The Oklahoma City Human Rights Commission discussed a communications plan intended to expand public awareness of the commission’s services, with an emphasis on housing and public-accommodations issues and on reaching community organizations that can “pass along” information to larger audiences.
Ralph (last name not specified in meeting record), a member of the communications committee, said the objective is “to expand public awareness of the HRC through existing community networks to increase our marketing reach,” and described a pass-along strategy that relies on commissioners and partner organizations to present the commission’s materials to neighborhood associations, churches and other local groups. The committee proposed a brief graphic and talking points anchored by the question “Do you know?” to prompt curiosity and referrals.
Commissioners stressed the need to make clear what the commission can and cannot do. Commissioner Cindy Wynne and others emphasized that the commission can provide dispute-resolution assistance, referral and conciliation services but does not provide legal representation to individual complainants. Several commissioners encouraged proactive outreach through existing personal and organizational networks; one commissioner noted the updated city accessibility webpage (OKC.gov/hrc) and recommended distributing a short flyer or digital graphic to partner organizations and community events.
The communications committee asked for feedback rather than a vote; the commission did not adopt the communications plan at the meeting. Commissioners said they would continue refining the message and agreed to bring a final design and distribution plan to a future meeting, including printed materials for community partners and a schedule for outreach presentations.