St. Charles Approves Equity and Inclusion Commission

On May 17, 2023, the St. Charles Government Operations Committee met to discuss several administrative matters, but the primary focus was the creation of an Equity and Inclusion Commission. The committee approved the commission, setting the stage for increased community engagement and efforts to foster inclusivity across the city.

Administrative Updates and Routine Approvals

• The meeting opened with standard administrative matters, including roll call and presentation of video gaming statistics for information only.

• An omnibus motion for routine items 5B and 7A was approved early in the session.

• Item 5A was deferred to the end of the agenda to allow more time for discussion of the Equity and Inclusion Commission.

Purpose and Definition of the Commission

Equity vs. Equality:Lisa Stricker from GovHR clarified that equity involves allocating resources based on need, while equality means treating everyone the same. The commission will focus on creating an equitable environment tailored to residents’ varying needs.

Inclusion vs. Diversity:

• Inclusion: Ensuring all community members feel welcome and safe, fostering participation.

• Diversity: Recognizing factual differences between individuals, not a primary focus for the commission.

• Belonging: A subjective feeling resulting from successful inclusion efforts.

The commission is designed to amplify unheard voices, ensure informed decision-making, and promote a safe, inclusive community.

Commission Structure and Membership

• Total Members: 9

• Youth Representation: At least one member under 18 (with parental consent)

• Non-Resident Members: Some may come from the Greater St. Charles Area

• Members will undergo training on intersectionality, strategic planning, and community engagement.

• Staff will continue youth outreach to ensure diverse applicant participation.

Measuring Success

The commission’s effectiveness will be tracked using:

• Baseline community surveys

• Annual follow-up surveys

• Feedback integrated with existing resident satisfaction metrics

The goal is to quantify residents’ feelings of inclusion and equitability over time, ensuring accountability and measurable impact.

Language Considerations: Systemic Racism

A discussion arose regarding responsibility #5, which initially referenced systemic racism. Concerns were raised about the term’s specificity.

• Suggested alternatives include “systemic problems” or “non-inclusive activities”.

• The committee agreed to move forward with the ordinance, allowing staff to refine language later as needed.

Next Steps and Action Items

1. Member Selection: Staff to proceed with appointing commission members.

2. Youth Engagement: Continued outreach to encourage under-18 participation.

3. Training: All members will receive training on key concepts like intersectionality and strategic planning.

4. Metrics: Commission will develop surveys to measure inclusion and equity progress.

5. Language Refinement: Future review of terminology regarding systemic issues.

The committee concluded the meeting by approving the creation of the Equity and Inclusion Commission and moving into executive session.

Conclusion

The establishment of the Equity and Inclusion Commission represents a significant step toward inclusive governance in St. Charles. By incorporating diverse perspectives, implementing measurable success metrics, and prioritizing youth participation, the city demonstrates a forward-looking approach to community equity. Future refinements to language and policies will ensure the commission remains both effective and adaptable, fostering a more inclusive environment for all residents.