All right, I'm calling this February 23rd Human Rights Commission meeting to order. Uh, first thing on our agenda is election of officers.
election of the 2026 officers. Um, we tabled from last meeting the position of secretary. We currently had Alli Lee, our former member serving as secretary and we decided to table that from the
January 26th meeting. Is there any um I don't know if we have any more discussion on that or anyone that would like to step up to serve as secretary. I feel like I I'm going to step up to serve as secretary.
By default. By default. All right. Okay. So, um Sarah has expressed that she's willing to serve as secretary. Do we have um a motion? >> I'll make that motion.
>> Okay. A second. >> Second. >> Okay. Um all those in favor at >> You have to do it three times. >> Okay. >> You can make a three. You have to go three rounds. >> Okay. So, how do I do that again? >> Ask again. >> Any other nominations for the position
of secretary? Thank you. You're welcome. I only learned that last month. Then you have to ask again. Any other nominations for the position of secretary? And I'll ask one more time. Any other nominations for the position of
secretary? Okay, with that, um, all those in favor of, um, Sarah serving as secretary, >> I >> I
>> oppose. Same sign. Okay, motion carries. Um, we will review our minutes from last month's meeting. So, I'll I'll have you take a look at those. If you think they're too long now,
you're going to regret choosing me as your secretary since I did these minutes. We had a lot We had a long meeting last time. We talked about we had a lot to discuss. Do I have um a motion to approve the minutes of the January 26th meeting?
>> So moved. >> Um anyone want to second? >> I'll second. >> Okay. All those in favor of >> I wasn't here. >> Approving the the minutes from the January meeting say I >> I
>> I same side. Okay. Motion carries to approve those minutes. We have the budget report um attached there. Um looks like we are have 100% remaining.
Nothing really. Nothing really indicated there. >> Another high expense time of year. So or well any expense time of year I guess. >> Um next we have events committee. Um
so selection of the human rights award. Um, so I believe we need to >> need to vote on it. >> We need to vote on it, right? Um, so last month we um
we went reviewed all of the submissions and we got a lot of submissions which was great to see. Um, and now we need to vote on who we think deserves the the human rights award and
let's see I'm just looking for clarification. Do we know do we allow our student >> members to vote on this? I cannot recall. >> I don't think they're voting members. >> Okay. Okay.
>> That would be my recollection. >> I think you're right that they're advising members. >> Okay. Do you remember you don't recall if you voted? >> I don't they were on it last year. I don't >> Well, Kayen was on >> anything ever. Okay.
>> Bring the average age down a little bit. Thank you for that. >> Certainly welcome to any of the >> want to pass one down to Carl. >> You want to direct Carl? Um, so I don't know how we handle the
members that are not here. If it's just decided on by who's here >> by who's here. >> Who's here? Okay. All right. Um, so has everyone had the chance to review even if you weren't here the
the um nominees you you have. Okay. Okay. Okay. All right. You can go to the previous meeting and see them again too if you want to look at them. Maybe we could just have a few minutes to review. Would that be okay? >> I can't remember
January and then announce at this meeting tabulate and announce or we just hold on to them. >> Will we be able to go over the nominees again so Carl could remember? >> Yeah, >> we don't have to read them for >> sure. But just review the nominees.
Okay. So, do we have like >> Yeah, go >> attached somewhere. So, we can just kind of like >> It was in the January one that it came out. >> Yeah, >> you can just click on there and just do like a little brief summary. >> Okay. So,
um I will go in order of that they're listed on the voting ballot instead of what they're listed on here just so that you know, Carl. Um the first one listed on the ballot is Ally Gibbs. Um, and she was submitted by Jamie Fay. Um, and just
basically it stated that she she's always fighting for the rights of others, very active in the community, helps people, um, and stands up for people who need it. Um, were some of the statements that she made.
The next one was Betty Uling and she was nominated by Eileen Beric or Burke. I'm not sure if I'm saying that right. Um she was very dedicated to her position as ECF
coordinator. Um and really works for the betterment of every every young child in the community as well as the whole family. Um she created educational opportunities to strengthen the well-being of humans from birth through parenthood. Um and gave a lot of time as
the district human rights um in fulfilling the district human rights office. Um okay. And then we have First Choice Pregnancy Center and that was
nominated by Lorie Schmidt. Um, and that one is quite long. I'll summarize as best I can. Um, so she talks about supporting women and
families choosing life. Um and um the services that they provide that they provide some um services such as ultrasounds, pregnancy,
pregnancy tests, handing out diapers, um things like that. The different kinds of populations that they serve. Um they do some parenting classes and um mentoring
and referrals, daddy boot camp, um some material services, that kind of thing. Okay. And then Ivy House was submitted by Ally Gibbs. Um,
and that's a crisis ner nursery that helps um different children regardless of um regardless of, you know, their status. Um,
their familial status, race, um, they always provide safe, welcoming environments for all. Um they're looking for ways to support program participants beyond just their basic needs to show children joy and love while they're there and after they
leave. And lastly, the Grand Center for Arts and Culture. And that was nominated by Jenny Walters. And she um thought that they were worth noting because it's the only
organization that has a cultural equity statement. They openly acknowledge systems of power and oppression against particular groups of individuals, work actively to provide programming and showcase arts and culture that brings to light and fights against those systems
of power and oppression. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, >> I have two questions. >> Sure. >> One, um, do this is the first time I've actually voted on this. I don't know why I've been on this board for years. just to miss the meetings that we do it.
>> But um so do we have a discussion or we just vote privately? >> I think >> we just vote privately. >> Okay. >> The other question I had is um and I don't know how many times this has happened where you've had organizations and individuals and I was just wondering
um like I don't know. I just it seems very different to have an individual versus an organization and I and then to put them up against each other is hard for me. So I just didn't know how you guys typically deal with that.
>> I know that was it last year or the year before we ended up deciding to give it to >> to >> an individual and an organization. And I do not remember how we came about deciding that.
>> That's going to be my suggestion or question. I I don't remember at what point in that process we ended up deciding that if it was because we ended up in a tie or >> or what >> wasn't that long ago
>> why we came to that conclusion >> but we did and I was on the board too and I do not recall why why we did >> I believe we didn't vote on it at all and there was a motion to have two okay
>> recipients since we two submissions and they agreed that both were good options. >> So, we had maybe just the two submitted. >> Exactly. >> Yeah, that that sounds that sounds accurate, Henry. Mhm. >> See, that's why the young memories over
here. Thank you. >> I mean, do you feel like we should have both or what? I mean, what are you thinking? >> Well, as I was thinking about it, it's so different. um to have a individual person versus an organization and I I sort of want to honor both because on the one hand um it's really important to
have individuals um who are you know doing the work of human rights and doing it out in their community and influencing other individuals in their community in their family in their neighborhoods. And at the same time it's also so important to have organizations
that are leading by example for other organizations. So, it's almost like the target population is different. Um, I would think because other organizations might see an organization getting a human rights award and be like, "Hm, >> I wonder what that's about. How' they do that? Oh, they have a DI statement. Maybe we should have a DI statement or
something." >> Yeah. >> Yep. >> Yeah, it does. Yeah, it I I I agree with what you're saying. Um because there are so many different ways to give back, right? and you can get involved in an organization and then also just being um
you know an individual in your community volunteering is is so important and to honor both is is a good thing. I don't know if we could make a motion to, you know, separate the two where we,
you know, decide to vote on one individual. Um, so grouping the two that are individuals and then grouping the three that are organizations. I don't know if we that's something we
could entertain um or not. What that what the thoughts are with the rest of the board on that or discussion? >> I mean I don't know. >> Yeah. I mean I motion that we we divide
it into groups. I like your suggestion. I think it's it's well stated. >> Um and I like your reasoning for it. Makes a lot of sense. So I would make that motion to have two awards, one for a group, one for an individual. We've
done had two awards before. We certainly have the budget for it. We have the reception at the same time. So that's kind of doesn't weigh into the any of that calculation at all. So >> that's my proposal. >> Yeah.
>> Okay. All those in favor of >> a second. >> A second. >> Oh, sorry. >> All those in favor of giving out two awards, one for an individual and one for an organization, say I. >> I. >> I. >> Oppose. Same side. Okay. Motion carries.
So, if we want to divide our ballot where and it it's it's all nicely the way it's organized. The top two then would be in one group and the bottom three would be in another group. And then you can vote
um pick two. So pick one from the top two and one from the bottom three. All right. Make sure I have all my everyone in their zen, right? >> Okay. >> Do you vote?
>> I voted. Yes. Oh no. Okay, >> we have an even number of people too. So, >> okay. So, we have a winner for organization. We have a tie for individual.
So, I'm not sure what we do. Oh, yeah. Well, uh, could I announce the winner for organization as far as we know? Okay. So, the winner for organization
would be um the grand um was the organization that won. Um, yeah. And then we have a tie for an individual. So
yeah, fun stuff. I propose we award three awards. Oh, I you know, why do I have to be vice chair when when something like this is coming up? I don't know how I'm supposed to handle this.
>> Does Does the uh mayor have a vote on a >> I don't know. >> No, >> no, probably not. Um, so I we could either do that, which I'm down for, or maybe we can send an email vote out for
those who weren't here. Can is that we do that? >> I don't know if that's allowed. >> Oh, okay. >> Conducting business. >> Oh, that's right. >> That way. Probably not. >> That's right. That's right. Supposed to do that. >> Okay. I know. >> Well, then >> it was a good idea, but
>> what is the prize? I don't remember. It's basically just a it's a plaque and then it's you know we have a little ceremony, a little reception. >> I don't see that being a problem then. Yeah. >> In this day and age, we all need some more human rights.
>> Sure. Right. >> Why not just recognize more more people that are giving back? Okay. Do we have a motion to um to give out three awards? >> So moved.
>> Okay. Second. >> Second. >> All right. >> All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Um oppose same side. Okay. Motion carries. >> Now I got to get back to my original.
I'm still back on January. Okay. Um other business. um >> introduce. >> Yes, we have a new um human rights uh member. Do you want to introduce
yourself and say a little bit about yourself? >> Sure. Um my name is Cassie Thompson. Get really close. >> My name is Cassie Thompson. Um I have lived in New for 8 years. I'm originally
from Phoenix via Texas. I'm on my way to Minnesota. So, I've kind of been all over. I work at Carlson Tillish Eye Clinic. I'm the optical manager over there for both locations. Um, yeah, I got one son in college and that's it.
>> Welcome. Thanks. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Um, >> about the committee. I'm sorry. >> I actually know Ally. >> Oh, >> yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Nice. >> All right. Um I this was not this was
put in front of me. So I assume we are supposed to uh look at subcommittees. Um that's not actually on the agenda I don't think but it's on my was on the table. So um executive committee
obviously would be Kristen, myself and now Sarah. Congratulations. Thanks. Um And then we need to look at filling event subcommittees. So part participating events for that would be
Bavarian Blast Parade, New Alm Night Out, Brown County Fair, South Central Minnesota Pride Fest Parade and Festival. And that's if we choose to take part in those things. Um that's breaking it down. So we have
actually divided event subcommittee into like two different groups because Okay. Yeah, we have it listed on here two different times because we have so many events we do. Um >> isn't one more like a participatory and
one is like a planning? >> I think I that could be. Yeah. So the other one is like HRC sponsored events, human rights award. welcoming week, Makakota reconciliation and healing horse ride. Um
so and then the lastly would be education committee. Um so if there's interest in what you would want to be on as far as subcommittee, speak up. Where would you like to serve? Do you
think >> I'll stay on the education committee? >> Okay. Yeah, you're kind of busy planning >> events for that. Makes sense. >> Yeah, it was Carl, Deb, me, and Ally were on it
before. Okay. >> So, Carl will stay on it. That'd be good. Um, >> I'll do the events, participating events. participating events. >> Okay. >> Okay.
>> On either of the events committees. >> Either of the events committees. Okay. Do you have a like a preference? >> Are you more interested in the participating or the like the planning? >> The planning. Okay. >> They're participating. you'll do
participating. Okay. Are you with C K. >> And you said you're more interested in the planning. >> Sure. >> Okay. >> Okay. Um >> we're missing Deb Kristen. >> Yeah. Okay. So, we'll see where they
want to be. I Let's see. Where do I want to be? >> I suppose we could leave it up here for people to >> Yeah. >> sign. >> Yeah. We'll we'll we'll bring it back out next time on that. >> No, it's just kind of where people want to be. Mhm.
>> Um I think I will I will be planning probably if we're planning where I would prefer but I can move too if we need um
Is this an opportunity for our students? >> It is if they want to want to help out. >> Yeah. Um >> I'll do education. Is that >> Yeah, that's Kaden on it too. Yeah, sorry. Yeah, he's Aiden is one of them. Yeah. Okay,
>> I'll go on the participating events. >> Participating events. Perfect. >> And just to be clear, we can all participate. It's just the planning of the participation. >> Planning of the participating. Yes. All participating. We're all part of participation committee.
Okay. Um, any other business at all? No. Okay. Um, legislative update. Um, I assumed last month cuz I ran late and didn't make the meeting. Um, which is
unfortunate. You guys must have talked about what's going on in Minneapolis. >> Yeah. Yeah. Dave Borker came and talked kind of the police chief >> came and talked about that. We talked about a little bit. I'm attending the um Keith Ellison
uh forum after this, so I could probably get some updates there actually. Great. So, I will be there as well. He's just kind of updating >> everyone on all the >> Is that >> legal stuff? Do
>> you know if it's being carried live on new cat or rebroadcast? >> I don't know. >> I don't know. I haven't had any role in planning it. I just Yeah. >> Um >> Okay. confirmation that it's being recorded
but not live. So you will probably be able to find it >> on YouTube later. >> Okay. Um any other legislative updates? Obviously there's a lot going on in our
state. uh city council lays on any any updates, Carl? There >> was u nothing on the the second meeting of the month uh report from the city council and I do believe that was one of the shorter meetings I'm aware that
they've ever had >> nine minutes. >> Nine minutes. >> Oh, it's shorter than one of ours. I think >> they're pretty efficient. All right. Um, we do need a volunteer. Oh, you still have March. Okay. So, just
just to put on people's radar, we will need a volunteer for April to June. So, get that in your in your uh just in your mind if you want to volunteer for those months. We'll be asking next month probably. Um, date of next meeting would
be Monday, March 23rd. Do I have a motion to adjurnn? So >> move second. >> All right. This meeting Oh. All those in favor? >> I
>> I >> opposed. All right.