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Page 1
DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
The Dover Human Relations Commission (DHRC) meeting was held on April 20, 2016 at 6:03 p.m.
with Commissioner Henderson presiding. Members present were Ms. Bogle (arrived at 6:10 p.m.),
Ms. Griffith, Mr. McGiffin, Ms. Mullen, Mr. Roach, and Mrs. Sadusky.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Roach moved to amend the agenda to allow item #2, Recess for Photographs, to be
accomplished at the end of the meeting, seconded by Mr. McGiffin and unanimously carried.
By unanimous consent, the agenda was approved as amended.
Presentation by the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League Young Professionals -
Dr. Shekelia Hines
Dr. Shekelia Hines, Chair of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League (MWUL) Dover
Committee, reviewed a presentation entitled “Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League (MWUL)
Dover Committee” (Attachment #1). She informed members that she is a physical therapist in
Dover. Dr. Hines advised that the MWUL is new to the Dover area and its mission is to empower
people of color to achieve economic self-reliance, parity, and civil rights. She stated that the Urban
League has three (3) branches: 1) the Urban League itself, 2) the Young Professionals organization,
and 3) the Guild. She explained that the Young Professionals branch includes individuals aged 21
to 45 and focuses on bringing together those who are currently engaged in their community with the
idea that there would be an organized focus to foster relationships and grow together in order to
accomplish goals. Dr. Hines reviewed a timeline reflecting the MWUL’s accomplishments in 2015.
Dr. Hines indicated that the reason she was present was to raise awareness that the MWUL Dover
Committee is here, who they are, and what they do, and she expressed her hope that they could work
together with the City on programs. She explained that the organization had just come to Dover in
March 2016; however, they had begun programming. Dr. Hines stated that, over the past weekend,
the MWUL held Campaign Boot Camp Training, which offered education to participants about
strategy, finance, compliance, branding, communications, and messaging. In May 2016, a “What’s
in Your Future” education workshop would be held in different schools to help juniors and seniors
transition into the college phase. Dr. Hines noted that she, like other first generation students, had
not known where to go for things such as financial aid, and the purpose of the workshop would be
to pass on the wisdom that had been learned. In June, the organization planned to present business
and entrepreneurial training to bring business owners and those looking to become owners together
and allow them to tap into resources. Dr. Hines advised members that community organizing
training would also be held in July or September. She stated that the overall desire for MWUL in
Dover was to foster new relationships and bring together young professionals in the area.
Mr. McGiffin questioned which entities were becoming involved with the MWUL in Dover.
Responding, Dr. Hines advised members that she had been reaching out to different businesses and
organizations and contacted Mayor Robin Christiansen, who referred her to the DHRC. She
indicated that she was looking at universities, Legislative Hall, city governments, schools,
organizations such as Dover Downs, as well as the beach areas. Dr. Hines stated that the MWUL
could support the Commission’s programming or movements, noting if the DHRC had gray areas
or problems, her organization could fill these gaps rather than having to invent something new.
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DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
MEETING OF APRIL 20, 2016 PAGE 2
Mr. McGiffin stated that the Dover area hosts the Kent County Bar Association, which is a
professional association of local lawyers that includes a number of young professionals. He offered
to provide Dr. Hines with contact information for the current president of this organization.
Mr. Roach suggested that Dr. Hines contact former City Councilman Reuben Salters, founder of the
Sankofa Cultural Arts Center. Responding, Dr. Hines stated that she had spoken to Mr. Salters and
planned to meet with him.
Ms. Mullen indicated that she works for an organization that serves some individuals who are
juvenile delinquents. She stated that this population includes professionals and expressed the desire
that they not be overlooked. Ms. Mullen questioned if there were any criteria that would exclude
this population from the MWUL. Responding, Dr. Hines stated that everyone was welcome, and the
only criterion would be a willingness to work toward the Urban League’s mission.
Responding to Mr. Henderson regarding the history of the MWUL, Dr. Hines clarified that the Urban
League was founded in 1910 in New York, and the affiliated Wilmington Urban League organization
started in 1999; however, the work for it began in 1990. She explained that the Urban League is a
national organization and the MWUL is a branch of this organization.
Mr. Roach suggested that Dr. Hines contact Dr. Dan Shelton, Superintendent, Capital School
District, and offered to provide his contact information.
In response to Mr. Henderson as to whether she is in the Dover or Wilmington area, Dr. Hines
explained that she lives in Bear but works in Dover.
Mr. Roach requested that Dr. Hines’ contact information be emailed to members. Dr. Hines pointed
out that contact information and the MWUL website was included in the presentation; however, she
offered to email this information as well.
DHRC Committee Updates
Government Policy, Programs, and Practices Committee (McGiffin)
City of Dover Diversity Questionnaire - Questions for Online Survey
Mr. McGiffin advised members that, in December 2015, he and Mr. Henderson interviewed key staff
in the City of Dover organization using the Dover Human Relations Commission Diversity
Questionnaire approved by the DHRC as a basis for the interviews. Mr. McGiffin explained that the
GPPP’s next step was to make a diversity survey available in printed and online form to as many
City of Dover employees as possible; however, he reminded members that the Commission had not
approved using the DHRC Diversity Questionnaire for an online survey. Mr. McGiffin explained
that the GPPP Committee had reviewed the questionnaire and marked those questions that they felt
appropriate for the online survey with asterisks. He advised that once the questions were approved,
Mr. Andy Siegel, IT Director, would use the questions to develop a diversity survey instrument using
Survey Monkey. Mr. McGiffin suggested that Chairman Henderson could then email City
employees, provide a link to the survey, and request that they take a few minutes to complete it.
Mr. McGiffin planned to write up the results of the interviews and the survey within a couple of
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DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
MEETING OF APRIL 20, 2016 PAGE 3
weeks of receiving the data. Although this would not provide a scientific study, he felt it would
provide information regarding how aware primary decision makers and rank and file employees are
of diversity issues and how they respond. He expressed his hope that this would result in a useful
document that would show where the City is with respect to diversity, so that members could plan
where to go from there and how to get there. Mr. McGiffin requested that the Commission approve
the online survey questions or come up with an alternative so that the GPPP Committee could move
forward.
Mr. Henderson advised members that the employees who were interviewed had been responsive
overall, and responses were varied.
In response to Mr. Henderson’s request to provide further details regarding the interviews,
Mr. McGiffin explained that 45 minutes were marked out for each interview and approximately 10
to 12 interviews were conducted. Some interviewees were very forthcoming, and others more
guarded. He felt that the GPPP Committee was generally very well received, and they received
useful information.
Mr. McGiffin moved to recommend authorizing the Government Policy, Programs, and
Practices Committee to take the next step and put the survey questions online as drafted
(Attachment #2), seconded by Mr. Roach and unanimously carried.
Community Engagement Committee (Roach)
DHRC Logo
During the Regular City Council meeting of February 22, 2016, members approved the
Commission’s recommendation that Dover High School students be asked to create a logo for the
DHRC in exchange for a $50 gift certificate. During the DHRC meeting of March 16, 2016,
members discussed soliciting a donation rather than using money from the budget for the gift
certificate. Mr. Roach indicated that he did not mind personally donating $50 cash, and Ms. Griffith
suggested that all members could contribute money. Mr. Roach stated that he would reach out to
the Dover High School art department or print shop to see if they could work on creating a logo and
the winner could be given a cash prize.
During the DHRC meeting of April 20, 2016, Mr. Roach stated that he had received donations for
the DHRC logo contest and expressed the desire to adjust the $50 restriction because some people
had promised to give more than that amount. He questioned if members wished to provide a grand
prize of all donations received for the winner of the logo contest or if they would like to grant first,
second, and third place prizes based on the logos that are received. Mr. Roach indicated that he
could provide a report by the next meeting regarding who would be donating for the DHRC logo
competition and members could move forward from that point.
Mrs. Jody Stein, Administrative Assistant, City Clerk’s Office, noted that City Council had approved
an allocation of $50 from the DHRC budget for the gift certificate.
Ms. Griffith questioned if there was a need to go back through City Council to increase this amount
for donations and Mr. McGiffin stated his belief that this was probably the case.
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DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
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Ms. Bogle suggested that the approved $50 DHRC allocation go to the winner and additional
donated funds could be put into the DHRC budget.
Mr. Roach asked if the DHRC would have to go to City Council if there were additional funds from
outside sources. Responding, Mr. McGiffin stated his belief that any funds expended should be
approved by City Council, and if members were doing something in the name of the DHRC,
Council’s approval would be needed.
Mr. Roach stated his desire to move forward with the logo and save the topic of donations for
another discussion. He advised members that when he speaks to the art department at Dover High
School, only a $50 gift certificate in exchange for a logo would be discussed. Mr. Roach requested
a printout with easy to read information so that participants would understand what they are doing
and what the logo should look like as a starting point for their inspiration.
Mr. Henderson suggested leaving this up to the creativity of those at Dover High School.
Responding, Mr. Roach indicated that he could provide them a brief description.
Mr. McGiffin suggested that they visit the City’s website. Responding, Mr. Roach indicated that he
could provide a link to the website and would provide an update on this item at the next DHRC
meeting.
In response to Ms. Griffith in regard to reviewing logo submissions, Mr. Roach stated that if he
received submissions in a timely manner, he would request that review of the logos be added to the
next meeting agenda.
Reach One, Teach One Challenge
During their meeting of January 11, 2016, City Council approved the Commission’s
recommendation that Council consider having a “Reach One, Teach One Challenge” for the City of
Dover.
During the April 20, 2016 DHRC meeting, Mr. Roach indicated that he was unsure how to the
administer this program throughout the City workforce. He reminded members that the intent of the
Reach One, Teach One Challenge was to encourage employees to become a mentor to a child, noting
the need for mentors at all grade levels. Mr. Roach stated that Booker T. Washington Elementary
School was struggling to find mentors to spend 40 minutes per week with kids and thought the
DHRC could challenge City employees to do this. He asked if members would like him to develop
something for their approval that could be dispersed to City employees.
Dr. Shekelia Hines, Chair of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League (MWUL) Dover
Committee, stated that the Urban League had an event scheduled for May 14, 2016. She advised that
the high school juniors and seniors who would be attending would need mentors to remain with these
students as they transition to college; therefore, this would be another opportunity for mentoring.
Ms. Bogle questioned if there would be a vetting and monitoring process for City employees who
mentor and how recently employees had undergone background checks. She commented that she
had overseen a mentoring program for the Capital School District and some problems came up.
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DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
MEETING OF APRIL 20, 2016 PAGE 5
Ms. Bogle felt this should be thought through before doing something in the name of the DHRC.
Responding, Mr. Roach stated that the school has a mentoring coordinator.
Ms. Bogle asked if mentoring would be done through the Connecting Generations program.
Responding, Mr. Dionta Cox, former mentor coordinator in the Capital School District, stated that
Connecting Generations has mentors doing part-time work in some Capital School District schools.
Ms. Bogle questioned if the Reach One, Teach One Challenge would involve mentors going into the
schools, and Mr. Roach confirmed this, stating that mentors would typically go in and have lunch
with kids and would not take them out of school. Ms. Bogle indicated that she had not been aware
that Reach One, Teach One was through the Capital School District.
Mr. McGiffin questioned if the point of the Reach One, Teach One Challenge was to encourage
DHRC members and those employed by the City of Dover to participate in mentoring, and this was
confirmed by Mr. Roach. Mr. Roach explained that the DHRC would not oversee mentoring but
would encourage employees to participate and perhaps provide incentives, such as a button, cup, or
an email with kudos. The intent was to raise awareness and encourage investing time in kids with
the hope of curtailing future problems.
Responding to Ms. Mullen as to whether alternative schools were also being considered, Mr. Roach
stated that the intent was to include schools such as Kent County Alternative Programs and Parkway
Academy.
Mr. Roach indicated that, if desired, he could write up an email stating that the DHRC has issued
a challenge to all City of Dover employees to volunteer at one (1) of the local schools and, if they
do so, to notify the DHRC so that they could receive kudos. Responding, Mr. Henderson suggested
that Mr. Roach and Ms. Bogle work together on this and forward this information to Ms. Griffith.
Ms. Bogle questioned if a flyer or email was desired, and Mr. Roach suggested whichever she felt
was more appropriate.
Ms. Bogle noted that there were a couple of City employees who were already mentoring in the
Capital School District and suggested that they may be able to help with recruiting.
New Ideas for Community Engagement
During the Commission meeting of March 16, 2016, it was recommended that all members come
up with a new idea by the next meeting in regard to a forum, task, or challenge for the community
that they would like to see the DHRC undertake.
During the DHRC meeting of April 20, 2016, Mr. Roach suggested holding a two (2) hour open
meeting to allow people to meet their DHRC representatives, possibly at a church or local event.
He felt this would make members more approachable to the community. Mr. Roach felt that people
are not as likely to want to sit and talk with Commissioners and get to know them at a formal
meeting. He suggested that members look at their calendars and pick a date during the summer.
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DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
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Mr. Henderson suggested possibly having a barbecue. Responding, Mr. Roach indicated that he was
in favor of this, stating that if the Commissioners gathered with their families so they could get to
know each other and other people showed up, this would be a forum. He indicated that he was
unsure if this would be allowed due to concerns related to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Mr. Roach suggested it might be possible to have an event such as a barbecue meet and greet at
Silver Lake if it were properly noticed and it was specified that no action would be taken.
Ms. Griffith stated that this was similar to people being invited to have breakfast or coffee with their
legislators.
Mr. McGiffin pointed out that there could be issues if a quorum was present. Responding,
Ms. Griffith stated that members would not be talking about business.
Ms. Mullen advised members that some communities in Dover have civic associations, noting that
she belongs to one, and she stated that she would be happy to put the DHRC on the Towne Point
Civic Association’s agenda so they would know what the DHRC is and what they do.
Ms. Griffith indicated that members could find civic associations within their districts so these
associations could get to know their own DHRC Commissioners.
Mr. Roach suggested that members check their local districts for civic associations and check a
possible date for a meet and greet in the summer.
Noting that Ms. Mullen had brought forth the idea regarding civic associations, Mr. Henderson
requested that she give members a little more guidance in this regard and that this be placed on the
next meeting agenda.
Ms. Mullen stated that the next Towne Point Civic Association meeting was scheduled for
May 20, 2016, and Mr. Henderson indicated that the DHRC would meet shortly thereafter.
Education Committee (Bogle)
Ms. Bogle stated that Capital School District was holding community meetings regarding their new
strategic plan and she had attended. She indicated the need to connect with Mr. Henderson in regard
to meeting with Dr. Dan Shelton, Superintendent, Capital School District, and stated that she would
set up some meetings.
Communications Committee (Griffith)
African American Festival
Ms. Griffith stated that the DHRC’s recommendation to allocate $200 to participate in the African
American Festival on the last Saturday in June would be considered by City Council during their
meeting of April 25, 2016. She indicated that funds would pay for a table and giveaways. She
reminded members that they had discussed passing out water in order to start a conversation with
those attending.
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DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
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Community Involvement - Public Relations Initiative
Ms. Griffith stated that photos were being taken later in the evening and would be used for
congratulatory cards that would be sent out to the community from the DHRC. She indicated that
she would reach out to obtain an estimate for this.
Ms. Bogle stated that Delaware Correctional Industries offers printing at a reasonable price, and
Mrs. Sadusky offered to contact them.
Ms. Griffith stated that she would see if the cards could be printed through Legislative Hall.
Mr. Roach stated that he is acquainted with the owner of Windswept and that he could approach
them.
Responding to Ms. Griffith, Mr. Roach indicated that no dollar amount had been assigned because
an estimate was still pending.
Ms. Griffith indicated her expectation that she would be writing out the cards. She stated her thought
that each Commissioner’s signature should be printed on the card and they would be sent on behalf
of the Commission. Ms. Griffith expressed the need to talk about how decisions would be made
regarding when cards would be sent.
Mr. McGiffin felt that members could establish criteria and Ms. Griffith could exercise authority
consistent with the criteria, noting that there could be a list of events and accomplishments that
would be recognized by the Commission.
Mr. Roach suggested that Ms. Griffith develop a list of the criteria to be used for discussion and
approval during the next DHRC meeting.
Old Business
DHRC Vacancies (First and Fourth Districts)
Mr. Henderson stated that he would discuss the existing vacancies in the First and Fourth Districts
with Council President Slavin.
Mr. McGiffin moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Roach and unanimously carried.
The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m., and photographs were taken following adjournment.
Theodore A. Henderson
Chair
TAH/JS/dd
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Attachments
Attachment #1 - Presentation - Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League (MWUL) - Dover Committee
Attachment #2 - Government Policy, Programs, and Practices Committee Online Survey Questions
Page 8
ATTACHMENT #1
Dover Human Relations Commission
Meeting of 04/20/2016
Metropolitan Wilmington
Urban League (MWUL)
Dover Committee
Page 9
Introduction
Shekelia Hines, PT , DPT
Physical Therapist
Chair of MWUL Dover Committee
ShekeliaHines@gmail.com
(302) 300 - 0856
Page 10
Our Movement
● Founded in 1910 in New York City, NY
● Nonprofit, nonpartisan, community based movement
● Professional Staffed
● MWUL 115th Affiliate
● Pursues the National Urban League 5 point Agenda
Page 11
Five point Empowerment Agenda
1. Education and Youth Empowerment
2. Economic Empowerment
3. Health and Quality of Life Empowerment
4. Civic Engagement and Leadership Empowerment
5. Civil Rights and Racial Justice Empowerment
Page 12
Founder of MWUL Mr. James H. Gilliam, Sr.
● In 1998, Civil Rights Veteran James H. Gilliam, Sr., a former member of
the National Urban League’s (NUL) Board of Trustees, was prompted by
Mayor James H. Sills to start an Urban League affiliate in Wilmington
Delaware.
● In six months, Mr. Gilliam worked with a small group of colleagues and
a minority-owned consulting firm, [ARISE International], to marshal
funding and partnership commitments that totaled $1 million. He also
assembled a diverse sponsoring committee that included more than 70
community leaders from public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
● In June 1999, Mr. Gilliam made a formal presentation for affiliation to
the NUL. One month later, MWUL became the 115th affiliate in the
history of the national organization.
● It remains the fastest start of any Urban League affiliate in the later half
of the 20th century.
James H. Gilliam, Sr.
Page 13
Mission statement:
To empower people of color to
achieve economic self-reliance,
parity, and civil rights.
Page 14
Young Professionals
(www.mwulyp.org)
● Auxiliary Organization
● Fastest growing segment
● Made up of members who support the mission
● Defined as “Anyone proficient in what they do.”
● Various occupations are welcomed
● Ages 21 - 45
Page 15
MWUL Young Professional Video Introduction
Page 16
Mini Recapture of 2015
(See Annual Report for 2015)
July 2015 October 2015
June 2015
Civic engagement
Partnered with Christiana Cultural Economic empowerment committee
committee held a week long
Arts Center to assist with the annual held a financial literacy conference at
community organizing
concert series at the Grand Opera Delaware Technical College
training.
House.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
September 2015
August 2015
March 2015 Organized the Sunday Breakfast
Hosted a weekend with Nascar at Delaware
State University for potential career and
● MWUL YP’s Held a Launch week to celebrate Mission to distribute 3,000 book bags
internship opportunities with Bubba Wallace.
the revitalization of the young professionals. filled with school and worked with
● Worked with Habitat for Humanity in complexities of color to distribute an
Claymont, DE. additional 1,500 book bags. This is a small sample of all events by the YP’s.
Page 17
Dover Committee YP’s
June
May Business and
April “What’s In Your Future”
Entrepreneur Training
Held Campaign Education workshop
Bootcamp Training.
Page 18
Why now in the Dover area?
● Young professionals in the
Dover area expressed
interest and a need to
serve their community.
Page 19
ATTACHMENT #2
Dover Human Relations Commission
Meeting of 04/20/2016
Dover Human Relations Commission
Diversity Questionare
!
General Questions
1. Are diversity and cultural competency articulated as values in any
mission/vision/value statement developed by the City?*
!
!
2. Is the City’s value regarding diversity and cultural competency
communicated to departments, staff, employees?*
!
!
3. Does the City promote diversity, cultural competency and inclusion in
the community?* Why and how? Or why not?
!
!
4. Does the City promote diversity, cultural competency and inclusion in
the workplace?* Why and how? Or why not?
!
!
5. Is there any history, event, symbol, figure that affects diversity and
cultural competency in Dover?*
!
!
6. Does the City have a diversity recruiting plan, goals, record?
!
!
7. Does the City inquire about or measure employee satisfaction?
!
!
8. How does the City Communicate with diverse populations?
!
!
9. Is citizen/customer satisfaction measured? Is it tracked with diversity as
a factor?
Page 20
10. Is there any request/demand/need from diverse groups for particular
services?*
!
!
11. Are any City services available in any language other than English?
!
!
12. Does the City have diversity policies applicable to dealings with
vendors?
!
!
13. What does the City need to do more to promote diversity and cultural
competency within the organization and in the community at large?*
!
For Kim Hawkins
!
14. Does the City track demographics of job applicants?
!
!
15. Does the City publish clear criteria for jobs prior to interviews?
!
!
16. Are interviewers trained about issues related to unconscious bias?
!
!
17. Is hiring done by hiring panels? Are the panels diverse?
!
!
18. Are hiring patterns tracked? Retention patterns? Attrition patterns?
!
!
19. Are employee behavior expectations communicated to staff? Enforced?
!
!
20. Does the City use Employee Resource Groups?
* question appropriate for survey of City staff