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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquity Anti-Racism Advisory Committee Minutes - 2022-03-30EQUITY & ANTI-RACISM ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 30, 2022 CITY OF KITCHENER The Equity & Anti-Racism Advisory Committee to Council met electronically this date, commencing at 5:30 p.m. Present: Andrea Daley, Avni Adams, Ayesha Munir, Christine Furniss, Danny Martin, Paul Okoye, Saba Oji, Sharon Van Manen, Shawn (Bangishimo) Johnson, and Yexin Tan. Absent: Aaliyah Whyte-Watson, Keitty Roblero Staff: Rea Parchment, Senior Anti-Racism Advisor Chair Amanda Drumond, Committee Administrator 1. CHECK-IN st Committee members shared feedback about their experience presenting at the March 21 Kitchener City Council meeting as part of the International Day For the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. 2. DESIGNING MEANINGFUL MEETINGS Rea led a discussion about the duties and roles of the chair/vice-chair/co-chair, should the committee decide that they would like to implement this model for the Equity & Anti-Racism Advisory Committee. type of model, and it may prove helpful in prioritizing the work of the committee going forward. Legislated Services staff will attend the next committee meeting in April to provide additional context and training. Rea advised that there may also be opportunities for the chair/co-chairs to be engaged in other aspects of City activities, such as an upcoming virtual gathering of chairs/vice-chairs from all advisory th committees across the City on May 4 to discuss the new Strategic Plan. In response to a question about who would be responsible for setting the agenda for future meetings, it was advised that Rea and Amanda would still provide support to the committee (creating and circulating agendas, taking meeting minutes, etc.) but the chair/co-chairs could decide on the agenda content. Members were asked to put their names forward if they wish to volunteer for the position of Co-Chair for the remaining term of the Equity & Anti-Racism Advisory Committee (until October 2022). The following members expressed interest in volunteering for the role of Co-Chair: - Sharon Van Manen - Saba Oji The committee agreed that Sharon and Saba should assume the roles of Co-Chair. Rea also advised that she would share this information with Compass Kitchener for the upcoming (virtual) advisory th committee chair & vice-chair gathering taking place on May 4 (5-7pm) via Zoom to discuss the public engagement process for the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan. 1 EQUITY & ANTI-RACISM ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 30, 2022 CITY OF KITCHENER Rea shared a document which provided an outline for planning the ongoing work of the committee, as well as items for consideration as the work of the committee is formalized and prioritized over the coming months. Suggested areas of committee involvement included continued work on the 8 Force, recognition of significant days/holidays/events, and any other relevant issues currently impacting the citizens of Kitchener. A discussion took place amongst committee members to identify the areas of work they wish to focus on; members were asked to forward 1-3 items that they would like the committee to work on to Rea and the Co-Chairs by email within the next week. In response to a question on whether the items submitted would be worked on collectively or individually, it was advised that once the suggestions have been put forward the committee will decide how best to tackle the work, possibility through the creation of subcommittees or smaller groups if all members agree with this method. Rea will compile the list of items submitted and circulate to the committee for review at the next meeting in April. Question was raised about opportunities for committee members to promote the work they are doing in the community; this could be accomplished also advised that the public-facing committee webpage has been updated to include the names of the currently appointed committee members. Suggestion was made for investigating ways of allowing citizens to provide feedback to be reviewed at committee meetings, and ways for community members to contact committee members directly, possibly through an online feedback form. Question was raised on whether any of the suggested areas for committee involvement are time- sensitive; it was advised that Rea will keep the committee informed on the progress of work items and will provide timelines for understanding and committee participation if desired. The group expressed a desire for in-person meetings, recognizing the value of conversation and connection. It was advised that options for future in-person meetings will be investigated, but advisory committee meetings will continue virtually until further notice. \[Bangishimo left the meeting at 6:16pm.\] 3. Rea led a group discussion to engage the advisory committee in the recruitment and hiring process for the next Director, Equity, Anti-Racism & Indigenous Initiatives role at the City of Kitchener. Rea shared the following ways that the committee members could be involved in the hiring process: 2 EQUITY & ANTI-RACISM ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 30, 2022 CITY OF KITCHENER - creation of the job description; draft would be shared with the committee for feedback - sharing the finalized job posting - review and feedback of the interview matrix to be used when interviewing candidates - committee members could be selected to participate on the interview panel, if certain criteria are met Feedback was sought from the advisory committee members for suggestions of additional ways that the committee could be involved in the hiring process. The group provided the following comments: support was received for the level of committee involvement in the hiring process as proposed suggestions of what can be done to help make the environment more inclusive: o HR policies and practices to be implemented to develop and retain employees, ensure they feel safe and supported, and provide mentorship and opportunities for promotion the group expressed interest in having a City staff member attend a future committee meeting to speak about support for the next Director (e.g. what can the committee can do, and what is the city planning to do) Rea will reach out to the current Interim Director as well as GM of Corporate Services department to request that they speak to the committee about the City plans to support the next Director. BREAK 6:25-6:35pm 4. RISE GRANT APPLICATIONS At this time the Chair stated by resolution that a closed session meeting will be held to allow for the committee to consider the applications submitted for the RISE Fund community grant, which includes personal matters about an identifiable individual and falls within the exceptions as set out in s. 239 of the Act. Moved by Yexin Tan Seconded by Paul Okoye Resolution. 5. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:48 pm. A. Drumond Committee Administrator 3