HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 09 Approval of the Diversity Drives Ocoee Speaker Series as Requested by the Human Relations Diversity Board (HRDB)
City of Ocoee ▪ 1 N. Bluford Avenue ▪ Ocoee, Florida 34761
Phone: (407) 905-3100 ▪ www.ocoee.org
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: April 2, 2024
Item #: 9
Contact Name: Doug Gaines Department Director: Doug Gaines
Contact Number: Ext. 1503 City Manager: Robert Frank
Subject: Approval of the Diversity Drives Ocoee Speaker Series as Requested by the Human
Relations Diversity Board (HRDB). (Support Services Director Gaines)
Background Summary:
During the Human Relations Diversity Board (HRDB) meeting held on March 7, 2024, a unanimous vote was
made by the HRDB members to authorize Board Member Beck to present the Diversity Drives Ocoee Speaker
Series for consideration by the City Commission. The purpose of this proposal is to seek approval for
allocating $500 from the City of Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board 2024 Budget towards hosting a
speaker from the University of Central Florida's Ginsburg Center for Inclusion and Community Engagement.
Additionally, the HRDB would like to promote the meetings on the City website and social media platforms to
inform the community that these meetings are open to everyone, and they are welcome to come and join the
HRDB in learning from their guest speaker. Kavita Sawh from UCF will attend the May and June HRDB
meetings (this may be adjusted depending on availability) which are open to the public, to deliver sessions on
"Fostering a Sense of Belonging" and "Inclusive Communication." These sessions aim to enhance diversity,
equity, and inclusion within our community, fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all
residents.
Issue:
Should the Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners approve the Diversity Drives Ocoee Speaker Series as
requested by the HRDB?
Recommendations:
The HRDB recommends the Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners approve their Diversity Drives Ocoee
Speaker Series.
Attachments:
1. Diversity Drives Ocoee -Speaker Series
Financial Impacts:
The HRDB is requesting a total budget of $500 from the existing $2,000 budgeted in FY23/24.
Type of Item: Consent
PURPOSE
The purpose of this proposal is to request approval of spending $500 the City of Ocoee Human
Relations Diversity Board 2024 Budget to bring in a speaker from the University of Central Florida's
Ginsburg Center for Inclusion and Community Engagement.
Additionally, the HRDB would like to promote the meetings on the City website and social media
platforms to inform the community that these meetings are open to everyone, and they are welcome
to come and join the HRDB in learning from our guest speaker.
Kavita Sawh from UCF will attend the May and June (this may be adjusted depending on availability)
HRDB meetings which are open to the public to deliver sessions on "Fostering a Sense of Belonging"
and "Inclusive Communication." These sessions aim to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion within
our community, fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all residents.
SESSION OBJECTIVES
Fostering a Sense of Belonging Session:
• To help participants understand the importance of creating a sense of belonging within the
community.
• To provide practical strategies for individuals to foster inclusivity.
• To encourage collaboration and connection among community members.
Inclusive Communication Session:
• To improve participants' awareness of inclusive communication practices.
• To equip participants with tools and techniques for effective and respectful communication.
• To enhance the overall communication climate within the community.
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RESOURCING
Speaker Engagement
The heart of this proposal lies in securing the expertise of a qualified speaker from the University of
Central Florida's Ginsburg Center for Inclusion and Community Engagement. The estimated cost for
each session, delivered by this speaker, is $250. As such, we are requesting a total budget of $500
from the existing $2,000 in funds available to the HRDB to cover the expenses associated with
bringing this speaker to the City of Ocoee.
Promotion: City of Ocoee Social Media and Website
To maximize community engagement and awareness, the initiative will be promoted using the official
City of Ocoee social media accounts and website. This includes creating and sharing promotional
content, event invites, and highlighting the speaker series. The use of social media platforms will
serve as a cost-effective and efficient method to reach a broad audience within the community.
Space and Time: Commission Meeting Room during HRDB Meetings
To ensure the accessibility and convenience of the proposed sessions, we seek to utilize the
Commission Chambers during already scheduled Human Relations Diversity Board (HRDB)
meetings. This strategic choice of venue aligns with our commitment to fostering community
engagement while optimizing available resources.