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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquity Anti-Racism Advisory Committee Minutes - 2023-02-22EQUITY & ANTI-RACISM ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES February 22, 2023 CITY OF KITCHENER The Equity & Anti-Racism Advisory Committee met electronically this date, commencing at 5:30 p.m. Present: Danny Martin (Co-Chair), Veronica Vasquez (Co-Chair), Ann Marie Beals, Avni Adams, Ayesha Munir, Fiorella Benini, Leo Campbell, Oluseun Olayinka, Saba Oji, Yexin Tan Absent: Paul Okoye, Rida Rahman Staff: Rea Parchment, Committee Staff Liaison Amanda Drumond, Committee Administrator Sophia Stanberry, Director, Equity, Anti-Racism & Indigenous Initiatives 1. CHECK-IN AND APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES D. Martin / V. Vasquez convened the meeting. The minutes were approved as distributed. 2. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF - NIL 3. EQUITY, ANTI-RACISM & INDIGENOUS INITIATIVES (EARII) TEAM PRESENTATION R. Parchment provided background context of the Equity, Anti-Racism & Indigenous Initiatives (EARII) team at the City of Kitchener, and an overview of the eight actions that were prioritized by the on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, which were used to develop the Corporate Strategy on Equity and Anti-Racism. It was noted that providing feedback on said action items. In response to a question about how many staff members are on the EARII team, it was advised that there are currently three staff members, with plans to hire additional staff. R. Parchment then shared a summary highlighting some of the equity and anti-racism work that the EARII team, and other staff across the organization, have completed thus far to combat racism and support equity in our community. S. Stanberry, Director EARII, gave an update on upcoming plans for the EARII team at the City of Kitchener. Staff -2026 strategic plan, which forms the future of Kitchener. The draft plan will go to city council for discussion, refinement, and final approval in June 2023. The goals identified in the 2023-2026 strategic plan will help form the work plan of the EARII team, and throughout the planning process staff will share with the committee for feedback and to help prioritize action items. S. Stanberry shared some other initiatives that the EARII team will be working towards and which the committee can provide input, such as: creating toolkits and resources for city staff to utilize in the development of new policies/programs, which could also be shared externally with community members involved in equity work; partnering with other community organizations to co-design a model for engagement. In response to a question about Waterloo Wellbeing sunsetting their program, it was advised that opportunities are currently being explored to transfer current programs into partnering local organizations. 1 EQUITY & ANTI-RACISM ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES February 22, 2023 CITY OF KITCHENER In response to a question regarding corporate structure / how the various city departments interact with each other, it was advised that a high-level organizational chart for the departments and divisions at the City of Kitchener can be shared with the committee members. With regards to equity work specifically, S. Stanberry noted that different EDI working groups exist across the region, comprised of members from various municipal organizations, and who meet on a regular basis to discuss issues that overlap to have a coordinated approach. 4. COMMITTEE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT D. Martin introduced the topic of committee rules of engagement, specifically how does the group want to structure meetings going forward, ways to engage and interact equitably with each other, and how to work together to accomplish goals. Discussion took place among committee members, with the following suggestions/feedback from the group: - create a goal to have at least one outcome from each meeting - create time at the beginning of each meeting for connection - create time at the end of each meeting for other matters arising - leave adequate time for updates on action items from previous meeting minutes - create time to bring forward agenda items for next meeting; can also be emailed in advance - appreciate co-chairs keeping meeting on schedule / on time - expectation that committee members come to meetings prepared for discussion and to provide input It was noted that new agenda items for current meeting could be added if urgent through a vote, but ideally agenda items should be shared in advance to allow community members to attend if they wish to delegate. BREAK 6:30-6:37pm 5. COMMITTEE INTERACTION WITH CITY STAFF AND COUNCIL V. Vasquez brought forward the topic of committee interaction with city staff and council; committee members shared their experiences from previous advisory committee involvement. Discussion took place among committee members about ways that they would like to interact with city staff and council, with the following general comments from the group: - interactions should be meaningful and intentional - should have full conversations to provide feedback - would like to engage more strategically - would like to receive status updates on any actions that arise from committee recommendations It was noted that as an advisory committee of council, the committee does have the ability to address council and attend council meetings, either in person or through a report to council. R. Parchment advised that committee members can also invite staff members to attend advisory committee meetings to learn about any relevant projects or topics of interest. 2 EQUITY & ANTI-RACISM ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES February 22, 2023 CITY OF KITCHENER R. Parchment gaged interest from the group on sending reminders to city staff to promote the committee internally within the organization; committee members agreed that it would be helpful to promote the committee internally with city staff. 6. RISE GRANT R. Parchment provided an overview of the RISE Fund community grant, which provides support for community-led organizations, programs, initiatives, or events meant to decrease inequities and increase opportunities and well- being for Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities in Kitchener. The application is clear that this grant is not meant for white-led organizations to hire racialized staff. During the first year, the city funded twelve organizations, and total funds granted in 2022 were just under $100K. For 2023 council approved additional funds, and the annual budget amount has increased to $150K ($75K per intake). R. Parchment shared details about the grant application, evaluation, and selection process. There will be two application intakes for 2023 (spring and fall). Committee members will receive training before the selection process begins. The city will again be hosting a free two-part grant writing workshop to support community members / organizations with any municipal, provincial, and federal grant applications. R. Parchment will share details of the grant writing workshops with committee members as soon as finalized. 7. BLACK HERITAGE MONTH EVENT UPDATE R. Parchment shared details about Black Heritage Month event: -6pm Event will feature Kitchener elected Black leaders and allies, as well as entertainment, networking and food Free parking is provided 8. CALL FOR MARCH AGENDA ITEMS AND STAFF REPORTS D. Martin made the call for agenda items, the following items were put forth: RISE Fund community grant process improvements, grant selection training Days of Significance how the committee would like to be involved Access Without Fear Policy status updates from staff on policy implementation 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:34 pm. A. Drumond Committee Administrator 3