The council’s most pressing agenda item was the Human Rights Commission’s video project, designed to educate Amherst residents about the commission’s functions and how to access its services. This project is part of a three-year plan, with the first year’s goal being the creation of a script that includes an overview of the complaint process. The script, estimated to be 10 to 15 minutes in length, aims to engage the community interactively. Contributors to the script, Ruana and another member, were tasked with incorporating feedback from the commission to ensure clarity and comprehensiveness. A member raised concerns about explicitly defining human rights within the script, emphasizing the importance of public understanding of these universal rights. The discussion revealed differing views on the script’s alignment with the commission’s bylaws and mission, with members encouraged to provide specific feedback to streamline the editing process.

The meeting also delved into the Resident Oversight Board’s progress, focusing on its stakeholder group, which includes police labor unions and community members. Initial sessions were dedicated to training about police oversight boards nationwide, leading to discussions on what elements should be incorporated into Amherst’s framework. Draft bylaws were presented, with ongoing debates about specific paragraphs and sections. The group’s structure, featuring sections on purpose, powers, responsibilities, and procedures, aims to provide a clear governance model. However, concerns about limited opportunities for dialogue within the stakeholder group were noted, with members encouraged to submit opinions directly to facilitate the process.

The meeting further highlighted DEI efforts, with updates from the DEI office detailing the “Liberatory Visioning” project led by Dr. Barbara Love. This initiative aims to foster community engagement to envision a more inclusive Amherst, with community meetings scheduled at various locations. The office is also coordinating with the Resident Oversight Board, conducting bi-weekly meetings to align efforts. Additionally, the “Judy Brooks series” talk, scheduled for March 26, will explore the DEI framework, acknowledging its significance and addressing its misrepresentation.

Youth Empowerment programming was another focal point, set to commence every Saturday in March. This initiative will focus on entrepreneurship, guiding 6th to 12th graders in product creation, marketing, and pricing, culminating in sales at the Global Village Festival. The Human Rights Commission reported receiving five complaints since November, with four resolved and one under investigation. The commission plans to host a Trans Visibility Day program, featuring a documentary screening on March 31.

The council also addressed concerns about the Human Rights Commission’s involvement in the Global Village Festival, advocating for greater recognition of the commission’s role in promotional materials. The need to acknowledge Black History Month within the DEI context was emphasized, with panels at Town Hall and a UMass conference highlighting local Black community contributions.

A coalition involving law firms and law schools is being considered to provide aid to vulnerable populations, with the Pioneer Valley Workers Center highlighted as a key resource. The distribution of “Know Your Rights” red cards was discussed, with plans to make them widely available in public venues. The council recognized the importance of educational outreach and the need to involve educators to effectively bring resources into schools.