Under the City of Waterloo Ordinance No. 4064 Sec. 20-1, the Waterloo Commission on Human Rights is charged to serve "as a source of information to employers, laborers, businesspersons, employees, tenants, and other citizens relative to various civil rights legislation and regulations; and active assistance to prevent and eliminate the effects of discriminatory practices."

In fulfillment of the ordinance, on January 17, 1997, the Waterloo Commission on Human Rights established an Education and Outreach Committee (EOC). This committee focuses on the development and implementation of activities, events and projects that fight discrimination, appreciate diversity, and prevent hate crimes.