2016

Overview The City of Blue Springs is a community that prides itself on its diversity and its responsiveness to all citizens. In order to enhance the ability to educate and also respond to concerns that may be expressed related to gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or disability, the City created the Blue Springs Human Relations Commission (HRC). 

History Mayor, Carson Ross, Chief of Police, Wayne McCoy, Lee’s Summit former HRC Chair, Dr. Emanuel Ngomsi and the Blue Springs City Council drafted a charter for the HRC, and appointed seven members of the Blue Springs community to serve as the Human Relations Commission. Kynette Campbell is Chair and Gino Bueno serves as Vice-Chair. Other members appointed to the HRC include: Jane Bowerman, Antoine Jennings, Susan Stokenbury, Diane Ellis-Jones and Lori Moon. The Commission also has two student representatives, Nafi Seife and Mark Walker from each of the Blue Springs High Schools. Chief Wayne McCoy serves as the city’s liaison to the HRC.

Pictured L-R:) Chief Wayne McCoy, Antoine Jennings, Jane Bowerman, Chairman Kynette Campbell, Lori Moon, Former Student Representative Josie White, Vice-Chairman Gino Bueno. Not Pictured: Diane Ellis-Ross, Susan Stokenbury, Nafi Seife and Mark Walker

Community Survey In the spring of 2014 a Community Survey was conducted via focus groups to identify strengths within the Blue Springs community, opportunities identified by Blue Springs citizens in which growth could be achieved, education provided for the HRC, and possible risks for addressing these issues.

Blue Springs HRC Mission The mission of the Blue Springs Human Relations Commission is to foster the improvement of human relations among and between citizens of all cultural backgrounds, so as to provide all individuals with an equitable opportunity to grow and participate to the best of their ability in our economic, educational, political, and social systems.

Blue Springs HRC Vision Promote mutual understanding and respect among all residents, seeking viable solutions of disputes between residents and their neighbors, local entities and agencies.

Meetings Meetings of the Human Relations Commission are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. and are open to the public. Agendas are posted on the City of Blue Springs website prior to each meeting.

Activities of the HRC Seek to solve diversity disputes involving Blue Springs citizens, if necessary, the HRC offers mediation. Referrals may be made to HRC@bluespringsgov.com Per the strategic plan, HRC members will pursue activities designed to promote diversity and inclusion within the Blue Springs community.

HRC City Involvement MLK Celebrations, First Christian Church & Blue Springs Christian Church State of the City Address Implicit Bias Conference, Urban League of Kansas City Rotary Club Meeting Civic Leadership Awards Ceremony Community Prayer Breakfast Human Rights Conference Police Department Award Ceremony

2016 HRC Accomplishments Met with local HRC’s to exchange ideas, discuss challenges they face and to seek opportunities to work together in the future Block Party held in April (Autumn Bend Apts.) & August (Sunnyside Garden Apts.) Rotary Club presentation, June Civic Leadership Award, selected by the Mayor and the Missouri Municipal League, July Booth at Fall Fun Festival (September) and the National Night Out Against Crime (October) to bring community awareness to the HRC Sponsored HRC Symposium with six neighboring HRC’s, November Received funding from the city for the HRC.

HRC Forum- Blue Springs Christian Church

National Night Out Against Crime

Fall Fun Festival

2017 HRC Action Plans Neighborhood Block Party, April & August Fall Fun Fest Parade, September Booth at Night Out Against Crime, October Helping Residents Connect Fair – The purpose of the event is to make Blue Springs residents aware of the HRC and the services we offer. Vesper Hall, October, date TBD Human Rights Conference, November 3, 2017 in Columbia, Missouri Work with First Christian Church in Blue Springs to co-sponsor their MLK celebration in 2018 Collaborate with Independence HRC to help with their annual heritage festival Plan to purchase marketing materials to promote the HRC, some will used as giveaways to residents at events. Developing a relationship with school counselors and offer services of the HRC. Obtain 501 c(3) status if approved by the Mayor Visit local churches to bring awareness of the HRC and it’s services Presentation to City Council and Public Safety Commission Improve visibility on social media outlets

Questions & Answers