WCHR highlights and updates from fy 2009 and new directions
The Waterloo Commission on Human Rights continues to fulfill its mission to eliminate discriminatory barriers and assist to improve the quality of life for those in the community through its work of Compliance, Outreach & Education, and Partnerships.
The following describes the progress and direction of our work during 2009 and new directions:
Compliance
Outreach and Education
Partnerships
The Commission has continued to expand its efforts to seek community partnerships and corporate sponsors to assist in the completion of its mission and work. The commission currently touts a record threshold of more than 40 partners and resources including financial sponsors such as John Deere (Waterloo Division), Midwest One, Veridian, Alliant Energy, ConAgra Foods, Friends of Iowa Civil Rights, Hy-Vee Foods, Tyson Fresh Meats, Waterloo Community Schools, and HUD to name a few.
These corporate friends and sponsors have allowed the commission to maintain and deliver it's programs free or at minimal costs to the public despite facing shrinking general fund dollars and federal program funds.
Such events as "Summer Harmony Day" at Lincoln Park have been successfully added in 2006 as an annual community wide event with no usage of general fund monies as a result of our increased partnerships (we value and appreciate our partners and resources).
The Waterloo Community Schools partnership by delivering 125 high school students to our annual Cedar Valley conference at Hawkeye Community College each November has allowed the commission to maintain the same high quality standard conference of ten years and cost levels after huge HUD dollars reductions began in 2006 which formerly covered most costs. The Commission has also developed similar partnerships with UNI, Cedar Falls Public Schools, Iowa Falls, and South Hardin High School in delivering students. Each year now of the 450 participants, 150 are high school students attaining leadership skill building and awareness.
Please check our website for entire listings as updated.
VISTA and Intern program
The Commission has established from 2006-2009 an ongoing agreement which is updated annually with the Volunteers In Service To America (VISTA) program sponsored through the Iowa Civil Rights Commission based on assignment availability. The Commission has been assigned three VISTA personnel during this period with a 4th scheduled to begin in September for a 1-year term. This volunteer service is provided to the WCHR at no cost to-date.
Interns
The Commission since 2006 has developed an intern program which utilizes 4 local colleges and universities in the community. Interns are utilized in a variety of ways to assist our department in delivering services. (The interns are not involved in direct case determinations, staff only function). Interns are given course credits while gaining valuable experiences and most are attaining curriculums in social work.
The Waterloo Commission on Human Rights during fy 2009 fulfilled its commitment in reducing case back log to the acceptable standard of all cases in inventory projected in less than one year case processing time. The Commission from 2002-2006 were in a backlog status up to 3-years average process time to reduce its inventory (there were 2 full time investigators during period). The Commission through stream lining, mediation, case resolution, and inventory transfer to ICRC when necessary was able over the next three year period 2006-2009 (with 1 full time investigator during period) to reduce its inventory from the 278 cases to an inventory of 94 cases. (fyi, the inventory since this reporting data has continued to decline)
The Commission in order to sustain and maintain its current level of quality and timeliness will continue to utilize its creative repertoire, streamlining, the use of VISTA volunteers and interns for capacity building.
The WCHR from 2006 - 2009 has completed the most active period of outreach and education in it's history. The Commission has conducted and participated in more than 40 community forums, workshops, and events. This was accomplished while not filling nor requesting the return FTE of an outreach coordinator. A position lost as reductions and not filled in 2004 due to budgetary considerations. The Commission has operated with 33% less staff since 2006 from the previous 3 year period. The commission through its diligence, commitment, commissioners and volunteers are responsible for this periods increased activities.
Corner Stone Events:
Human Rights Day Awards (annual in February) Summer Harmony Day (annual in June) Cedar Valley Conference on Human Rights (annual November) Young Men in Action program (academic school year)
There are a number of ongoing taskforces in employment, education, minority confinement, housing, and neighborhood association to name a few of which the commission participates.
Direction-where we are headed
The WCHR will continue to be creative in utilizing staff, commissioners, and volunteers in delivering services to our constituents and public in order to fulfill our mission. Our continued work in the areas of compliance, outreach & education, and partnerships will allow us to maintain a high level of quality in both service and execution.
Appreciation
We appreciate and value all of our partners and continued support of the Mayor and City Council! Thank you.
