The Philomath Inclusivity Committee plans to meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday with a full agenda that includes discussions on public meetings law, term lengths for members, settling on a mission statement and revisiting a potential name change.
In the area of public meetings law, the committee had discussed last month the possibility of not livestreaming certain work sessions and trainings because some members reflecting on and sharing their own experiences that are not online may help them feel more able to be vulnerable and share. In addition, members believe that approach could lead to more accurate information about the experiences of people who live in Philomath.
City Attorney Jim Brewer provided feedback on the discussion which the committee plans to review.
At the request of the City Council, the committee also plans to discuss term lengths for members as well as establishing a mission statement and goals. The potential name change conversation will continue with proposed suggestions including “Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity Committee” and “Equity and Inclusion Committee: Striving for a More Diverse and Just Philomath.”
Also on the agenda:
• Urgent business (not outlined in the agenda).
• Meeting guests include Sandra Bean of the Racial Justice Book Club and Joe Hahn, Benton County Equity, Diversity and Inclusion program coordinator.
• Appointment of a member to take minutes.
• Review of council rules section.
• Review of an inclusivity proclamation.
• Identifying potential training topics and consultants.
• Revisiting the meeting schedule.
• Other routine business such as announcements, agenda item requests, etc.
The Inclusivity Committee is made up of City Councilors Jessica Andrade and Teresa Nielson, Mayor Chas Jones and community members Zina Allen, Maeve Dempsey, Cynthia Konrad and Anissa Teslow.
Read the full agenda and meeting packet here.
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