HRC Jonesing For Young Blood
March 19, 2010 
5 Comments
I detested the history of local discrimination that prompted the creation of the Spokane Human Rights Commission way back in the day.
I was disheartened to learn of the Mayoral smackdown that occurred within the last decade when certain commissioners were too outspoken on the issue of gay rights.
I was discouraged upon volunteering for the commission to observe that meeting after meeting went around in circles despite the best efforts of participants to be useful and move through the agenda.
I was disillusioned when a review task force took several months to decide that the commission did not in fact have the authority to issue $25 fines for human rights abuses within the city limits.
Design by Bobby Breidholt
In the end with most things being deferred to the State Human Rights Commission, and with the Spokane Regional Taskforce on Human Relations picking up the torch on education and awareness, I had to ask “What is the point?”
Hopefully some bright young 16-18-year-olds can figure it out. It is a significant development that their involvement is now slated to occupy 33% of all the seats on the commission. While I understand the Spokane Regional Youth Department is currently geared to serve mostly students up to 18 years of age, I must say that 16, 17 and 18-year-olds only are a pretty narrow segment of the potential young population available to serve in this capacity.
I dare say that college students may have unique perspective that could add value due to the nature of the curriculum they may be immersing themselves in, and 20-somethings in the workforce probably have some relevant insights as junior employees in various work environments around town, and as people who predominantly rent as opposed to own.
While I fully support the intentional inclusion of “youth voice” I hope that doesn’t become tantamount to high school voice. It is going to take commissioners with gumption and resolve to help the Spokane HRC rediscover its stride. That kind of talent is attracted to impactful decision making authority. If the commission continues to decide not to decide, well the the young blood strategy may not have the desired effect.
Those interested in applying may obtain further information and an application by contacting the Spokane Regional Youth Department, 625-6440 or by visiting www.chaseyouth.org. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, April 5, 2010.
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The SHRC is a relic of the ’60s. The Youth Commission a relic of the ’70s. Both are frivolous and superfluous. Abolish them both, and perhaps the City could fix a couple more potholes.
The Human Rights Commission does not cost the City a penny. It is an all volunteer board that can help prevent lawsuits, and prevent paid staff from spending valuable time on sticky issues.
While I personally believe the Youth Department could use some program re-evaluation, I think it has value as a deterrent to delinquency and crime.
Tina,
There has never been a government-created “all volunteer” board, committee, or task force which does not rely on paid staff for its agenda and to carry out its functions. Indeed, they are typically captives of that staff.
What evidence do you have that the Youth Commission/Department has deterred crime or delinquency?
Just an update, I was recently accepted into the Human Rights Commission and hope to find youth to fill the two more available spots. I am 17, finshing my senior high school year via running start at Eastern, and I hope to
1) Have the Chase Youth Commission and Teen Advisory Council work with the HRC on a huge anti-bullying program in order to boost our credibility and show kids, parents, and teachers that they can indeed come to us if an issue conflicting with their rights as a human being arises.
2) Find more ways for us to act out on our own, for (as you said above) it seems that they relied too much on the state human rights commission these last few seeminly-dormnant years, merely acting as quite the powerless laison. In order for people to feel they can come to us, they first have to feel that we can solve their issues without taking months and months stepping up and down this absurd ladder of political and legal power.
I just thought you may be a tad more a-okay with the HRC if you knew we are starting up again with a couple more hands and a young new addition. (Of course, you can’t be proud of your city’s own HRC until they actually start doing something; until then, try to look at the glass half full.)
Awesome Alyx! I also did anti-bullying advocacy in high school and feel it is important work. Way to go, and please do keep us updated here!