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PRCSC - [Any or All of the Following Actions, if Desired] (1) Finalize the Arrangements for “Community Conversations - Topic #8;” and/or, (2) Formation of Additional Ad Hoc Subcommittee(s); and, (3) Appointment of Two Commissioners to the Newly-Formed Ad Hoc Subcommittees.
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Meeting Date: March 21, 2018
Contact Person/Dept: Corey Lakin/PRCS Department-Administration
Phone Number: (310) 253-6682
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: []
Public Notification: (Email) Meetings and Agendas - Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission (03/14/18); (Email) Parks, Recreation & Community Service Department Updates (03/14/18)
Department Approval: Corey Lakin, PRCS Director (03/14/18)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) Commission take any or all of the following actions, if desired: (1) finalize the arrangements for “Community Conversations - Topic #8;” and/or, (2) form additional Ad Hoc Subcommittee(s); and, (3) appointment of two Commissioners to the newly-formed Ad Hoc Subcommittees.
BACKGROUND
PRCS Commission Ad Hoc Subcommittees
An “ad hoc” subcommittee serves only a limited or single purpose. It is not perpetual, and it is dissolved when its specific task is completed. With this in mind, the Commission dissolved all of the Fiscal Year 2016/2017 Ad Hoc Subcommittees at the August 1, 2017 meeting.
An Ad Hoc Subcommittee may be formed at any Commission meeting, as long as the discussion has been placed on the Agenda in advance. Once an Ad Hoc Subcommittee has been created, updates are given by Members during the Standing Agenda Item, “Updates from the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission Ad Hoc Subcommittees and Representative Appointees to Outside Associations and City Committees.” In some cases, a separate, specialized Agenda Item is prepared and presented so that the full Commission can participate in discussions and decisions on the Ad Hoc Subcommittee’s topic or event.
The Community Conversations Series
In 2011, the PRCS Commission began hosting “Community Conversations” which are presentations on topics of major relevance to the community that often include a panel discussion. Being fully cognizant of ongoing budgetary constraints, the Commission designed the Community Conversations series as one that has minimal fiscal impact on the City. In general, the procedure for hosting the presentations has been as follows:
• Presentations are held at regular PRCS Commission meetings. Special meetings are not called solely for the purpose of hosting presentations; however, regular meeting dates may be adjusted to accommodate presentations if the Commission so desires.
• Commissioners identify, contact and make arrangements with the presenter(s).
• Commissioners create a flyer for the presentation and email it to PRCS Department staff for distribution.
• PRCS staff uses the flyer in two to three email blasts to publicize the presentation.
• PRCS staff makes copies of the flyer and posts it at various Culver City parks and facilities.
These presentations have generated much community interest and have been very successful. The Community Conversations that have been held previously include:
1. February 1, 2011 - “Words Matter I” (Bullying)
2. June 7, 2011 - “Elder Abuse - How it Affects You, Your Family & Your Neighbors”
3. May 1, 2012 - “Healthy Living in Tough Times: Identifying and Coping with Stress from Financial Hardship”
4. April 2, 2013 - “Food vs. Mind and Body”
5. November 19, 2013 - Words Matter II’ (Bullying)
6. September 1, 2015 - “Character and Community Building in Youth Athletics”
7. May 2, 2017 - “Growing Up Intercultural in Culver City: A Student-Based Conversation on Race and Culture”
DISCUSSION
(1) Finalize the Arrangements for “Community Conversations - Topic #8.”
Community Conversations - Topic #8
At the September 5, 2017 Commission meeting, Commissioner Amezola and Commissioner Mohammed were appointed to the Community Conversations - Topic #8 Ad Hoc Subcommittee. At the January 17, 2018 Commission meeting, Commissioner Amezola read the information contained in the Ad Hoc Subcommittee’s Working Document. There was consensus that a discussion of the potential Community Conversation topic of sexual harassment should be agendized at this evening’s meeting. The nonprofit that was suggested as the presenter of the topic is the National Council of Jewish Women. The workshop being proposed as the main feature of the Community Conversation is titled, “The Talk Project.” The following information was taken from the website of the National Council of Jewish Women, at <https://ncjwla.org/thetalkproject/>:
The Talk Project is a FREE peer-to-peer sexual violence awareness program for high school students.
Teen peer educators from across Los Angeles visit high schools and youth groups throughout LA to present an interactive program about sexual violence and consent.
Students get to talk about these issues in a safe space in discussions led by educators their own age. The program includes information on laws, statistics, definitions, interactive activities, and inspiring and educational clips from The Hunting Ground documentary.
• Learn how you can de-stigmatize the discussion of sexual violence.
• Discover how you can stop the cycle that enables sexual violence.
• Find out how you can advocate for consent culture.
The Talk Project is a project of the NCJW|LA Teen Advocacy Working Group in partnership with The Hunting Ground film.
Click here <http://www.changethetalk.org/> to go directly to The Talk Project’s website: www.changethetalk.org <http://www.changethetalk.org/>.
Per the Commission’s wishes at the February 6, 2018 meeting, staff made arrangements at the Mike Balkman Council Chambers to hold a PRCS Commission Special Meeting during which Community Conversations - Topic #8 can be presented on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 6:30 p.m.
On February 7, 2018, the City Attorney’s Office, Human Resources and PRCS staff held a conference call with the members of the Ad Hoc Subcommittee and City Council Member Meghan Sahli-Wells regarding questions/concerns with the Commission’s proposed topic for Community Conversations - Topic #8. Subsequently, the City Attorney’s Office and staff communicated with the Talk Project and received the following additional information regarding their presentation.
Information Provided by Ashley Cooper of the Talk Project
a) The Talk Project does not record their workshops, but a basic script can be made available. The workshop focuses on providing definitions and statistics surrounding rape, consent, sexual assault, sexual violence, and rape culture. The facilitators also provide a 5 step plan to combat sexual violence which further explains gender roles, debunks myths and stereotypes, explains how to practice consent and destigmatize the discussion surrounding sexual violence, as well as knowing your rights if you are a victim of sexual assault.
b) Parents can attend the workshop, however, since it is for the teens they ask the parents to remain in the back of the room and limit their participation. The goal is to make the space comfortable and engaging. The presence of parents may dissuade students from participating.
c) The Talk Project has the legal permissions to use the clips from The Hunting Ground in our presentation and staff will be able to preview the clips in advance.
d) At the City’s request, The Talk Project will contact an upcoming host school to ask for permission to have City representatives (including staff and the Ad Hoc Subcommittee) present to get a preview of the presentation. [Note: We are still awaiting further response from Ms. Cooper in this regard.]
e) The Talk Project has not presented to any municipalities or agencies. Culver City would be there first and they are excited about the opportunity.
f) In order to protect the privacy of those attending and to ensure that The Talk Project is creating a safe atmosphere, they do not think it would be appropriate to televise the workshop. The City has agreed and the PRCS meeting at which the workshop is presented will not be televised.
g) During the introduction of the presentation, The Talk Project’s peer educators issue a disclaimer, informing the audience members how to participate without directly identifying any parties who have experienced sexual assault if they are not comfortable. They also inform the students of any mandated reporters who are present (including Ms. Cooper) and explain their responsibility to report any acts committed against minors. This helps protect the attendees, and empower them to share simultaneously.
h) In response to the City’s question about whether participants will sign waivers in light of the sensitive materials that are being discussed, the Talk Project indicated that attendance at the presentation is implied consent.
i) The Talk Project provides a list of resources that students can access if they need to continue any discussions sparked by their presentation.
j) In response to the City’s question about whether the teen presenters have experience presenting to and answering questions from an adult audience, Ms. Cooper indicated that the teens have conducted workshops for their Open House events, where the audience is a mixture of adults and teens and have experience answering their questions. Additionally, Ms. Cooper is always present during the workshop to step in and address any questions that they may not be able to.
k) During the introduction, the teens will ask that all adults remain to the rear of the room and that they try refrain from participating. The goal of The Talk Project is to allow teens to be educated on sexual violence from their peers. They set these parameters in place so that the attendees feel comfortable engaging and getting the most they can from the workshop. However, some of the resources that The Talk Project gives out can be used by parents as well.
l) When asked whether the presentation is appropriate for middle school aged kids, or strictly for teens, The Talk Project indicated the presentation is for high school students, or teens between the ages of 14 and 18.
m) The Talk Project will make the flyer for the event and include the City’s official logo. Once all the details of the event are finalized, they will begin working on a draft and send to the City for our feedback.
n) The Talk Project has volunteered to brainstorm some ideas with their peer educators on the “title” of the workshop/presentation. Ms. Cooper mentioned they are great at coming up with catchy titles and ultimately, they know best how to attract their peers. They will propose some titles for the City’s consideration.
(2) Formation of Additional Ad Hoc Subcommittee(s); and, (3) Appointment of Two Commissioners to the Newly-Formed Ad Hoc Subcommittees.
Additional Ad Hoc Subcommittee(s)
This Agenda Item has also been prepared in order to give the Commission an opportunity to form additional Ad Hoc Subcommittee(s) and appoint two Commissioners to the newly-formed Ad Hoc Subcommittee(s), should Commissioners desire to do so. The current list of Commission appointments, including meeting and contact information, is provided as Attachment 1 to Agenda Item A-5.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the discussion of this Agenda Item.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
MOTIONS
That the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission take any or all of the following actions, if desired:
1. Finalize the arrangements for Community Conversations - Topic #8; and/or,
2. Form other new Ad Hoc Subcommittees(s); and,
3. Appoint Commissioner ____________________ and Commissioner ____________________ to the newly formed Ad Hoc Subcommittee(s).
OR
4. Take no action at this time.