ADVISORY COMMITTEE (EARAC) MINUTES January 26, 2022 CITY OF KITCHENER _____________________________________________________________________________________ a charity of the committee member’s choice. The donation would be made directly by the City to the charity of choice. o A committee member noted they would appreciate more time to decide on the honorarium. They suggested the creation of a form/survey outlining all the options available so that committee members can choose in a more discreet manner. o It was clarified that although the committee members would be compensated in some fashion it would still be considered an honorarium for volunteer recognition. It is not a paid role. o A committee member suggested in addition to monetary compensation that a written letter or certificate of acknowledgement/recognition also be provided to committee members. Action: E. Moorlag Silk and R. Parchment to build the survey with compensation options and share with the committee. Launch of the Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity (RISE) Fund E. Moorlag Silk briefly introduced the RISE grant and noted it will be launching on Feb 14, 2022, and closing on March 17, 2022. Before the next committee meeting, E. Moorlag Silk will share additional information via email regarding the grant. Any questions before the next EARAC meeting can be directed to E. Moorlag Silk and R. Parchment for further information. Action: E. Moorlag Silk to provide more information regarding the RISE grant to the committee members by email. Next steps & agenda items for February EARII Discussion and Update Training regarding Municipal Services RISE Grant Update Information Items AODA mandatory training for volunteers – pamphlets to be distributed to committee members Action: E. Moorlag Silk will send a prompt to committee members regarding training. Meeting adjourned at 7:48pm. 3