HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION

What does the Human Relations Commission do to enhance Quality of Life in the City of Jackson? 

Promote mutual understanding, dignity, and respect among all racial, religious, and nationality groups, and work to discourage and prevent discriminatory practices against any such group Disseminate information and educational materials and reports which will assist in the elimination of prejudice, intolerance, intergroup tension and discrimination, or which will promote goodwill.

Formulate and carry out programs of community education and training, by itself or in cooperation with other agencies, organizations or associations, public and private, for the purpose of discouraging and eliminating intergroup tension, discrimination, harassment or prejudice.

Establish procedures and conduct mediation and conciliation when conflict concerning good human relations arises.

Assist the city in providing equal employment in all departments and levels of government, and equal services to all citizens.

Assist with review and monitoring of the city's contract compliance program.

Be an interpreter of the sentiments of the community and an agent within the government to foster programs, policies and procedures for ensuring community progress in all human relations areas.

Provide leadership in recognizing and resolving potential problems through its advisory capacity to the City manager and City Council through development of specific programs designed to foster the kinds of social change needed to make this city a better place for all.

Review the status of social services provided to residents of this city, including the nature, quality, effectiveness, availability and accessibility thereof. To this end, the Commission shall liaison with the appropriate local, county, and state government agencies, as well as private community service organizations.

Make recommendations concerning programs and seek the establishment of programs that will provide a better quality of life in the areas of mental health and general health services, substance abuse services, and other services for the people of the city.

Prepare and submit an annual report of its activities to the City Council and to make other reports and recommendations to the City Council as deemed necessary for the furtherance of improved human relations in the city.


Who are the HRC? 
The HRC was established as a part of the City of Jackson government on November 19, 1963. The HRC is comprised of nine members, of which at least five must be residents of the City while others may reside in the County. Racial and male/female balance is sought among members to allow for a fully representative body reflective of the City's population.
The standing committees of the HRC are: Community Needs; Labor and Industry; and Public Relations and Information. The HRC also welcomes opportunities to partner with other organizations working in the areas of human relations and services.

The HRC meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 161 West Michigan Avenue. Time is allotted each session for citizen comments, and observers are always welcome.

Members of the Human Relations Commission are glad to engage the citizens of Jackson in their clubs, work places, neighborhoods and places of worship. Call the HRC office to request their presence or to arrange for an HRC speaker at your event.