0:00One of the primary discussions revolved around the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. celebration. The commission has secured Shayla Reeves from Channel 4 WCCO as the speaker, with music provided by the District 112 choir. The commission is introducing new initiatives, such as an essay and coloring contest, to engage the community further. Discussions are ongoing about potential prizes for these contests, with inquiries about seeking external funding. Additionally, there was a suggestion to disseminate summary and nomination forms for awards to city departments and community organizations.

The commission also reviewed past events, highlighting the success of the Celebrate India event, which attracted an attendance of about 150 people. The event featured vendors, food, and activities, including storytelling sessions for children. The commission acknowledged the need for better advertising to increase attendance at future events. Similarly, the Day of the Dead Katrina parade was praised for its cultural presentations, including Aztec dancers, and saw over 400 attendees. The importance of early advertising was emphasized.

In a bid to reach a younger demographic, the commission discussed establishing an Instagram account to complement its existing Facebook presence. It was suggested that insights from younger commission members be gathered to implement this effectively. This suggestion is set to be further explored during the upcoming work session.

The meeting also addressed the importance of acknowledging Indigenous Peoples and veterans. A proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples was read at a city council meeting in October, and the commission aims to ensure this becomes an annual tradition through proactive communication with the city council. However, efforts to recognize veterans faced challenges due to a lack of response from outreach efforts. Despite contacting several organizations, only one name was provided, and no further communication was received after sending a letter. The commission expressed disappointment and discussed strategies to improve outreach for future recognitions.

19:06There was also a focus on planning for the commission’s visibility at events. The commission discussed various display options, such as retractable banners and fitted table covers, to effectively represent the commission at public gatherings. The practicality of these materials, particularly their durability for outdoor use, was debated, with a consensus on prioritizing the purchase of both a large retractable banner and a tabletop banner. The incorporation of eye-catching words alongside the logo was suggested to attract attendees, with the potential use of a QR code on promotional materials for easy access to the commission’s website.

56:16In terms of swag, the commission deliberated on items like hand sanitizers, Frisbees, and water bottles for upcoming events. A motion was passed to spend $900 on these items, considering the need for a budgetary cushion to cover potential shipping costs. The commission also discussed the practicality of using a collapsible wagon or go bag for transporting materials during events, recognizing the logistical benefits these could provide.

The commission acknowledged the need for strategic planning and early preparations for future events, such as the Pride Celebration. With a budget of $6,500 for the next year, the commission aims to utilize funds effectively, considering past expenditures and potential collaborations with vendors during events. This includes exploring the possibility of incorporating vendor logos on water bottles to incentivize vendor participation at a discount.