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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-09-16Clarftwn Clarington Anti -Black Racism Subcommittee Wednesday, September 16, 2020, 6:00 PM Microsoft Teams If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext 2131 Present: Erin Boyd Councillor Ron Hooper Meera McDonald Lauren Reyes -Grange Rochelle Thomas Angela Todd -Anderson Rachel Traore Also Present: Samantha Aitken - Public Service Coordinator, Clarington Public Library Erica Mittag - Community Development Coordinator, Municipality of Clarington 1. Land Acknowledgement Meera McDonald read the Land Acknowledgement Statement 2. Introductions of new members / guests Meera McDonald welcomed the following new members and guests to the meeting: Councillor Ron Hooper, Council Liaison to the Diversity Advisory Committee; Samantha Aitken, Public Service Coordinator with Clarington Public Library; and Basia Radomski, Communications Manager with Municipality of Clarington. 3. Engage Clarington — Page Demonstration Basia Radomski provided an overview of a draft page using Clarington's Engage Clarington platform. This tool and its content would be owned by the Municipality of Clarington. It will be a way to connect with our community and provide an opportunity for residents to share stories and engage on issues affecting them in a safe forum. The site will be moderated by a third -party software that will flag posts that contain profanity according to the built-in logarithm. It was undecided if users will have to register to share posts on the site. A suggestion was made to include a disclaimer about the possible use of the content once posted. The concern is reducing barriers to participation and encouraging open and honest dialogue. The page and the content can be shared on social media. This platform would be used to augment any related social media. Basia will share a draft version with Erica to share with the Subcommittee members for their review. The timeframe to launch could be within the next few weeks. 4. Social Media Campaign — Update Lauren provided an update to all on the development of the social media plan. Members are encouraged to continue to populate the shared document with personal stories, names of Clarington Black -owned businesses and their allies and upcoming events with a focus on inclusion. Samantha offered to connect with Clarington Museums about the story sharing initiative as they recently had a similar activity to do with the impact of COVID. Samantha also offered that if Members had suggestions for books and items, they could share with her directly. She will provide information for the group on the process to suggest book club readings. Angela shared that Congress for Black Women recently partnered with Ajax - Pickering Public Libraries to host an online conversation event. Samantha will investigate if Clarington Public Library could look to host a virtual event. 5. Volunteer Orientation — Follow Up Members who have not yet completed the volunteer orientation documents are asked to do so and forward their confirmation form to Erica as soon as possible. Erica will also follow up directly with members who have not yet submitted. 5. Terms of Reference The Terms of Reference were reviewed and a suggestion was made to encourage youth members to join the Subcommittee. The Terms of Reference will be shared with the Diversity Advisory Committee to confirm and approve. 7. Committee Deliverables A. Social Media Campaign: The group discussed having a robust social media framework completed by their next meeting (3-4 weeks) at which time, discussion could occur with Clarington Communications for corporate support. B. Policy: Erica will share policies that the Municipality currently has that could include aspects of diversity, inclusion, anti -racism. Members are encouraged to look for examples in other communities and organizations. Once compiled, the next step will be to identify gaps. The group discussed a target date of 6 weeks to compile, identify and prepare an initial draft. C. Training: There may be potential funding coming that can address the training component. 8. Diversity Lens Erica provided an overview of what a Diversity Lens is and will share the draft with the group that the Diversity Advisory Committee has been developing. Members can share their feedback on the tool with Erica. 9. Durham Black Accountability Coalition Erica will share the link to the petition organized by Durham Black Accountability Coalition for members to provide feedback to Rachel on what should be considered and included in a response to the petition. The Diversity Advisory Committee will be providing a recommended response for Mayor Foster and Members of Council. 10. Other Business Lauren shared she had noticed some new groups popping up on social media and had concerns of the intent of the group(s). The hope is the groups are not promoting racism. Erica shared that at a networking meeting held September 16, it was suggested that representatives from various municipal Anti -Black Racism Working Groups / Subcommittees / Task Forces be connected to share experiences and provide a consistent effort, where applicable. There was a concern that there needs to be some formality to the group and more information about time commitment. Erica will provide more information as it becomes available. Next meeting: Wednesday, October 14, 2020, 6:00 p.m. Virtually — Microsoft Teams Action Item Description Wh• • Share orientation document and links; Erica (share) / Erica will follow up subcommittee members will review, All (review / with any participate in the online modules and complete online outstanding will send (scan / email) in their modules) confirmation form to Erica. Create a mock-up of content to share with Lauren (Erica) Members Erica for review prior to sharing with encouraged to group. continue to populate information in the shared file Look at a file sharing method for Erica (create) / Erica investigating collaboration and upload documents for All (review) all to review. Investigate best way for moving forward a Erica Erica investigating. recommended policy and determine Erica to compile which staff to engage with to get support. and share related policies Erica to share a draft version of the Erica / All Diversity in Clarington engage page. Members asked to provide comments and feedback for consideration. Could the Library host a virtual event? Samantha Share process for requesting book club Samantha books Terms of Reference to be shared with Erica / Meera / DAC for review and approval Rachel Erica to share draft Diversity Lens with Erica / All Members. Members to provide feedback on the draft to Erica Durham Black Accountability Coalition — All input to response. Members to review petition and share thoughts with Rachel for possible response Regional connection of similar groups. Erica Erica to share more information when available.