Iowa Civil Rights Commission Disclaimer The information contained

Iowa Civil Rights Commission Disclaimer The information contained in this presentation is a brief overview and should not be construed as legal advice or exhaustive coverage of the topic.

IOWA’S DIVERSITY TEAMS AND STUDY CIRCLES

ICRC: Who we are and what we do. . . • Our Vision: A state free of discrimination • Our Mission: Enforcing civil rights through compliance, advocacy, education and mediation • Enforce the Iowa Civil Rights Act, Chapter 216 of the Iowa Code • Working relationships with other agencies

OVERVIEW: • How ICRC got involved in diversity teams and study circles • What they are • Why the need • What they do • What’s happening

Why Diversity Teams ? • Fight discrimination proactively • Help make communities more inclusive • Help communities deal with their own unique diversity issues • Bring together divergent points of view

Diversity Team Plan • • Mission statement Action steps Potential Membership Possible diversity issues

Diversity Team Membership • • Police Chief School Superintendent Local Human Rights Representation County Supervisor Local Clergy County Attorney Advocacy Representation

Existing Diversity Teams • • 23 Teams in Iowa Some are active Some are inactive Others have evolved into other entities

STUDY CIRCLES (HONEST CONVERSATIONS) “Those who work on issues of race in this country say it is imperative to establish forums where it is safe for people of all colors to talk”.

What is a Study Circle? • Democratic discussion and community problem solving • Participants address common public concerns with wisdom of ordinary people • Facilitator guided discussions rooted in dialogue and deliberation, not debate • 8 to 12 participants

What is a Study Circle ? • Meets a minimum of 4 two - hour sessions. • Ground rules set the tone for respect and a safe place for discussion. • Multiple viewpoints are considered.

Study Circle Topics • • • Race Relations Immigration Education in our Communities Balancing Justice Youth Issues Diversity

Study Circles Topics • • • Sexual Harassment Smart Talk for Growing Communities Neighborhood Issues Police/ Community Relations Violence in Our Communities

Benefits of Study Circles • Diverse perspectives • More “well informed” regarding issues decisions and foster “in depth” actions are the understanding of the result issues

Getting Started! • Contact The Iowa Civil Rights Commission… 515 -281 -4121 or • Study Circles Resource Center at 860 -928 -2616, the national headquarters where study guides, background information and facilitator training resources are available

Questions? • We’ll try to answer • Let’s talk • We have time