REGION 2020: HUMAN and RACE RELATIONS
WHAT
• To develop a region whose community
is recognized for its loving, respectful, and responsible citizens who work
for racial harmony, increased cooperation,
and honest communication among a diverse population.
WHY
• To provide fair and equitable resolution of human rights issues.
• To minimize conflicts.
• To resolve disputes without lengthy, costly litigation.
• To demonstrate progress.
• To be a symbol of pride for the State of Alabama.
• To provide education for living in a diverse society.
• To form a network of people achieving common goals.
WHO SHOULD BE INVOLVED
• National Conference of Community and Justice (NCCJ) National Coalition Building
Institute NCBI) Community Affairs Committee of Operation New Birmingham
• Alabama Poverty Project
• Coalition Against Hate Crimes
• The Region 2020 Human and Race Relations subtopic team
• The Alabama caucus from the recent "Unfinished Business" Conference
• State legislators
• Metro Area Justice Interfaith Committee (MAJIC)
• Greater Birmingham Ministries
• Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
• Alabama Arise
• US. Civil Rights Commission
• Southern Poverty and Law Center
WHO WILL BENEFIT
• Present and future generations of the region and state
HOW
Strategy
Create and support a regional Human Relations Commission.
Action Steps
Region 2020 will convene and mobilize groups who have expressed an interest
in creating a Human Relations Commission (See "Who Should Be Involved").
The Human Relations Task Force will:
1. Draft legislation based on the model prepared by the Alabama
Advisory Committee to the US. Civil Rights Commission, which
would include
a provision creating regional offices.
2. Lobby Governor Siegelman and the legislative delegation to
support the proposed legislation.
3. Outreach to cities in the state that have indicated an interest.
Role of Region 2020
• To endorse the legislative effort.
• To build support for the effort through the Regional Roundtable
of Elected Officials.
• To partner with other groups in support of the effort.
Cost
To be determined
Further Information
See Workgroup report for information on similar efforts
in comparable states.
