Safe and Civil City Program Annual Reports
SAFE AND CIVIL CITY PROGRAM, MAYOR'S OFFICE
2004 ANNUAL REPORT
The Safe and Civil City Program has three objectives:
- To improve the ability of the community's law enforcement professionals to protect the lives and property of our citizens
- To develop pro-active citizen programs and techniques that enhance the public safety, and the perception of safety, in our community
- To improve civility in our community
The program also addresses diversity, domestic violence, civic engagement and conflict management issues by supporting grassroots initiatives and community activities that focus on these issues. To accomplish its objectives and support program initiatives, the Safe and Civil City Program collaborates with social service, community and law enforcement agencies, as well as citizen groups, city departments, county government and educational institutions, including Indiana University.
Highlights of Safe and Civil City Program accomplishments during
the year 2004 include the following:
- Co-recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Award, on Jan 19, 2004, as a member of the Monroe County Racial Justice Task Force study committee. The MLK, Jr. Legacy Award recognizes and affirms those who have made significant and tangible contributions in the areas of races relations, justice, and/or human rights.
- Initiated development of the City Diversity Team in Jan, 2004. The objectives of the team are to: (1) function as a "clearinghouse" for coordination and information-sharing among city departments engaged in diversity initiatives; and (2) optimize citizen services and fulfill city diversity objectives, including exploring strategies for diversifying city workforce, i.e., recruiting and retaining minorities and underrepresented populations to employee and intern positions. S&CCP is collaborating with the Employee Services Department, the Bloomington Human Rights Commission, & other City of Bloomington departments in the organization of this diversity team and the identification of national models to assist with incorporation of best/promising practices.
- Revised extensively and posted on S&CCP website in Jan, 2004, an educational document used in a presentation at the 2001 Annual Meeting for GAL/CASA Directors and Staff: "Domestic Violence and GALs/CASAs: Legal and Ethical Responsibilities." A copy of the document outline was included in an Indiana continuing legal education seminar in June, 2004.
- Co-sponsored "Eva Mozes Kor and the CANDLES Museum - The Bloomington Community Response" on Feb 10, 2004. Mrs. Mozes Kor, a Terre Haute resident and survivor of the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland, founded the CANDLES museum in 1995 to educate the public about the Holocaust. The museum was destroyed in a Nov, 2003, arson in Terre Haute. Students from Batchelor Middle School's B-TV program showed B-TV's acclaimed video documentary about the Holocaust - "Evil Exposed - The Tragedy of the Holocaust" - as part of the community response.
- Appointed by Mayor Kruzan on Feb 19, 2004, to the Monroe County Community Corrections Advisory Board.
- Organized promotional efforts for "stand-by" response to Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) from Topeka, Kansas, which threatened to picket the IU Theater's production of The Laramie Project in early April, 2004. The response included drafting a press release, creating a new "Every Minute Counts" pledge form, volunteering to staff an information table at the EMC "headquarters" at the Center for University Ministry on performance nights, and circulating information materials from the City of Topeka legal department regarding "best practices" with respect to law enforcement and city responses to WBC demonstrators.
- Co-founded the Domestic Violence Prevention Latino Initiative in April, 2004, with Community and Family Resources Department and Middle Way House to develop collaborative strategies to address domestic violence issues in the Latino community. Created and distributed an email information and resource directory addressing "best/promising practices" with respect to Latino/DV issues. Purchased resource materials in Spanish from the Family Violence Prevention Fund.
- Created an informational email flier for consumers on language access issues in April, 2004. Under federal law, any agency that receives federal financial assistance must take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to people with limited English proficiency (LEP). This flier contained educational information (and weblinks) on federal laws governing language access issues and included contact numbers for training staff at the Chicago office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This information led to the sponsorship of a community LEP training in July, 2004, by Arturo Garcia, a senior federal investigator and LEP/immigrant access team leader with the Chicago office.
- Submitted memo to Mayor Kruzan on May 6, 2004: "Graffiti Remediation Policies: Review and Recommendations." This memo culminated S&CCP research and activities since 2000, including compiling a graffiti remediation information handout for distribution to the public and the organization of a city inter-departmental working group that explored national "best practices and policies"--within constraints of city resources--with respect to municipal graffiti remediation programs
- Presented on the topic of "Domestic Violence and GALs/CASAs: Legal and Ethical Responsibilities" at the Monroe County Domestic Violence Task Force April 15, 2004, meeting.
- Contributed resource assistance to Banneker History Project (BHP), 2001-2004, to fund curriculum purchases and construction of museum exhibits. Participated in April, 2004, discussion panel at Bloomington North High School. The BHP was "incubated" during the second Campus Community Partnership meeting in 2001. The purpose of BHP has been to help young people learn about the history of Banneker as a segregated school and as a community center and become informed and active citizens, responsive to community concerns. The BHP's opening exhibit was held at the Banneker Community Center on May 22, 2004. BHP sponsors and leaders include IU professors, staff and students; neighborhood and community representatives; MCCSC teachers and students; the Monroe County Chapter of the NAACP, and staff of HAND, Banneker Community Center and Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, City of Bloomington.
- Co-organized and promoted ceremony commemorating 50th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education on May 17, 2004, attended by approx. 75 community members. Speakers included Mayor Kruzan, Frank Motley, Gloria Gibson, Larry Brown & Beverly Calender-Anderson.
- Participated on 2004 Juneteenth steering/planning committee. Assisted with logistical issues, including application for park & parade permits.
- Promoted and organized media response to the American Bar Association's Justice Kennedy's Commission June, 2004, recognition of the Monroe County Racial Justice Task Force as a national model for communities and jurisdictions examining issues of racial disparity in the criminal justice system. S&CCP director is co-founder of the RJTF and editor/contributing author of the 2003 Task Force report.
- Created S&CCP webpage in July, 2004, posting the community's most comprehensive listing of domestic violence resources, including links to resources regarding needs of battered immigrants and women of color, as well as Title VI language access issues.
- Presented at City of Bloomington Citizens' Academy on September 15, 2004, using a travel itinerary and website "tour" theme entitled, "A Passport to the Safe and Civil Program."
- Co-sponsored, promoted and moderated town hall meeting in City Hall on "Race, School Discipline and Criminal Justice" on September 28, 2004, attended by approx 100 community members. The purpose of the meeting was to provide an opportunity for the community to discuss issues related to Black males who are involved in the school discipline and criminal justice systems and to assist the Commission on the Status of Black Males in crafting recommendations for positive action. Assisted with organization of panel to speak on Sept 17 Noon Edition.
- Co-chaired and co-sponsored 2004 Bloomington Multicultural Festival on Sept 28. 1500 community members attended the festival, which featured 40 culture booths, 16 entertainment acts, and ethnic food provided by Encore Caf� S&CCP coordinated/co-coordinated marketing, promotional, logistics and food components of festival planning and co-underwrote the festival expenses.
- Collaborated with Community Justice and Mediation Center to develop partnerships with community agencies, including the Bloomington Police Department. Met with Jim Witmer, BPD training coordinator, to deliver "Got Conflict" hand-out referral cards and informational materials prepared by CJAM, as well as to discuss appropriate BPD referrals to CJAM. S&CCP created a binder reviewing best practices-- from programs nationwide--addressing police and mediation issues.
- Underwrote and co-sponsored the 6th annual domestic violence conference, "The Batterer as Parent," on October 8, 2004, which was attended by approx. 75 participants, including service providers, police, attorneys, judges & victim advocates. S&CCP initiated & secured speaker commitment with Lundy Bancroft, a nationally recognized authority on batterers and the effects of domestic violence on children and family dynamics, and assisted with event promotion. Middle Way House coordinated organizational, marketing and logistic components of the conference.
- Collaborated with Employee Services Department from June - Oct, 2004, to develop City of Bloomington Policy on Awareness and Response to Domestic Violence in the Workplace. (Policy was formally incorporated into COB employment policies in January, 2005.)
- Co-founded and facilitated the Black History Month Steering Committee in Nov, 2004. The committee, chaired by Elizabeth Mitchell, assumed responsibility for organizing: the first annual "Black History Month Kick-Off Ceremony & Reception-Bloomington Style!" in City Hall (Jan 31, 2005), the showing of the Black Pearl Film Series' movie, "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman" at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater (Feb 6, 2005), and the creation of a "Black History Month Community Calendar" to be posted on the S&CCP website.
- Created resource web pages in Nov, 2004, for "Responding to Hate" and "City Protest Policy" in response to citizen inquiry seeking copy of protest policy subsequent to campus protests by Old Paths Baptist Church (OPBC). These web pages provide access to extensive resources for use by local and other communities in developing effective responses to hate groups and incidents.
- Presented as a workshop co-panelist at the National League of Cities 2004 Congress of Cities & Expositions in Indianapolis on Dec 4, 2004. The NLC workshop was co-sponsored by the Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Local Officials (GLBLO): "Serving an Increasingly Diverse Population: Trends and Changes." The S&CCP presentation and packet title was: "Innovative & Effective Strategies for Approaching the Task of Inclusion: Experiences and Initiatives from the City of Bloomington, Indiana."
- Organized and hosted the second annual ceremony on Dec.13, 2004, for the Mayor's Award for Civic Engagement. The Mayor's Award was developed by the S&CCP in 2003 to "to acknowledge outstanding persons who, through their commitment to participating in political and community activities, significantly contribute to improving life in Bloomington and Monroe County." Four category award recipients (youth, college student, individual & organization) and 12 honorable mention recipients were recognized by Mayor Kruzan before an audience of 100 community members in City Hall.
- Co-sponsored free cab rides on New Year's Eve with Yellow Cab and Bloomington Hospital.
- Collaborated on ongoing projects and boards: IU Commission on Multicultural Understanding; IU Culture Centers; Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Diversity Committee; Bloomington United; the Community Friends and Resource Network, Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center; MCCSC Superintendent's Human Understanding and Diversity Advisory Committee; the Monroe County Racial Justice Task Force; the Monroe County Domestic Violence Task Force; the Monroe County Community Corrections Advisory Board, and the Community Justice and Mediation Center.
SAFE AND CIVIL CITY PROGRAM, MAYOR'S OFFICE
2003 ANNUAL REPORT
The Safe and Civil City Program has three objectives:
- To improve the ability of the community's law enforcement professionals to protect the lives and property of our citizens
- To develop pro-active citizen programs and techniques that enhance the public safety, and the perception of safety, in our community
- To improve civility in our community
The program also addresses diversity, domestic violence, civic engagement and conflict management issues by supporting grassroots initiatives and community activities that focus on these issues. To accomplish its objectives and support program initiatives, the Safe and Civil City Program collaborates with social service, community and law enforcement agencies, as well as citizen groups, city departments and Indiana University.
Highlights of Safe and Civil City Program accomplishments during the year 2003 include the following:
- Organized and hosted the 4th annual Campus-Community Partnership meeting on February 23, 2003. Over 40 community leaders joined Mayor Fernandez to continue ongoing conversations and networking opportunities regarding collaboration on diversity projects throughout the community. The meeting highlighted two exemplary projects "incubated" during the 2001 CCP meeting: The Banneker History Project and the 2002 Bloomington Multicultural Festival.
- Collaborated with the City Legal Department in developing a city response plan and protest policy "to respect each individual's right to freedom of speech to the greatest extent possible. . .[while enforcing]. . .the law, including laws that prohibit disorderly conduct and excessive noise." The development of the policy was catalyzed by anti-gay demonstrations in the Bloomington community by a hate group led by the leader of Old Paths Baptist Church from Campbellsburg, Indiana.
- Co-organized "Peaceful Protests, Civil Disobedience and Law Enforcement," a public meeting held on March 23, 2003, to discuss protest issues with representatives of local law enforcement agencies and city representatives. S&CCP compiled and distributed informational packets to participants, including the city's "protest policy."
- Facilitated a mayoral meeting with city representatives and members of the Muslim and Arab community on March 24, 2003, to listen and respond to concerns stemming from the Iraq war. Participated in community outreach to the Muslim and Arab community.
- Co-sponsored, promoted and underwrote the "Race and Class Issues in Conflict Resolution," training held on March 29, 2003, conducted by Bob Hunter, Multi-Ethnic Specialist for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and Chair, Richmond Human Rights Commission.
- Augmented the Safe and Civil City website by posting an extensively researched array of links to online resources addressing the following topics: civility, civic engagement and conflict resolution.
- Created the Diversity & Multicultural Resources Directory in April, 2003. This directory, available in both email and online form, contains an extensively researched sampler of over 200 local, state and national resources, designed to assist community members in their efforts to embrace, respect, and celebrate the diversity in the Bloomington and Monroe county area.
- S&CCP director, Marsha Bradford, was awarded the 2003 Haines Turner Award on April 22, 2003, along with other members of the Monroe County Racial Justice Task Force Study Committee, for her work with the Racial Justice Task Force. The award honors individuals and organizations for their contributions "to the practice of justice that heals and restores in Monroe County."
- Met with members of the IU student Code Revision Task Force, along with representatives from CONA and its Off-Campus Issues Committee, in April, 2003, to discuss quality of life issues involving student residents of city neighborhoods.
- Participated in the Superintendent's Human Understanding and Diversity Advisory Committee. This committee was organized by Dr. John Maloy, MCCSC Superintendent, in November, 2002. The committee's charge was "to review what the MCCSC is currently doing to address diversity issues with its staff and students and in its programs as well as generate recommendations as to what the MCCSC may do to improve in the following areas: professional development for administrators and teachers; curriculum and instruction integration; attracting, hiring, and maintaining personnel; and sensitivity training for staff and students." A final report was submitted to Dr. Maloy in June, 2003. The S&CCP director drafted recommendations for the curriculum and instruction integration subcommittee, of which she is a member, and provided resource materials and "best practices" information to the plenary Advisory Committee
- Researched templates for "Hiring and Supporting People with Disabilities - An Employer Handbook." This handbook, a June, 2003 publication by the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, was written by the Chamber's Diversity Committee.
- Developed a website for Bloomington United, "a coalition of community members whose mission is to promote educational opportunities that affirm the value of all human beings, bridge the differences between people, and respond to hate activity in Bloomington and Monroe County." The website, in construction for over a year by S&CCP staff, contains links to an extensive history of BU, statements released by BU, upcoming events & initiatives, as well as links to local, state, and national resources for combating hate activities and intolerance. The website serves as a valuable tool for the local community, as well as for other communities interested in mobilizing constructively against hate and intolerance and for acceptance, compassion and inclusivity. The website was posted on July 21, 2003. S&CCP co-founded BU in 1998; the director is a BU member.
- Created the "Civic Engagement Inventory - City of Bloomington and Monroe County," in August, 2003. This two-page inventory was compiled from the League of Women Voters' "Monroe County Governmental Officials List" for easy identification of civic engagement opportunities in the community. The City of Bloomington has 26 boards and commissions, with 189 positions available for citizen participation. Monroe County has 25 boards and commissions, with 183 positions available for citizen participation.
- Co-sponsored the Latino Summit, "Learning to Serve Spanish Speakers: Transforming the Present and Working Toward the Future with Labor, Law, and Legal Issues," on September 18, 2003. This summit addressed labor, legal, and advocacy issues facing members of the local Latino community. Assisted with development of proposal for city recognition of the Mexican consular ID cards for purposes of identification with city departments and personnel.
- The S&CCP director served as contributing author and editor of "Race and Criminal Justice in Monroe County, Indiana: 2003 Report from the Monroe County Racial Justice Task Force." The report, which included study findings as well as recommendations to reduce racial disparity in the criminal justice system, was released at a press conference and public meeting on October 3, 2003, by the RJTF study committee. Marc Mauer, assistant director of The Sentencing Project and RJTF consultant, participated in the press conference. The report culminated two and one-half years of data collection and analysis, research and writing by the study committee. The RJTF will begin meeting in early 2004 to develop a strategic plan for implementation of the report recommendations. The S&CCP director is a founding member of the RJTF.
- Co-sponsored and underwrote three domestic violence workshops conducted by Jeffrey Gulley, J.D., on November 14, 2003, including a workshop on domestic violence in the workplace held at City Hall, as well as seminars on protective orders at the Justice Building and at the IU School of Law.
- Created the Mayor's Award for Civic Engagement. The purpose of the award is "to acknowledge outstanding persons who, through their commitment to participating in political and community activities, significantly contribute to improving life in Bloomington and Monroe County." The first annual award ceremony was held on December 9, 2003 at City Hall, honoring recipients in youth, college student, individual, and organization categories.
- Provided ongoing resource assistance to the Banneker History Project.
- Co-sponsored free cab rides on New Year's Eve with Yellow Cab and Bloomington Hospital.
- Collaborated on ongoing projects and boards: IU Commission on Multicultural Understanding; IU Culture Centers; Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Diversity Committee; Bloomington United; the Community Friends and Resource Network, Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center; MCCSC Superintendent's Human Understanding and Diversity Advisory Committee; the Monroe County Racial Justice Task Force; the Monroe County Domestic Violence Task Force; and the Community Conflict Resolution Program & Citizens for Community Justice.
SAFE AND CIVIL CITY PROGRAM, MAYOR'S OFFICE
2002 ANNUAL REPORT
The Safe and Civil City Program has three objectives:
- To improve the ability of the community's law enforcement professionals to protect the lives and property of our citizens
- To develop pro-active citizen programs and techniques that enhance the public safety, and the perception of safety, in our community
- To improve civility in our community
The program also addresses diversity, domestic violence, civic engagement and conflict management issues by supporting grassroots initiatives and community activities that focus on these issues. To accomplish its objectives and support program initiatives, the Safe and Civil City Program collaborates with social service, community and law enforcement agencies, as well as citizen groups, city departments and Indiana University.
Highlights of Safe and Civil City Program accomplishments during the year 2002 include the following:
- Co-sponsored community mediation training (Jan/Feb 2002) for 20 volunteers and ICLEF-certified family mediation training (May, 2002).
- Researched model nondiscrimination ordinances and collaborated with Barbara McKinney, director and attorney for the Bloomington Human Rights Commission, and James McNamara, Deputy Mayor, in developing the "Nondiscrimination Ordinance," passed on Jan 16, 2002.
- Continued resource assistance to the "Banneker History Project."
- Participated in editing and underwriting the following publication with the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce: "Employing Latinos: Welcoming New Neighbors into the Workforce."
- Developed a widely distributed resource flier, "Mediation and Domestic Violence Toolkit," for educational and advocacy purposes.
- Director, Marsha Bradford, received the COMU Diversity Award, April, 2002. The award honors individuals who actively support, participate in, or encourage the exploration of cultural diversity in and around the University campus.
- Co-sponsored and hosted a "Summit on Aging," May 24, 2002. This community event addressing aging issues in Bloomington and Monroe County was attended by approx. 75 participants.
- Co-sponsored and hosted the "Youth Mentoring and Tutoring Volunteer Fair," June 7, 2002. This event was attended by approx. 75 participants; a separate business luncheon was held for 14 representatives from Bloomington and Monroe County's largest employers.
- Co-sponsored the celebration of the "Week of Caring," an event culminating a community-wide initiative memorializing the tragedy of September 11th through service projects, volunteering, and civic participation.
- Organized the "Pledge to Participate Campaign" throughout the Week of Caring as part of "Participate America," a national campaign to encourage civic participation and to challenge citizens to pledge their commitment to: volunteer, contribute, communicate, and vote.
- Co-sponsored "Public Conversations, 9/11 Anniversary Dialogue," an event that provided local citizens with "an opportunity to participate in a structured and frank conversation about both the past year and what lies ahead."
- Underwrote and coordinated the marketing, promotional and food components for the "Bloomington Multicultural Festival (BMF)," Sept. 29, 2002. Close to 1000 community members attended the festivities which included 30 culture booths, a children's booth, and 12 entertainment acts.
- Researched "best practices" when anti-gay hatemongers demonstrated in Bloomington and discovered Every Minute Counts (EMC), a peaceful, non-confrontational response to hate activity involving the donation and distribution of monies to groups targeted by hate groups.
- Founding member of the "Superintendent's Human Understanding and Diversity Advisory Committee," (Nov. 2002-present) organized by MCCSC Superintendent, Dr. John Maloy, to address diversity issues in the following areas: professional development for administrators and teachers; curriculum and instruction integration; attracting, hiring and maintaining personnel; and sensitivity training for staff and students.
- Co-sponsored, organized, and underwrote the 4th annual domestic violence conference, "Coordinated Community Response: Best Practices in Responding to Domestic Violence," a one-day regional conference attended by 120 participants on Nov. 15, 2002.
- Participated in promotional and organizational activities for the "GLBT DV Forum," Nov. 19, 2002, sponsored by the GLBT DV Committee.
- Co-sponsored and distributed informational materials at the Bloomington United town meeting, "Religion, Public Life and Civic Values: Living with Diversity in a Democracy," December 10, 2002.
- Collaborated on ongoing projects and boards, including: Bloomington United, Monroe County Domestic Violence Task Force, Monroe County Prevention Coalition, Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Monroe County Racial Justice Task Force, Campus-Community Partnership, Community Conflict Resolution Program, and the Off-Campus Issues Committee of the CONA.
SAFE AND CIVIL CITY PROGRAM, MAYOR'S OFFICE
2001 ANNUAL REPORT
The Safe and Civil City Program has three objectives:
- To improve the ability of the community's law enforcement professionals to protect the lives and property of our citizens
- To develop pro-active citizen programs and techniques that enhance the public safety, and the perception of safety, in our community
- To improve civility in our community
The program also addresses diversity, domestic violence, civic engagement and conflict management issues by supporting grassroots initiatives and community activities that focus on these issues. To accomplish its objectives and support program initiatives, the Safe and Civil City Program collaborates with social service, community and law enforcement agencies, as well as citizen groups, city departments and Indiana University.
Highlights of Safe and Civil City Program accomplishments during the year 2001 include the following:
- Conducted data-collection for and facilitated Advisory Board's prioritization of task force recommendations.
- Founding member of Community Conflict Resolution Program (CCRP), a community mediation program under the umbrella of Citizens for Community Justice, Inc.
- Organized and co-sponsored second "Campus-Community Partnership Meeting", a collaborative effort among IU and community leaders which created six diversity projects.
- Founding member of the Monroe County Racial Justice Task Force organized to address issues of racial disparity and implementation of best practices in the Monroe County criminal justice system. Initiated contact with and drafted successful technical assistance request from The Sentencing Project through a Department of Justice grant. Provided relevant articles and Project manual, Reducing Racial Disparity in the Criminal Justice System: A Manual for Practitioners and Policymakers, to Task Force members. Coordinated and hosted all-day strategies meeting with consultants and currently participating in extended study including jail bookings for the year 2000.
- Co-coordinated Bloomington United Town Meeting, African-Americans in Bloomington and Monroe County.
- Coordinated and hosted community-wide Conflict Resolution Summit for individuals and agencies using conflict management and violence-prevention strategies with approx. 75 participants.
- Founding member of Bloomington Multicultural Festival committee which is planning its first festival in conjunction with Lotus Festival, September, 2002 (co-sponsoring with Office of Multicultural Understanding, IU).
- Co-sponsored a community response to tragedy of September 11, 2001 with Bloomington United and other groups: Community Gathering for Remembrance and Unity. Coordinated organizational and promotional issues involving sponsors, speakers and performers.
- Partnered with IU Center for Study of Democracy and Public Life in co-sponsorship of a National Issues Forum on Growth and Community Well-Being on November 21, 2001. Coordinated two moderator trainings, three steering committee meetings as well as the organizational and promotional aspects of the forum which was attended by approximately 130 participants. Created and distributed forum evaluation and Summary of Discussion Notes. Initiating collaboration to establish a permanent public deliberation/NIF steering committee.
- Co-sponsored and hosted domestic violence conference, Perpetrators and Domestic Violence, attended by approximately 100 participants.
- Collaborated on ongoing projects and boards, including Bloomington United, Monroe County Domestic Violence Task Force, Monroe County Prevention Coalition, Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Diversity Committee, and the Off-Campus Issues Committee of CONA.
- Researched model nondiscrimination ordinances and collaborated with Mayor's Office and Director of Human Rights Commission in developing proposed ordinance requiring nondiscrimination on the part of the City in the provision of services and programs.
SAFE AND CIVIL CITY PROGRAM, MAYOR'S OFFICE
2000 ANNUAL REPORT
The Safe and Civil City Program has three objectives
- To improve the ability of the community's law enforcement professionals to protect the lives and property of our citizens
- To develop pro-active citizen programs and techniques that enhance the public safety, and the perception of safety, in our community
- To improve civility in our community.
The program also addresses diversity, domestic violence, civic engagement and conflict management issues by supporting grassroots initiatives and community activities that focus on these issues. To accomplish its objectives and support program initiatives, the Safe and Civil City Program collaborates with social service, community and law enforcement agencies, as well as citizen groups, city departments and Indiana University.
Highlights of Safe and Civil City Program accomplishments during the year 2000 include the following:
- Established 14-member advisory board and developed board policies and procedures
- Updated the 1997 Safe and Civil City Task Force Report
- Developed "Safe and Civil City Program Overview" for community education purposes
- Implemented monthly "Report from the Safe and Civil City Program"
- Developed collaborative partnerships with organizations addressing program objectives
- Co-sponsored the "Jill Behrman Bike Ride" to raise awareness of Jill's disappearance
- Co-sponsored the "Bloomington Walk and Concert Toward Peace and Unity," commemorating the death of Won-Joon Yoon and all victims of hate crimes
- Organized the first "Campus-Community Partnership Meeting" which brought together community and IU leaders to address and develop diversity-related projects
- Organized and co-sponsored a 32-hour Community Mediation Training
- Co-sponsored "The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children, " a two-day regional conference attended by 75 participants
- Collaborated on ongoing projects and boards, including the National Issues Forums, Bloomington United, Monroe County Domestic Violence Task Force, Monroe County Prevention Coalition, Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the Off-Campus Issues Committee of the CONA.