SALEM AREA ONE COMMUNITY INITIATIVE

Transcription

1 SALEM AREA ONE COMMUNITY INITIATIVE Mission Statement To develop a safe, respectful, all-inclusive community through education, advocacy, and coordinated actions that include an effective response to prejudice and hate activity. STRATEGIC PLAN Salem Human Rights & Relations Advisory Commission Department of Community Services Community Resources and Recreation Division October 23, 2006

2 Table of Contents Preface 3 Mission and Vision 4 Goals and Objectives 5 GOAL 1: Establish a solid community understanding and awareness of the debilitating impact of prejudice, exclusion, and intolerance. 6 GOAL 2: Provide opportunity for dialogue and interaction that promotes a safe, respectful, and inclusive community 9 GOAL 3: Develop effective partnerships with a broad base of community organizations to further the promotion of respect and inclusiveness. 12 GOAL 4: Develop a comprehensive understanding of the nature and scope of hate activity in the community and existing systems in place to address the problem. 13 Performance Measures and Targets 16 2

3 Preface The Salem Area One Community Initiative is an effort to create a community more respectful of individual differences. Its purpose is defined in the Mission statement and the effort s desired outcome in the Vision statement. The Salem Human Rights and Relations Advisory Commission sponsors the One Community Initiative as part of its general powers and duties (Salem Revised Code Section (a)). Direction and leadership is provided by a steering committee on which key stakeholders are represented. Some members of the Steering Committee are people who represent the interests of other autonomous community-based organizations. Other Steering Committee members are individuals with a keen interest in creating a hate free community. Committed and energetic people who reflect the community s diversity populate various project teams and work committees that provide education and reinforcement of the initiative s basic message; that hate and intolerance are not acceptable in this community. Though the Salem Human Rights and Relations Advisory Commission sponsors the initiative, its geographic focus is both Marion and Polk counties. This strategic plan is the result of an in-depth examination of the current environment, an analysis of those programs that will create change, and thoughtful development of specific projects and activities to accomplish. All involved clearly understand that while on the road to the future, they will be required to react to challenges, decide on a correct path when faced with forks in the road, and embrace detours that may lead them in a whole new direction. This is a living document. It will be monitored for accomplishment, reviewed against current community conditions, and adjusted as needed to ensure it remains a relevant and detailed path to the future. One Community Initiative Organization Government Agencies Salem Human Rights and Relations Advisory Commission Community Members and Entities One Community Initiative Steering Committee Project and Activity Working Groups 3

4 Mission and Vision To define the purpose of the One Community Initiative and clarify its desired future community condition, the following Mission and Vision have been established. MISSION STATEMENT To develop a safe, respectful, all-inclusive community through education, advocacy, and coordinated actions that include an effective response to prejudice and hate activity. VISION We will be: A community that embraces all people regardless of background, beliefs, values, practices, or circumstances. A community that embodies respect, fairness, safety, and awareness of differences, without prejudice and hate. 4

5 Goals and Objectives In order to achieve the adopted Mission and Vision four goals were developed and strategic initiatives identified for each. A series of objectives and critical tasks have been developed for each goal. The objectives describe, in measurable terms, specific projects to address each identified initiative. These objectives are believed to be realistic for the plan s estimated fiveyear time frame. Critical tasks are identified for each objective and provide further definition to specific activities that must be accomplished in order to complete an objective. Timelines have been assigned to indicate when many of the objectives will be completed. Timelines will be assigned to the other objectives during future plan updates. Workgroups for many objectives have been assigned as well. The first listed person has lead responsibility. This plan will be reviewed and updated annually. Completed objectives will be removed, objectives to respond to emerging issues added, and adjustments made to the remaining objectives to accommodate changing circumstances. The Salem Area One Community Initiative will maintain this plan as a forward-looking, comprehensive strategy to ensure it remains focused on those efforts that best support its mission and move forward to the vision. 5

6 GOAL 1: Establish a solid community understanding and awareness of the debilitating impact of prejudice, exclusion, intolerance, hate, and shame. Strategic Initiatives: Include the teaching of respect and inclusion as a part of the school curriculum at all grade levels. Develop and present education to adults that promote respect and inclusion. Develop a social marketing campaign targeting all age groups delivered through the media and other pathways. Objective 1-A: Develop a definition of hate for use in preparing and delivering community education and other One Community Initiative activities. Research and gather existing definitions Review and revise from existing examples, or create a working definition for the One Community Initiative Present the definition to the Steering Committee and forward to other working groups Objective 1-B: Develop a comprehensive marketing and advertising campaign to promote the mission and vision of the One Community Initiative Timeline: B Solicit the support of a qualified marketing firm Identify the messages to be delivered as part of the campaign Identify message delivery pathways that will reach target audiences Develop a means to determine if the message is getting through Present a marketing strategy proposal to the Steering Committee Objective 1-C: Define a brand or logo that can be used as an identity of the One Community Initiative Timeline: B Solicit support from qualified marketing talent Consider sponsoring a youth logo contest Review various brand or logo options Select the best brand or logo and present to the Steering Committee 6

7 Objective 1-D: Develop a speakers bureau and presentation materials for use in presenting education at community group, service club, and other gatherings Timeline: B Identify people with speaking talent and topic expertise who would be willing to participate in the speakers bureau Develop speakers bureau marketing material, including topics, and deliver to local community groups and service clubs Schedule presenters as requested by groups and clubs Objective 1-E: Sponsor at least one program annually, featuring nationally recognized presenters or programs on the issue of respect and inclusiveness. Identify and secure nationally recognized presenters or programs that would have relevance to the Salem community Identify and secure a venue appropriate for the presentation and expected audience size Develop and distribute advertising and marketing material for the presentation Recruit and gather needed logistical and staff support to manage the event Objective 1-F: Develop and distribute materials that can be displayed in businesses and other public places to promote the mission and vision of the One Community Initiative. Timeline: B Identify the types of material that are appropriate for display in businesses and public places Develop the message to be included on materials in concert with the marketing strategy developed in Objective 1-A Produce materials and provide to business and public places for display Objective 1-G: Create and implement a pledge card campaign Create and print pledge cards for distribution Identify appropriate venues and publications through which the cards can be distributed Arrange for, and publish the names of people who sign pledge cards in the Statesman Journal and other newspapers and newsletters 7

8 Objective 1-H: Establish a working group of One Community Initiative representatives, and primary, secondary, and higher education public and private school officials. Identify individuals who will best represent interests for the work to be done in Objectives 1-H and 1-I Establish a working group charter to define the group s authorities and limitations as well as how it will report back to the Steering Committee and school administration Establish and publicize a schedule of meetings Objective 1-I: Research curriculum used in schools around the country that have been accepted by school officials and have demonstrated success in promoting respect and inclusiveness. Propose an acceptable curriculum and course materials for use in public and private schools (see Objective 1-H). Timeline: B Gather and review available curriculum Discuss and select curriculum that have proven success Identify any limitations the school district may have on delivery, such as classroom time, funding, teacher expertise, etc Develop a proposal that includes the selected curriculum and how limitations will be overcome Present the proposal to school administration and the Steering Committee Objective 1-J: Review and propose revisions to existing school discipline and behavior policies and rules to ensure they support the vision of respect and inclusiveness (see Objective 1-H). Gather and review existing school discipline and behavior policies and rules Evaluate whether existing policies and rules provide an appropriate response to hate initiated behaviors Develop modifications to rules and policies as appropriate Present proposals for modification to the Steering Committee, and school administration through appropriate channels 8

9 GOAL 2: Provide opportunity for dialogue and interaction that promotes a safe, respectful, and inclusive community Strategic Initiatives: Sponsor broad-based community discussion, with people of all ages, of inclusiveness related to such issues as race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disabilities, sexual orientation, and gender identify. Create a multicultural center in the downtown area to further promote community cultural activities and fairs. Publicly recognize significant contributions to the promotion of respect and inclusiveness. Objective 2-A: Conduct a statistically valid community survey to determine the nature and scope of intolerant behavior and attitude that exists within the community and the extent to which community members have experienced the same Timeline: TBD Develop an outline of questions to be asked during the survey Retain the services of a qualified survey firm Conduct the survey Prepare a report of findings and conclusions Present the report of findings and conclusions to the Steering Committee Objective 2-B: Sponsor and conduct community events focused on issues of respect and inclusiveness. Develop a list of topics to be discussed at each of the community events Explore opportunities to incorporate the events into other planned public gatherings Schedule each event and secure meeting space Secure discussion facilitators and presenters for each event Advertise each event through the media and other avenues Debrief following each event to determine what improvements can be made for future events 9

10 Objective 2-C: Work with local radio, television, and community access cable stations to establish regularly scheduled broadcasts of discussions related to respect and inclusiveness. Meet with local radio, television and community access cable providers to solicit their support for regularly scheduled broadcasts Develop a schedule of topics and presenters for each regular broadcast Objective 2-D: Establish a regular column in the Statesman Journal to promote discussion of respect and inclusiveness. Meet with Statesman Journal staff to determine if a regular column can be included in the newspaper Develop a list of topics to be written for each column Write and forward columns to the newspaper in accordance with their deadline Objective 2-E: Provide a One Community Initiative presence at community events to share educational information. Identify community events in which the One Community Initiative should be present Secure space at community events Prepare display materials and handouts for use during each event Schedule people to staff booths for each event Objective 2-F: Sponsor a no-hate poster contest in the schools. Meet with public and private school officials to gain permission to conduct the contest in the schools Prepare the theme and contest materials, and solicit prizes for winners Distribute the materials and instructions Collect contest entries and complete judging Schedule and conduct the award ceremony for contest winners 10

11 Objective 2-G: Develop a detailed demographic analysis of each city neighborhood area and provide this information to neighborhood association leadership. Gather census and other data that describes neighborhood area demographics Prepare a report describing demographics within each neighborhood association Present neighborhood association specific reports to each neighborhood association chair along with recommendations on how to encourage representation in neighborhood association activities by all demographic segments Objective 2-H: Establish a working group to explore the feasibility of establishing a multi-cultural center. Timeline: B Develop a working group people with an interest in establishing a multi-cultural center Research similar projects completed in other communities Prepare a proposal for a multi-cultural center for Salem that includes: o Description of the project o Estimated cost o Sources of funding o Ongoing expenses Present the proposal to the Steering Committee Objective 2-I: Develop and implement a process to recognize significant acts that promote the mission and vision of the One Community Initiative. Develop criteria to describe a significant act Identify the type of award appropriate for presentation Establish a funding source for awards Develop and advertise a nominations process Establish an award review committee to select recipients Determine the venue at which awards will be presented Present the proposal to the Steering Committee 11

12 GOAL 3: Develop effective partnerships with a broad base of community organizations to further the promotion of respect and inclusiveness. Strategic Initiatives: Identify and develop working agreements with other community organizations that could contribute to achieving the vision of the Salem Area One Community Initiative. Solicit grants and other funding to support delivery of programs. Objective 3-A: Develop a list of all existing community entities (public, private nonprofit and commercial/business) with an interest in the One Community Initiative. Contact each entity to identify their role in the initiative, and to develop a working agreement for their participation. Identify all community entities who potentially have a role or interest in the initiative Contact each entity to determine their interest in participating in the One Community Initiative effort Develop a working agreement that defines how they may be involved in supporting the initiative s efforts Develop a regular communications system to ensure all participating entities are kept up to date on initiative activities and opportunities for participation Objective 3-B: Develop and implement a fund-raising strategy and accounting process to support One Community Initiative activities Develop a budget for the initiative to identify needed revenue Establish a process for receiving and expending funds to ensure accountability Identify potential fundraising sources Craft the message to be used when soliciting funds for the initiative Present the fundraising strategy and accounting plan to the Steering Committee 12

13 GOAL 4: Develop a comprehensive understanding of the nature and scope of hate activity in the community and existing systems in place to address the problem. Strategic Initiatives: Research information that will identify the degree to which hate crimes occur in the Salem area Gain a comprehensive understanding of what motivates hate crimes Review existing laws and evaluate their effectiveness in curtailing hate crimes Promote legislation that improves the ability of law enforcement to combat hate crimes Ensure that there are comprehensive, well-coordinated systems to report hate crime, provide victim support, and community follow up response. Objective 4-A: Establish a clear definition of hate crime. Research various sources to determine if a clear definition exists If found, provide this definition to appropriate entities and/or individuals If not found, assemble a work group to develop a working definition of hate crime Objective 4-B: Gather relevant hate crime statistical data and prepare an analysis that defines the scope of the local problem. Research and determine what statistical data is available Gather data for the past five years for the Salem area Review data and document local experience Report information back to the Steering Committee Objective 4-C: Identify if existing hate crime reporting systems are adequate to define the problem and if not, design a reporting system that provides meaningful information Timeline: B Review data gathered in Objective 4-B and determine if it presents a complete and accurate picture of the issues Identify data captured by other comparable communities List data that would be useful to defining the problem but that is not currently available Meet with agencies that may be collection points for needed data to determine who could capture the information Develop procedures with involved agencies to capture and evaluate new data 13

14 Objective 4-D: Develop a comprehensive list of local, state, and federal laws pertaining to hate crime. Compare each for potential conflicts and to identify any gaps or deficiencies that may exist. Timeline: B Assemble a list of all existing local, state, and federal laws pertaining to hate crimes Develop a comparison of all existing laws to identify: o Conflicts o Deficiencies o Redundancies Report findings to the Steering Committee Objective 4-E: Based on the review in Objective 4-D, propose changes to local and state law to address conflicts, gaps, or deficiencies. Timeline: C Review conflicts, deficiencies and redundancies discovered in the accomplishment of Objective 4-D Prepare recommended changes to local and state law to address these issues Propose recommended changes to the Steering Committee On approval of the Steering Committee forward proposed changes to local or state officials as appropriate Objective 4-F: Review available research and develop a list of motivational factors that lead to the commission of hate crimes. Research credible reports and studies that define motivational factors leading to the commission of hate crimes Develop a list of the most common factors Report findings to the Steering Committee and disseminate information to groups working on educational programs Objective 4-G: Develop and present education on how a victim should respond during and after the commission of a hate crime List the types of crimes a person may encounter For each type identify the appropriate response by the victim Prepare education and presentation materials that describe the appropriate responses Make material available for presenters, community event booths, and other venues 14

15 Objective 4-H: Develop and publicize how hate crimes should be reported to law enforcement and what actions to expect once a crime is reported. Meet with law enforcement and center representatives to develop a description of how hate crimes should be reported to law enforcement Prepare material to be used in public education that describes how to report a hate crime and what to expect once such a crime is reported Work with local news media to publicize this information Ensure other work groups developing and distributing public education material have information produced by this objective Objective 4-I: Develop a support system for victims of hate crimes. Review existing systems designed to support victims of hate crimes Identify any weaknesses or deficiencies in existing systems Work with support service providers to develop improved victim support systems Ensure other work groups developing and distributing public education material have information produced by this objective Objective 4-J: Develop a strategy and plan to mobilize appropriate community action in response to a hate crime. Meet with law enforcement, victim support services, and others to discuss ways the community can appropriately act following a hate crime Collectively develop a community hate crime response plan Present the plan to the Steering Committee 15

16 Performance Measures and Targets To establish the Salem Area One Community Initiative s ability to measure its success, the following performance measures and targets have been established. These are important indicators of the level of respect and inclusiveness within a community. By evaluating and monitoring these measures the One Community Initiative can determine the success of its efforts, identify needed changes in program and service delivery, and better direct its resources on behalf of the community. 1. The number of occurrences of crime legally defined as a hate crime should not exceed X per 1,000 population based on an average of the past five years. Current: % Target: % Additional performance measures and targets to be developed 16