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Memo Human Rights Commission ., I fI/I F JVIJ>I From: Hopkins City Council Jim Genellie To: Date: Subject: July 9, 1993 Human Rights Commission A planning group has been working to establish a Human Rights Commission in Hopkins. The planning group has been working with individual citizens, various civic groups, and the statewide League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions. The group has requested an audience with the City Council to urge the creation of a Human Rights Commission in Hopkins. The City of Hopkins did have a Human Rights Commission. It was established in June of 1968. It was renamed the Omnibus Commission in 1986 when the City ordinances were recodified. The Commission was abolished in September of 1987. Any new commission would have to be created with another City ordinance. A number of surrounding cities have human rights commissions including Eden Prairie, Edina, Golden Valley and St. Louis Park. These commissions are engaged in a variety of activities. The St. Louis Park Commission organized a heritage festival. The Eden Prairie Commission was instrumental in organizing a community wide response to a cross burning in that city. A number of commissions conduct educational programs. Most commissions also offer a no fault grievance process for mediating discrimination claims. Attached are the following documents concerning Human Rights Commissions: 1 - A flyer from the Hopkins planning group seeking endorsements and volunteers 2 - Endorsements received for a Hopkins Human Rights Commission 3 - Comments and suggestions for Human Rights Commission 4 - Human Rights Commission "Starter" Information from the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions 5 - Two issues of Together, the newsletter of the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions file name: HOP-HRC ENDORSEMENTS RECEIVED FOR A HOPKINS HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Dr. John F. Roschen Steve Lonning Bill Kelly Leon Rice Karen Jensen Barbara Ingalls Rabbi Morman Cohen Sr. Dolores Zieser Fr. Stan Roch, OSB Dr. Arthur Brunning Linda Huemoeller Nelson Berg Bob Miller Clarita Knapp Marjorie Hammond Julie Forchay Charles Kritzler Karen Legenhausen Frances L. Hesch *55305 Zip 412 5th Avenue, N. 221 Althea Lane 1005 2nd st. NE #210 10 5th Ave. N. 241 13th Ave. N. 29 17th Ave. N. 201 9th Ave. N. 1011 Feltl Court 1011 Feltl Court #102 1001 State Highway 7 172 N. Blake Road 904 Mainstreet 10 N. lOth Ave. 920 Feltl Court #148 5 Webster Place 1001 Highway 7 232 11th Avenue N. 126 6th Avenue N. 246 5th Avenue N. Hopkins Hopkins Hopkins Hopkins Hopkins Hopkins Hopkins Hopk'ins Hopkins Hopkins Hopkins Hopkins Hopkins Hopkins Hopkins* Hopkins* Hopkins Hopkins Hopkins 935-5509 931-9914 935-9157 938-3476 936-0325 933-1963 933-8525 933-3333 933-3333 933-9353 933-6235 935-3425 938-3611 938-5463 935-4209 933-9320 938-9493 935-4919 936-0205 [file: COMMENTS] COMMENTS & SUGGESTIONS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS CO~ISSION 1. Make sure all sides of spectrum are encouraged & motivated to come together, including "upper-end" who may have resources to contribute and would also benefit from broadened relationships. 2. Group needs a specific mission--clearly defined. encourage the commission focus . . . important to plan specific purpose and programs 3. Is this a full-time staffing Commission? Would like more information before endorsing. 4. Program idea--work with Jaycees and schools to make Heritage Days a real celebration of diversity; there is already some interest on the part of school staff. 5. Re: Mediation -- how and who will be involved in the mediations and what authority or responsibility will the process have? 6. RE: Reviewing (Monitoring) Existing Programs -- a word of caution--this is a very touchy area to make sure we're inclusive not divisive 7. A real need to heighten awareness of community 8. Enforcement of ADA issues 9. Human Rights Activities reported from Hopkins to Minnesota Department of Human Rights--might there have been additional contacts with other agencies dealing with discrimination _ complaints? . 10. Need an information-referral listing on how to process various complaints 11. Publish newsletter 12. Have phone # into city Hall with recorder when not attended 13. Monitor performance of various public agencies by having volunteers attend meetings of these groups 14. Did Hopkins have a Human Rights Commission in the 1970s? The person reporting it (who had been on the initial HRC back then) has not heard what happened to it. 15. Is there any kind of existing Tenants' Council for apartment residents in Hopkins? Likewise, is there an Apartment Managers' council? 16. What working r 1ationship does the city have with community Action for Suburban Hennepin (C.A.S.H.)? . - mBETHER Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Mpls, MN Permit # 4364 4221 Lake Road, Robbinsdale, MN 55422 A Newsletter of the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions Volume 8 No.1 January 1993 TOGETHER Again! The newsletter of the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions reappears after several months of absence. Tom Kuster, New Vlm, served ably and consistently as editor for eight eventful years. After Tom announced his wish to leave this panicular responsibility, Marion Helland, Golden Valley, volunteeredfor the job. The major story swirling around League members at this time is encapsulated in this headline: Bias response plan put into action! The League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions launched a statewide campaign to encourage Minnesotans to take a stand against acts of racial, religious, ethnic and sexual bigotry and harassment. The response plan detailed on the next two pages provides a blueprint for people of good will to confront prejudice and racism in our communities. Wide distribution of the enclosed Pledge Form is one objective of the campaign. Establishment of local human rights commissions in every town and city in the state is a key strategy. The League, a coalition of 40 human rights commissions, will help inform Minnesotans about programs and resources available for organizing community support and generating preventive programs. NO PLACE FOR PREJUDICE MINNESOTA LEAGUE of HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONS (612) 535-1051 Tim Krieger, League President, ,and Morton Ryweck, Campaign Coordinator, have issued statements to the press and have distributed information through mailings and at numerous meetings. July 16, 1992 The St. Paul . Pioneer Press published an editorial titled "Campaign fights hate with more than words". > On July 17, 1992 the Asian American Press published an article on the same topic. League members recognize that vigorous efforts over time will be needed to improve intergroup understanding and promote unity in communities. A McKnight foundation grant of $20,000 was given this summer. This amount has been used for expenses incurred in implementing the Bias Response Plan. 0 INSIDE .. o Bias response plan detailed o Pledge form ready to sign o Racism & Equality Group begins work o Talking Roundtables continue o Commission Spotlight . A message from the President: The League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions has provided services to our state for 21 years. All of us who have had the privilege to serve our communities in this important work continue to build on the successes, frustrations, hopes and experiences of those who have come before. This year The League has experienced many successes including the beginning of our "Campaign Against Hate and Bigotry and to Celebrate our Diversity". We provided Minnesota with another successful annual conference emphasizing "Leadership in Human Rights". A new brochure was developed and is being used statewide. The League helped sponsor a Human Rights and Diversity Survey in suburban Hennepin County with the Suburban Hennepin Anti-Racism Committee and the West Hennepin Human Service Planning Board. The League extended this activity to a statewide report. We continued our discussions with the Minnesota State Department of Human Rights concerning the No Fault Grievance Process and the need for commission training. On December 16th our meeting with the Department ended with an agreement on the need for a "Town Meeting" to discuss mutual issues where all Human Rights Commissions will be invited to participate. This meeting will take place in Golden Valley on January 23rd. The only reason any of these activities have been achieved is due to the continued dedicated work of the directors of the League, the various commissioners across the state and the staff of the Department of Human Rights. I salute all of you. I wish to thank many of you for the very special contributions you have made. You know who you are. Thank you. . Finally, may I charge all of us to continue our hard work in the coming year. There is much to be done. New commissions to help come into existence. The Campaign Against Hate and Bigotry and to Celebrate our Diversity to continue. The search for the resources to help strengthen commission training needs to be undertaken. An annual conference to be planned. The continuation of our work in strengthening our communications and relations and support for the Department of Human Rights. All these activities will help to ensure that all Minnesotans will have greater access to information concerning their human rights as protected by the law. 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I: '\ e A cltizen's group has been developing a proposal for a HOPKINS HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION ideas, questions, the..early st~ges .,' and we seek your .and concerns in d- ',-' , .' A Human Rights commission. would.. work with business', . labOr ," . education, social and community' groups in order to tost,erintergroup ,understanding and to eliminate prejudice' and discrimin~tion. ", I""}." " . "" , . ;':~; ~':~! .;- , __'en '~~g~f~,f~:, r=t!ifi~~~~.~t~;'e:i;~n~~~~ir::;~.I~:; , '. '.~- .:..,:, ,',,' ~ ...,' '."'';. '. ;' {f;;~:~:-~.;:' 'I. ',~::~_::-~:f,.~; . ( "~.;."-,} . ,: ',Phone ,..-,:-, COMMISSION SPOTLIGHT ..,. The Bloomington Human Rights Commission is planning a one day retreat in January. A professional facillitator will design and conduct events of the day after gaining input from the Commissioners regarding their vision and mission for the future. ..,. The Golden Valley Human Rights Commission has been checking Day Care Centers in the city for multicultural diversity in curriculum and what guidelines, if any, are used. Day Care providers expressed interest in assistance from the Human Rights Commission. .". Roseville Human Rights Commissioners organized a multicultural event at Rosedale Mall in October. The Forest Lake Korean Dancers, the Cultural Society of Filipino Americans and the Red School House Drum and Dance Group performed. Shoppers were encouraged to sign the Pledge from the Campaign Against Hate and Bigotry. The Pledge forms were enlarged into huge posters and are displayed at schools, the library and City Hall for more signatures. A total of 140 Roseville seventh and eighth graders entered the Youth Essay Project. Awards were presented at a City Council meeting. "How can you, as one individual, be an effective voice in overcoming' the recent escalation of racial tensions, hate crimes, sexual harassment and gay and lesbian bashing occurring in our community and throughout the nation?" was the topic. League of Minnesota Human Rights Comml~ions 612-535-1051 Minnesota State Department of Human Rights HI00-657-3704 ..,. In October the St. Cloud City Council approved a resolution in support of Indigenous People. The presentation by the Human Rights Commission called for all educational institutions to secure textbooks and support materials that correctly chronicle Columbus' journey. It was also stated that the City of St. Cloud is proud of contributions that Native Americans have made and encourages the promotion and regeneration of Native American cultures. ..,. A Commission was recently formed in Shoreview. Welcome! League Board of Directors 1993 , James Brown Kathleen Carmody Dick Danzl lAu Ann DiMatteo Julie Eoloff Karen Halpern Marion Helland Eileen Hyland Peter Iverson' Joan Isaacson Bob Kearney Tim Krieger Tom Kuster Edward IAlmes Jane McPartland Thelma McKenzie James McDonough Yvonne Price Sushila Shah Patrice Seawell Bob Techam John Treadwell Jean Tye James Wade Pat Williamson Gwen Willems Crystal Brooklyn Center Cottage Grove Rochester Brooklyn Center Bloomington Golden Valley Coon Rapids Eden Prairie Rochester Hibbing Robbinsdale New Ulm Minneapolis Sl Cloud Roseville St. Louis Park Bloomington Arden Hills Columbia Height.<; Minnetonka Falcon Height.<; HilDing Minneapolis Maplewood Falcon Heights TOGETHER is edited by Marion Helland 7720 Winnetka Hts. Dr. Golden Valley, MN 55427 'ITiere are jreufom snouters. 'ITiere are jreeiom wliisperers. 'Botti may serve. :Jfave I, fiave you, 6een too sUent? Is there an easy crime of sUena? Is there any easy rOa4 to jrwfom? - CarC Sarut6ur;g LMHRC The League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions 4221 Lake Road Robbinsdale Minnesota 55422 To Human Rights Commissioners: What would you do if there were cross burnings in your community? What action would you take if swastikas were painted on walls in your town? Suppose hate crimes were reported in your area as they are, in increasing numbers, all around the state. Is your Commission prepared to respond? The League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions has set a goal to express concern and regret to victims of overt acts of bias and prejudice. Members of the League are creating a human rights network of local Human Rights Commissions and community groups to promptly contact the victims in a supportive manner. The Midwest has a long-standing tradition of neighbors coming to the support of those who have suffered losses. Fanners do the field work of a neighbor who is ill; church committees bring casseroles to families who are experiencing sickness and death. There are cards, collections, visits. Sympathy is appropriately expressed to create a supportive presence. The League wishes to build a network of people who will support victims when a hate crime has occurred. The flow chart on the next page diagrams a plan for responding to acts of bias and prejudice. Steps to create the Response Network are listed on this page. Ideas from this letter (with appropriate variations) may be used by your local commission to contact groups in your community. No centrally designed plan will fit every community. We hope these ideas will stimulate your Commission to think about how your community should respond if hate crimes occur. We urge you to design your own Response Network. Sincerely, '.MarUm 1fe{faru!, 'Ilie{ttUl '.McXlnzie, anti tfie League 'Eoan! ACTHJ>N PLAN Steps to prepare your community to respond to acts of bias: 1. Select a committee to organize a Response Network, reflecting different areas of your city or cOWlty. 2. List addresses and phone numbers of local groups and persons to be in Response Network. 3. Mail each organization or person a letter explaining the plan. (Letter from the League on ths page contains some ideas). 4. Appoint someone to initiate the following actions when an incident of bias occurs. a Contact authorities to ascertain the facts about the incident. (Be sure to work closely with your Police Department). b. Promptly contact the victim, preferably in person. Mail letter (see sample). c. Contact organizations in Response Network. d. Mail letters to editors of newspapers (samples available from League). e. Do follow-up calls to Response Network (remind them of action needed, especially to keep' in touch with the victims.) 5. Response Network Committee keeps a log of newspaper clippings, letters, and reports. Periodically updates address list of Response Network. Mail &:opies of list and logs to: League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions . 4221 Lake Road Robbinsdale, MN 55422 Im.Im~~CIDN~Im "!rcQ) A<C~~ CIDlF IB3lIA~ &NIID IF>g~1DJJ])II<ClID Local Human Rights Commi~sion Visit with victim( 5) after calling Write letter to victim(s) Contact: Police, Mayor, Council Contact local groups: Chamber of Commerce Clubs & Organizations Educational institutions Religious institutions Social action groups Human services groups Send news clippings, reports to League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions Educational materials 'Wfi.en wife tfi.ere 6e justice in .9tmerica? wfien one wfw is not injured is as incensea 6y injustice as tfwse wfw are injurea. Charles Kuralt Minnesota Department of Human Rights I AnnuaI Re1X>rl1 (Sample letter to victims if you have not yet met with them:.) CITY' HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Dear Friends, It has come to the attention of this Commission that you and your family have suffered harassment in your home and that damage has been done to your properly. We understand from authorities and news reports that the motivation for these acts is racial bias and prejudice. The Commissioners express regret that this has happened. It saddens us to know that someone in our community is going through such an ordeal. We are alerting our bias Response Network to this outrage and someone will be calling you soon to arrange for an appointment to discuss how we can be of continuing support to make certain that such an ugly act does not recur. If you prefer, we can discuss this by phone ( ). Enclosed is a brochure outlining what your rights are in this case and what organizations you may contact for help and support. We see once again that much work needs to be done to stop hate crimes in our communities. This quotation from Charles Kuralt captures our thinking on this: "When will there be justice in America? When one who is not injured is as incensed by injustice as those who are injured." We are incensed by this incident and are motivated to increase our efforts in the Human Rights arena so that this type of incident will not happen here again. Sincerely, Racism and Equality Project begins The Minnesota Planning Department at the request of the Governor's office has formed the Racism and Equality Project Steering Group. The committee composed of State agency representatives and people from all over the state have been meeting since early last fall and will continue to meet for another six months. The goal is to produce a State Action Plan to be presented to the governor's Office with recommendations for action by the state and others concerning issues of racism. As this goes to press the Steering Group is drafting a request to the Governor and state legislative leaders to meet in January to review the immediate issues and present written recommendations. Emphasis will be on strengthening the Department of Human Rights. Considera tion will be given to government resources and jobs as well as economic development for minorities. As this group continues to work, there will be further updates in this newletter. It is a tremendous effort to raise awareness and eliminate discrimination in this state. 0 Joan Is(Ul(.SOTt, Rochester Star Tribune sponsors talking roWldtables Jeremy Iggers, Star Tribune reporter invites people to join a roundtable or sponsor one. The discussion topic for January is racism and race relations. A 12-page booklet "The Busy Citizen's Discussion Guide: Racism and Race Relations" is available. Since September more than 1,000 Minnesotans have participated in discussions in more than 100 roundtables in the state. If you are interested in sponsoring a roundtable, or if you have questions or advice, please call Jeremy Iggers at 673-4524 (fax 673-7568).0 Ten things to do to combat racism <D Distribute Pledge Form through your school, organization, business, place of worship, or other groups. @ Establish a Human Rights Commission locally. @ Send a letter-to-editor of local newspaper reacting to any episodes of bigotry in your community. Send letter of commendation when an action warrants your praIse. @ Write an occasional article in your church or synagog bulletin, expressing your views on bigotry and its destructive consequences to our society. Other outlets are newsletters of groups and organizations to which you belong. @ Speak out against bigotry wherever encountered within your family, amongst your friends, at work and at school. Be polite but firm. - @ Arrange programs to better understand other racial, religious and ethnic groups, their history and culture, as well as their position in America today. Bring in speakers, newspapers; explore cooperative and exchange programs. (/) Convince your church or synogog pair off with a church of another racial, ethnic or religious background. Study together, exchange pulpits and choirs, and develop cooperative programs. @ Help victims of hate crimes by organizing community support for them, visit with them to demonstrate your empathy, and offer assistance. @ Be aware of your own prejudices and biases and stereotypes, and strive mightily to overcome them. @ Be a role model for intergroup harmony and mutual respect, in all facets of your life. , . The League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions A Statewide Campaign Against Hate and Bigotry and to Celebrate Our Diversity My Personal Pledge: In the wake of the escalation of racial and intergroup tensions and hatred in our society that have been gathering momentum over this past decade, and now are reflected in the tragic occurrences in Los Angeles and elsewhere in our country: I pledge to be a positive force in my corrununity. to be an ambassador of goodwill for racial justice, equality, understanding and mutual respect. . I pledge to examine my own biases, and stereotypes that I may hold of other groups. in all aspects of my life. I pledge to judge others on their individual wonh. and not on the color of their skin, their religion, their national origin or their sexual orientation. I pledge to speak out against the escalation of hate crimes, racism, anti-Semitism. bigotry, sexual harassment and the growing violence against women and homosexuals in our society, in my personal relations and through the organizations to which I belong. . I pledge to take positive steps in my community and elsewhere in our state, by serving as a bridge to minority groups, by developing with them cooperative educational programs and common projects. . I pledge to work to understand. respect and celebrate the mosaic of cultures and races that make up our state and country, and which enrich our lives through their diversity. Your Signature Please print your name: Telephone number Address: City: Zip: Please send me ideas for local and state programming. Please send me your speakers' list of persons, organizations and performing groups of culturally diverse backgrounds. _ Please send information on holding a diversity dinner or meeting with another racial, religious or ethnic group, or representatives of such groups. Please send me information on organizing a local Human Rights Commission to build mutual respect among all our citizens, and to educate about bigotry and its harmful effects. Please call me at possibilities. to discuss some of the above program ideas, as well as other (Over Please) Please reproduce and distribute copies to your friends and neighbors, and organizations to which you belong for inclusion in their newsletters. For further infonnation or assistance, contact the Campaign Coordinator, Monon W. Ryweck, (612) 374-5580, 1916 Penn Avenue South. Minneapolis. MN 55405. , ~ , Agencies and organizations that can help provide speakers and programs < ' for countering racism and bigotry, and promoting intergroup understanding and respect: League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions 4221 Lake road Robbinsdale, MN 55422 612-535-1051 Tim Krieger - President Minnesota Council of Churches 122 West Franklin Avenue Minneapolis. MN 55405 612-870-3600 Ann: Louis Schoen Council on Black Minnesotans 2233 University Avenue St. Paul, MN 55114 612-642-0811 Lester Collins - Director Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans 205 Aurora Avenue - Suite 100 St. Paul. MN 55103 612-296-0538 Dr. Albert de Leon - Director Indian Affairs Council 127 University Avenue St. Paul, MN 55155 612-296-3611 Roger Head - Director Spanish Speaking Affairs Council 506 Rice Street St. Paul, MN 55103 612-296-9587 Eduardo W oUe - Director Minnesota Alliance for Arts in Education 5701 Nonnandale Road Minneapolis, MN 55424 612-920-9002 David L. Bach - Director Jewish Community Relations Council - ADL (also A World of Difference) 1111 3rd Avenue South Minneapolis. MN 55404 - 1000 612-338-7816 Brenda Barrie - Director St. Paul Department of Human Rights 515 City Hall St. Paul. MN 55102 612-298-4288 Josephier Brown - Director Minnesota-Dakota State Conference of NAACP Branches 4329 Portland Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55407 612-825-9643 Lewis C. Freeman - President Urban League of Minneapolis 2000 Plymouth Avenue North Minneapolis. MN 55411 612-521-1099 Gary Sudduth - President Minneapolis Branch NAACP 310 East 38th Street Minneapolis. MN 55479 612-822-8205 Mathew Little - President Urban League of St. Paul 401 Selby Avenue St. Paul, MN 55102 612-224-5771 Willie Mae Wilson - President St. Paul Branch NAACP 1060 West Central Avenue St. Paul, MN 55104 612-646-3195 Steven W. Zachary - President (This is a partial list of resources 10 help you in your programming. A more comprehensive list is being developed.) ~ " / 4221 Lake Road. Robbinsdale. MN 55422 AN ewsletter of the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions Non-Profit Org. V.S, Postage PAID Mpls. MN Permit # 4364 Volume 8 No.2 July, 1993 League prepares to offer No-Fault Training "- President Bob Techam ~ " " -, ,1-" '" . /- "'''"'irJi/t~' ~".j(. ^ '<.,;', .: ~;~~:. :"i~ .~., . ..:~:' .,....\~,.. - ............. ;~~ .,,~\-.. <I ~ ~ ~!;?:r~~' '1';: .:~ ..~ ' '.~ ;~~~.; ~ }': - ~r '~, ~ Vice-President Thelma McKenzie Treasurer Jane McPartland Officers face challenges of 90' Officers of the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions are among the diligent leaders working with other human rights activists to implement a variety of ideas to combat the onslaught of bias motivated CrImes. In addition to preparing the No-Fault Training materials, the League is continuing the Bias Response Plan, the Pledge Campaign and promoting new Human Rights Commissions in the state, A legislative committee will summarize the 1993 session and publish these results in a future issue of Together. An education committee is fulfilling one of its objectives by' creating a survey for schools to find programs and courses that deal with human rights issues, the degree of success these programs have had and the needs the schools express regarding these topics. The survey will be sent to all school districts this fall. The League is preparing a panel discussion entitled "Mobilizing the Community for Combatting Hate Crimes" to be presented 3:20 - 5pm, September 30 at the Jerome Hill Theater. At the Anne Frank Exhibition the League will install a Contemporary Display Panel in The Great Hall, First Trust Center, St. Paul. This Exhibit will be shown for the first time in Minnesota from August 27 to October 8. 0 The League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions will offer two levels of training for Human Rights Commissioners: .Preparation for No-Fault Grievance Process · Mediation Techniques for No-Fault Grievance Process. The first "No-Fault Grievance Process Preparation Training" session will be given on Sunday, JW1e 27 in St. Louis Park to the League's Board of Directors. The purpose of this training is to analyze, critique and evaluate the training process, materials, and the trainer No-Fault continued on page 4 INSIDE ... o The Meaning of Human Rights o Anne Frank Exhibit o Bias Response Campaign o Coming Events o Commission Spotlight The Meaning of Human Rights Wallace Alcorn. Austin Human Rights Commi-ion Chair As I speak to various groups as chair of a local human rights commission, I receive strange signals about the perception many people have of the meaning of human rights. They so often think of it as special privilege for strange people who won't amount to anything anyway. Not so. Human rights are those that naturally and necessarily already and always are the possession of an individual for no reason other than that the individual is a human being. They are rights rather than privileges, opportunities, rewards, entitlements, or any other optional type nature. They need not be granted because they are already possessed the moment the human being comes into existence. Any and every human being is the automatic and necessary owner of human rights, which are in fact inalienable. That is to say, the individual may not be alienated from the rights, and the rights may not be alienated from any individual. Although the Declaration of Independence stipulates only "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," we should find it impossible to compile a list of human rights that could exhaust those that exist in reality. The very concept of humanity clearly and strongly requires these basic three and every expression to realize them. A person has the right to life. A person has a right to the liberty or freedom to live life. A person has the right to pursue happiness, i.e., to fulfil life. Any right necessary to exercise these is also a human right. Perhaps it isn't too much to say that the only tolerable limitation on human rights is whatever would deny equal human rights to another human being. But, in fact, the exercise of human rights has for long been regularly denied to some. This, to gain and hold special advantage over other people who possess those rights whether allowed to exercise them or not. Again, I lay it down: I refuse to talk or think in terms of giving or granting or allowing human rights to anyone. They already have them. All of them. All people and all rights. Rather, our task is to allow people to exercise the human rights they already possess simply because they are human. Our task is greater still. We must not only allow them to exercise their rights, but we must enable them to do so and encourage them to do so. Two complimentary considerations impress me as being basic to all motivation toward ensuring human rights to all human beings. One is that if I deny a human right to another human being, I have paved the way for him or others to deny human rights to me since I, too, am human. That's self-protection. The second is more basic still. If I am truly human, I will act humanly toward other humans. That's self-affirmation. @MyThought broadcast from KTIS Minneapolis-St. Paul Northwestern College Radio Network, February 1993. .. . . " .' . , ""<-- 'c ~,~_"'_ "' " ~ .".., Mort Ryweck, Statewide Coordinator of Campaign Against Hate and Bigotry/Celebrate Diversity Mort Ryweck introduces League Bias Response Plan to Minnesota communities The League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions has enlisted Mort Ryweck, who very capably served many years as executive director 'of the Anti-Defamation League of Minnesota, to serve as coordinator of a Bias Response Plan. He is leading efforts against hate and bigotry and encouraging communities to celebrate diversity. One specific thrust is to help cities and counties establish human rights commissions. To facilitate that process two special meetings were held in June. One meeting took place immediately preceding the opening session at the annual meeting of the League of Minnesota Cities in St. Cloud on June 8. Speakers were Mayor Stan Christ of Mankato, Mayor Robert Demuth of Worthington, and Mayor Marvin Wangen of Albert Lea. On June 17 Mayor Tom Baldwin of Falcon Heights and Mayor Gary Bastian of Maplewood and Comm.i,ssion representatives will share their experiences on the work of . their commissions. This meeting was held in the Maplewood City Hall Council Chambers and was co-sponsored by Maplewood and several Twin Cities Commissions. Ryweck has sent Campaign mailings to educators, clergy, businesses, non-profit organizations, mayors and county commissioners, state legislators, commission chairs. Communities such as Waseca, Forest Lake, Mahtomedi have requested information. Promising prospects for establishing human rights commissions include Aiken County, Alexandria, Bemidji, Cambridge - Isanti County, Lake Elmo, Long Prairie, Princeton, Shakopee, St. Peter, Stillwater, White Bear Lake, Willmar, Waseca, Plymouth, and New Hope. A McKnight Foundation grant of $20,000 made this work possible. An Otto Bremer grant for $10,000 was obtained recently. If you have leads and suggestions or seek further information, contact . Mort Ryweck (612) 374-5580. 0 Reserve September 18 for League Annual Conference Thelma McKenzie, League Vice President and Conference Committee Chair, advises that we mark our calendars to reserve September 18 for the all-day meeting in Shoreview. The theme this year will focus on efforts to combat hate crimes. Details of the program, speakers and additional information will be published later this summer. 0 League secretary Julie Eoloff resigns .1; .' , ~ \f" . ' f~4 ~~ "'0 . .. J Julie Eoloff, Brooklyn Center Commissioner The League regretfully accepts the resignation of Julie Eoloff, Brooklyn Center Commissioner, who has so ably served as secretary for nearly 2 years. The press of work and family responsibilities has forced Julie to seek a little breathing room. League members appreciate the fine work she has done for the organization and wish her well. Thelma McKenzie, Vice President, has volunteered to do the secretarial' tasks temporarily. Rights groups advised to go "Online" Did you miss an outstanding speaker or event because you didn't know about it until you read the reviews or heard people discussing the program? What if you need a book review, information on legislation or statistics on human rights issues? What would be a quick way to access such information? Maury Muench, a former Bloomington Commissioner, is exploring the use of electronic bulletin boards for human rights activists. Here is her report: "Did you know that there is a diversity calendar, information about the Americans with Disabilities Act , reviews of multicultural books, and much more available free to anyone who has a computer, a modem, and communications software? All this information can be reached through electronic bulletin boards, several of which have gone "online" in the past year. Metroline, a twelve year old service primarily serving librarians, offers many different services including the Diversity Calendar and regular reviews of multicultural books. DRAGnet, run by the Disability Rights Alliance, has an incredible array of information and services that are designed for the needs of persons with disabilities. United Way, as part of their new information Center, has set up an online bulletin board to offer access to many of their services and information. If you do not have a personal computer, it may be possible to check these out through your city offices. These services can be reached at the following numbers:" Bulletin Board Number Voice Number 612-224-8086 Dana Noonan 612-825-9312 612-753-1943 Jackie Alfonzo 612-645-8922 612-340-7679 Lori Bach 612-340-7422 Metroline DRAGnet UWIN '.. " No-Fault continued from page 1 The No-Fault option is defined as a way the state has set to deal with human rights problems, trying to solve them quickly, fairly, and locally. In the No-Fault process, the local Human Rights Commission acts a neutral mediator between the grievant and the respondent, trying to negotiate a settlement satisfactory to everyone, but without assigning blame to anyone. Originally the State Department of Human Rights sought this local commission involvement to alleviate the log jam of cases at the state level. At present the State Department of Human Rights will not be providing training to Commissioners as in the past. The specifics of mutual involvement are evolving. On July 24 a meeting between the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, the League and other interested parties will convene in Maplewood. This is a follow-up to the meeting held last January in Golden Valley. 0 "We can run from each other, but we cannot escape each other. Knock down the fences that divide. Tear down the walls that imprison. Reach out: Freedom lies just on the other side." - Thurgood Marshall . 'to.. , .. " ./ COMMISSION SPOTLIGHT - .. The Austin Human Rights Commission has taken two major steps in NFG: renting a post office box to receive complaints confidentially and adoption of an affidavit "Agreement to Mediate", with which both parties agree not to request or subpoena statements from the mediation. The Commission has obtained written agreement from all local news media not to mention such sensitive personal factors as race, religion, profession if not germane to the story. It is monitoring news coverage for any violations of the agreement. Dawn Taylor monitors classified newspaper ads for inappropriate job or housing qualifications. Dr. Wallace Alcom (chair) and Robert Romo have secured a change in policy from the newspaper on what had been unfair and irresponsible publication of anonymous complaints. A committee has met three times with the paper's editorial advisory board, and the editor and publisher have appeared before the full Commission.. The county sheriff and the city police chief together met with the Commission to describe what they perceive as current and impending human rights needs in the community. Romo and Alcorn conducted two training sessions for police and sheriff officers on cultural diversity, and Romo will begin teaching Spanish to officers. In February Senator Pat Piper and Representative Leo Reding explained the amendment to the Human Rights Act. League of Minnesota Human Rights Co1'l11'111~ions 612-535-1051 Minnesota State Department of Human Rights 1-~7-3704 Over 40 visitors joined the Commissioners for this session. Alcorn has broadcast six commentaries on human rights on several radio stations and given one radio and one television interview. He has also addressed the county clergy, a vocational college, and the Kiwanis. The Commission's activities have been reported or occasioned over 200 column inches of news coverage in the Austin Daily Herald during a two month period. It is studying the public schools' human rights policies and has recently published an open letter commending the formation of a sexual harassment policy. .. Brooklyn Center has formulated enabling resolutions for their Commission. Duties and responsibilities are spelled out as well as detailed plans for operation. .. The Bloomington Human Rights Commission recognized and issued certificates of appreciation to 23 youth and 10 teachers who assisted in the Multicultural Activities at the "Bloomington Loves Its Kids" event. ... Eden Prairie Commissioners demonstrated early this year how to handle a hate crime with sensitivity and the positive power of the community. The Candlelight Ceremony and related events can well serve as protypes for other groups faced with racism. ... The Golden Valley Human Rights Commission presented plaques to the Robbinsdale Area School board members, Superintendent Linda Powell, and Multicultural Coordinator Jackie Fraedrich in recognition of their stedfast support and encouragement in establishing multicul tural/gender-fair/disability aware education and their work to improve intergroup understanding. TOGETHER is edited by Marion Helland 7720 Winnetka HtI;. Dr. Golden Valley, MN 55427 COMMISSION SPOTLIGHT (continued) , '. -\" ~"" :.,~ ,,,.,... ......- " . t .. '. '""""'- - -). .;.,ilP ,":._~ 'I <. ~"I'.iV{ ~ "'!i~' ':.:;~ ~~~ h.~....l ~=-;;:...~ .~. ~~~~ ... ~~~~1;~ ~~ ~~',. ;}i~ . ,~, ,{., "'~-~~ ~ From left to right, back: Maplewood Commissioners James Garrett, Michael laClair, and Karla Sands. Front: Robert Kreischer, Director of Mounds Park Academy, Kathryn Beecham, Coordinator of Multicultural Committee, Commissioner Dawn \'fassar, and Commission Chair Pat Williamson. T The Maplewood Human Rights Commission presented a Diversity Awareness award May 11 to the Multicultural Committee at Mounds Park Academy. T The Roseville Human Rights Commission and Roseville area schools received 140 essays from young people on the topic of human ri~ht~. Da~e Norrgard, organizer of the contest saId, JudgIng the essays was very difficult,"... "There were so many really good essays" ... "It made the students think about these issues, and hopefully it will affect their actions in daily life." T The St. Cloud Commission together with the Baha'is of St. Cloud and the St. Cloud branch of the NAACP sponsored a Race Unity Day Potluck Picnic May 16. Speakers included Darryl Savage, formerly of WCCO-TV, Dr. Mary Howard, co-founder of St. Cloud NAACP, Mayor Chuck Winkelman, Steve Crow, SCSU professor in linguistics. Music was by Little Otter Singers, Laotian Dancers, Jubilations, and Crayons - a children's singing group. T The St. Louis Park Commission with their city and school district sponsored a Human Rights Expo in February. This educational and entertaining event celebrated diversity with programs for all ages. 0 .' . I~ -,( Anne Frank Exhibit ~ :::8 ::a:: ;::~e .. World: 1929-1945," an intemationally .t2-.. f:.-..j acclaimed exhibit that has toured the world, will be displayed from August 27 -October 8 in the Great Hall of the First Trust Center in downtown Saint Paul, at 180 E. 5th St. This is an exhibit comprised of more than 600 photographs and documents, excerpts from Anne Frank's diary and workbooks, and a model of the Secret Annex. The award-winning vidoetapes "Just a Diary" and "Dear Kitty" are shown with the exhibit. . Created in 1985 by the Anne Frank Center in Amsterdam, the exhibit currently is on tour throughout Europe, South America, Japan, Canada and the United States. This is the first time the exhibit will be in Minnesota. More than 200,000 visitors are expected. As Together goes to press, 30,000 students are booked to experience this event. The exhibit is sponsored by the Minnesota Friends of Anne Frank, the University of St. Thomas, and the Anne Frank Centers, USA and Amsterdam. Guided tours are available to groups of 20 or more. It is suggested that organizations make reservations in late August, early September, weekends and evenings, when school tours are not occurring.. Many churches are organizing special events to bring groups by bus or caravan to view the exhibit. Greater Minnesota groups planning to stay overnight will receive discounted hotel rates. For information, call Minnesota Friends of Anne Frank. (612) 9624351. 0