HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 13, 2013 Citg o0 Minutes/Meeting Summary
iii Advisory Committee on Diversity
-1F1 Thursday, June 13, 2013
PI KERING ' pm
Library Boardroom —2nd Floor
Attendees: Kirk Mark, Community Appointee
Catherine Reidt, Community Appointee
Dave Marlowe, Staff Representative
Tanya Ryce, Staff Representative
Renee Michaud, Recording Secretary
Guests: Jayme Harper, Executive Director, PFLAG
Dr. Barbara Perry, Board Member, PFLAG
Rebecca Rodrigue, Durham Region Unemployed HELP Centre
Absent: Councillor Ashe
Jacob Yacoumidis, Community Appointee
Carlisle Miller, Community Appointee
Devinder Panesar, Community Appointee
Anil Maharaj, DRPS
Preet Panesar, [YOU]nity group
C. Harper, Pickering Public Library
Devorah Garland, Aids Committee of Durham
Debbie Shields, City Clerk and Staff Representative
NOTE: No Quorum.
Item/ Details & Discussion & Conclusion Action Items/Status
Ref# (summary of discussion) (include deadline as
appropriate)
1. Welcome & Introduction •
2. Review and Adoption of Minutes
The approval of the minutes of the May 9, 2013 meeting was
postponed to the September meeting due to lack of quorum.
3. Presentation
Dave Marlowe introduced the 2 guests, Jayme Harper,
Executive Director, PLAGG and Dr. Barbara Perry, Board
Member, PFLAGG & LGBTQ.
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J. Harper mentioned that PFLAGG and LBGTQ groups were
started a few years ago to bring all the community leaders and
various organizations together to work as one team. At that
time, about 30 organizations signed up.
J. Harper was the co-chair for 2 years. They have been
successful in establishing a Distress Centre with a Help Line in
Durham Region. They are working closely with the Board of
Education to increase awareness and provide information
sessions as needed.
The goal of the organization is to provide support to family and
friends dealing with gay and lesbian relationships and
confronting problems in the community.
They offer one on one dialogue and counseling with various
professionals based on their needs. They also host events,
such as Coffee nights and Sharing nights which is an
opportunity for them to speak in a safe environment and
understand that they are not alone.
Dr. Perry advised that the organizations offer workplace
education targeted towards the audience, whether it is dealing
with staff or with the general public.
They have increased community awareness over the past few
years with events such as Pride Week held in Oshawa for all of .
Durham, Gala event "Evening of Hope".
J. Harper mentioned that the youth suicide numbers have
increased by 30% although the gay and lesbian community only
make up 10% of the population.
There are still many work locations that do not provide safe
washrooms for transgenders which would create a more
inclusive work environment. Other changes needed are
references to a partner rather than a wife or husband.
UOIT will be holding its 3rd year LGBTQ Youth Leadership
Camp this summer
They recognized that the City of Pickering has been raising the
PFLAGG for the last 5 years showing their support for their
community organization.
J. Harper indicated that they would be interested in conducting
information sessions for the aquatics program, lifeguards and
camp counselors at the Pickering Recreation Complex.
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T. Ryce to review for consideration and advise.
It was suggested to invite PFLAGG and LGBTQ to the
September Wellness Forum as there are still booth spaces
available. J. Harper to contact Tanya if they are interested.
The City also runs Teen Programs which may be a good
opportunity to partner with to offer educational sessions.
J. Harper indicated that they have difficulty finding free rental
space for youth groups to get together. T. Ryce mentioned
that the Library offers free meeting rooms to community
organizations, but unfortunately meeting room rental at other
city facilities are at a premium as the rooms are usually needed •
to run City programs.
R. Rodrigue offered the meeting space within their office at the
Durham Region Unemployed Help Centre.
T. Ryce thanked the guests for attending..
4. Business Arising from the Minutes
Survey Update —T. Ryce circulated a copy of the breakdown
for the surveys collected to date and suggested that we have a
committee member dedicated to collect more surveys at the
September event.
Wellness Forum —T. Ryce provided a list of planning items for
the event on September 14th. The next sub-group meeting will
be held on July 9th
•
5. Correspondence
No correspondence.
6. Terms of Reference
This item was postponed to the September meeting due to lack
of quorum.
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. 7 .
7. Other Business
Upcoming guest—T. Ryce mentioned that she met with Dr
Ashleigh Melloy, Professor at York University with regards to
inclusivity and how to better shape our events at the City. He
is interested in providing training to City staff. T. Ryce to invite
Dr. Melloy to the September meeting and also to the Wellness
event.
Meeting Adjourned: 8:20 pm
Copy: City Clerk
•
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