McHenry Times

City of Woodstock Cultural and Social Awareness Commission Met April 26.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

A Special Meeting of the City of Woodstock Cultural and Social Awareness Commission was called to order at 4:15 PM, by Chairperson Juanita Vega. This meeting was held per the Governor’s Emergency Order due to COVID-19 with all members, Staff, and the public attending remotely.

A roll call was taken.

COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS: None

COMMISSION MEMBERS ATTENDING REMOTELY: Jaci Krandel, Jose Rivera, Crystal Squires, Lorna Wolff, and Chairperson Juanita Vega.

COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: John Kendall and Joe Starzynski.

STAFF PRESENT IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS: None.

STAFF ATTENDING REMOTELY: Human Resources Director/Staff Liaison Deb Schober and City Clerk Cindy Smiley.

OTHERS ATTENDING REMOTELY: None.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

There were no minutes presented.

4. DISCUSSION ITEMS

Chairperson Vega welcomed Crystal Squires to the Commission, inviting her to introduce herself.

Commissioner Squires stated she is excited to be on the Commission as she is to be part of the DEI Project. She stated she has been involved in the community for a while. including with the Woodstock Jaycees, serving as President for one year. She stated she has moved into LGBTQ awareness. helping to be a founder of Woodstock PRIDE, noting she is currently serving as President of that organization and opining it is great to have an LGBTQ presence on the Commission. Commissioner Squires detailed her experience planning events and working with the community, stating she is looking forward to serving on the Commission.

Chairperson Vega stated she is happy to see new members of the community represented on the Commission to help open people’s eyes and understand the community.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Project

A general discussion ensued concerning the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Project.

Chairperson Vega noted she and Commissioner Krandel worked on marketing and sponsorship flyers for the Project, noting these are the preliminary first step versions. Ms. Schober shared these for everyone to see via computer and updated them as discussions warranted.

The first flyer was reviewed and discussed with Ms. Schober making changes as agreed upon by the Commission members. Chairperson Vega noted it contains dates of the events and their respective topics and photos of what the Commission wishes the Project to represent and show to the community. She noted the photos can be changed, encouraging Commission members to provide photos as well. She stated the flyers should provide information on the purpose of the events and invite people to join.

Commissioner Wolff suggested including other photos representing the various presenting groups including the Buddhist Temple and the Food Pantry. Commissioner Rivera suggested that each Commissioner ask the group he or she is working with to provide photos to represent their program, noting the Commission can then be sure the photos are approved.

In response to a question from Commissioner Squires, Chairperson Vega stated the first flyer will be used on social media to raise awareness of the event and also could be printed once funds are raised. She urged all Commissioners to talk about this program on social media and to try to secure sponsors. She stated the flyer can also be taken by the Commission members to talk with potential sponsors about why they should participate. She stated it is the overall program in one flyer.

In response to a question from Commissioner Krandel, Ms. Schober confirmed the Commission does have some funds in its budget.

In response to a question from Commissioner Krandel, Chairperson Vega confirmed she will talk with Real Woodstock and the Chamber of Commerce to see if those organizations will promote the events. She suggested posters also be created which can be placed at various locations’ windows, such as businesses and City Hall, opining these posters could also include sponsorship information. Commissioner Krandel stated the schedule must be set.

In response to a question from Ms. Schober, Commissioner Squires opined LGBTQIA+ would be a better description than Gender Diversity for that particular Sunday event, as gender is just one part of that. Ms. Schober shared information on a seminar she attended conducted by a trans woman, noting the wealth of information she gained. She noted this seminar provided information on all areas in an understandable manner that the general public can learn. Commissioner Squires noted this would be kind of like LGBTQIA+ 101.

In response to a question from Commissioner Krandel, Ms. Schober opined donations from the Project would go through the City, stating she will confirm this with the Finance Director.

Discussion ensued of the names for the other Sunday events. Chairperson Vega opined Age Diversity does not capture the essence of that event. Commissioner Wolff noted Generational Diversity means having persons of a wide range of ages. Commissioner Krandel noted “diversity” does not have to be included in each title.

Commissioner Wolff opined Food and Shelter would be better than Homelessness. She stated she could not secure a commitment from the Housing Authority to participate in that Sunday event, so she contacted PADS. She noted this organization provides “shelter,” opining that word should be used instead of “housing.”

Chairperson Vega then showed a preliminary sponsorship flyer talking about how this can be used to secure sponsorships. She noted many employers are working on diversity, equity and inclusion issues, so perhaps this program can be part of their training and be an incentive for the companies to help with this series. She opined perhaps the companies could offer incentives to their employees for attending as well. Chairperson Vega also opined a company may be interested in sponsoring one event more than others.

In response to a question from Commissioner Squires, Chairperson Vega detailed the four levels of sponsorship.

Further discussion ensued of the wording on the sponsorship flyer, with Ms. Schober making changes to the flyer as the discussion proceeded. In response to a suggestion from Commissioner Krandel, Chairperson Vega stated she will speak with the Chamber about including the events on its calendar. She talked about who she is going to approach about sponsorship and promotion of the Sundays, stating she would like to have two or three level-four sponsors, suggesting possible companies that may be interested as it would be great PR for them. She stated there could be more than one level four sponsor.

Commissioner Krandel stated she would also like to encourage in-kind sponsors such as posters or merchandise for the attendees. Chairperson Vega suggested in-kind donations for restaurants who could provide food.

It was the consensus of the Commission to approve the preliminary design of the flyers as amended during today’s discussion pending final approval of dates and photos.

Discussion of dates for the various Sundays ensued with Chairperson Vega asking who has contacted their topic leaders. Commissioner Wolff confirmed she has contacted her three speakers, all of whom confirmed their availability on July 11 or August 8. Commissioner Squires confirmed October 10 is the preferred date for her presentation.

The following dates were discussed:

July 11 – Cultural Diversity

August 8 – Shelter & Food - confirmed

September 12 – TBD

October 10 – LGBTQIA+ - confirmed

In response to a question from Commissioner Wolff, Ms. Schober confirmed there will be a microphone furnished and COVID-19 protocols will be followed. Ms. Schober stated the number of attendees is unknown at this time, as COVID-19 restrictions will probably change by July or August. She stated attendees providing proof of vaccination will not count toward the maximum number allowed in the state of Illinois.

Discussion ensued of the September 12th date, as it is also the date of the Mexican Independence Day celebration. Chairperson Vega and Commissioner Wolff both opined that it would be too much competition to have both events on the same date, noting that parking could also be an issue. Commissioner Krandel suggested the Commission have a table at the Mexican Independence Day event. She also suggested advertising the DEI Program at the Mexican Independence Day event.

Chairperson Vega agreed with having a table and advertising the DEI Program at that event. Ms. Schober opined there may be something scheduled in the Square every Sunday during the summer.

In response to a question from Commissioner Rivera, Ms. Schober stated the Commission would have to find out if the Opera House Main Stage is available on the date in question if it wishes to use that space as well for musicians or dancers.

Commissioner Rivera suggested tabling a decision on September 12.

The proposed schedule was discussed as follows:

7/11 – Cultural Diversity

8/8 – Shelter & Food

9/12 – TBD, possibly Religious

10/10 – LGBTQIA+

11/14 – Generations

2/13 – Racial

3/13 – DEI in the Environmental World

Discussion followed of the July 11 and August 8 dates with Commissioner Rivera asking that a final decision on that date be delayed until he has time to speak with Mayor Sager and Mayor-elect Turner as one of those dates may be the date the Mayor of Zacatecas could be coming to Woodstock. He stated he should have an answer within a week. Commissioner Wolff stated her speakers are available on July 11. Chairperson Vega opined the series should open with either Racial or Cultural Diversity.

Chairperson Vega asked Commissioner Rivera what is planned for the Cultural Diversity Sunday. He stated he has talked with a Mariachi Band and a dancing troupe of children from Honduras about performing. He noted there will be food tastings from Central and South America in the Stage Left Café. Chairperson Vega stated there will be presentations on cultural things from Latin and South America.

Ms. Schober questioned whether other cultures should participate as well, opining if they cannot all gather on the same day, perhaps other cultures should have their separate days. Commissioner Wolff expressed agreement. Commissioner Squires agreed, noting the current issues experienced by the Asian community during COVID-19. Chairperson Vega stated as the series proceeds, other cultures such as Asian and Indian could have a day, stating presenters must be found to represent these cultures. It was the consensus of the Commission that July 11 be changed to something like “Hispanic Culture.”

It was suggested that something be included on the flyers soliciting suggestions for future events. Commissioner Squires suggested World Holiday Diversity as a topic in December.

Chairperson Vega opined the program is awesome. She asked that everyone work on their individual days and have information ready for the next meeting. She asked Commission members to confirm the presenters for their dates and reminded them to send photos to Ms. Schober to finalize the posters and flyers.

Commissioner Wolff wished to confirm the speakers for the Shelter and Food program to be Carrie Freund, Director of Homeless Services for PADS; Patrick Murfin of Compassion for Campers; and Martha Hanson, Library Liaison for Food Disparities and Inequities for the Woodstock Public Library. She stated their program should last l ½ hours and they will provide flyers about their organizations. Commissioner Wolff stated she will forward any information and e-mails to Ms. Schober as she will be leaving the Commission. Noting she would like to confirm the dates with her speakers, following a brief discussion, August 8 was confirmed for the Shelter and Food presentation.

Chairperson Vega thanked Commissioner Wolff for her time and work through the years, especially with the DEI Program. Commissioner Wolff wished the Commission all the best as they work on this great idea.

Chairperson Vega stated she will discuss taking on the Racial Diversity Sunday with Commissioner Kendall.

It was the consensus of the Commission the next meeting will be held on May 10, 2021 at 4:15 PM.

PUBLIC COMMENT

There was no comment forthcoming from the Public.

ADJOURN

Motion by J. Krandel, second by L. Wolff, to adjourn this meeting of the Cultural and Social Awareness Commission to a Special Meeting on Monday, May 10, 2021 at 4:15 PM. Ayes: J. Krandel, J. Rivera, C. Squires, L. Wolff, and Chairperson Vega. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: J. Kendall and J. Starzynski. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 5:47 PM.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/cultural_amp_social_awareness_commission/meeting/44214/f_-_04-26-21_csa_minutes_approved_-_part_1_of_1.pdf