NAHRW Memo
Memo
To:
Human Relations Commission
From:
John Bunzli, Human Rights Specialist
Date:
February 11, 2013
Re:
National Association of Human Rights Workers
History
: The National Association of Human Rights Workers (NAHRW) is the only
national organizationto offercivil rights training conferences and a Professional Human
Rights Worker Certification. Over the years, citystaff and HRC membershave attended
annual training conferences for training, networking and keeping up with the latest
regional and national trends in human rights.
Background
: Staff and two commissioners were invited to participate on the planning
committee for the 2011 NAHRW conference set to be held in Aurora CO in Sept.
NAHRW had had a practice of offering group prayer at plenariesand meals. This had
been identified as a problem and NAHRW was struggling with how best to implement
changes. The president of NAHRW at the time disagreed with the stated goal of the
organization to end the practice of group prayer at conferences. Staff and commissioners
brought up their concerns regarding this issue but the planning committee was not
receptive. The HRC chair contacted the incoming president and was told that the issue
would be addressed at the next board meetingprior to the 2011 conference.There was
not a quorum at thatmeeting and avote on the issuedid not happen. The commissioners
who had planned to attend the conference and facilitatea workshop decided not to attend.
Iwas sent as the sole representative of the city of Boulder. While at the conference, I
was elected to the NAHRW board of directors.
Board Meeting:
Iattended myfirst board meeting via teleconference on January 26 and
27, 2012.Iwas impressed with the energy and intention ofthe current board. The
current president is committed to modernizing and revamping the organization. The
prayer issue was brought up and a motion was passed unanimously to eliminate
organized prayer at conferences and allow for a moment of silence or reflections prior to
meals. Ivoted for this motion because it was considered a reasonable compromise and it
met the viewsexpressed by the HRC at the time.
Follow Up
:Iwill continue to serve on the board of NAHRW, attending three more
quarterly meetingsin myfirst term. Iwill bring input to the board reflecting the values of
the City of Boulder, HRC and OHRCR.