Advocacy and Response Committee – Board approved December 13, 2011
PURPOSES:
1) To enact the “advocacy” and “resolution of local conflicts and issues” parts of our mission;
2) To respond to issues and concerns that undermine a respectful and socially just community.
ACTIVITIES:
1) Work proactively to create and enact respectful and just community practices and policies;
2) Respond to requests for assistance in promoting the above parts of our mission.
MEMBERSHIP:
Those Board members who wish to participate in advancing the committee’s purposes and will work to do so, subject to affirmation by the Executive Committee.
NATURE / GENERAL PROCEDURE:
The Advocacy and Response Committee will be a standing committee that will report to the Board, and may request Special Meetings of the Board or of the Executive Committee, if the matter is one of urgency. The Executive Committee will appoint an ARC member to serve on the Executive Committee.
CHARGE TO THE COMMITTEE:
1) Build capacity within the committee by engaging in training opportunities to develop skills relevant to the committee charge. Join the California Association of Human Relations Organizations.
2) Develop strategies for using the Board’s diversity in the service of advocacy and response.
3) Ensure that human relations concerns are institutionalized in the selection of civic leaders, commissions, agencies, monuments, parks, and other civic decisions.
4) Ensure that equal opportunity and human relations principles are implemented in housing, employment, education, government-sponsored activities and events.
5) Engage in community building, dialogues, and sponsorship of programs, events and activities that advance the advocacy and resolution of conflicts parts of the HRC mission.
6) Lead and/or Support Efforts to Resolve Loca l Issues and Conflicts that threaten the existence of a “respectful and socially just community”
7) Adopt the “Community Advocacy & Conflict Resolution Process” developed by Gary Avrech and Maria Rodriguez, built upon the 2007 suggestions of Mark Benjamin, with the understanding that it may require minor changes.
8) Partner with community organizations (e.g., The Center for Civic Mediation) to resolve local conflicts.
