Commission schedules volunteers, tent at tree lighting and discusses sponsorships and DEI roadmap tasks

The Huber Heights Culture and Diversity Citizen Action Commission used its meeting to coordinate details for several upcoming community events, approve hosting a commission tent at the city tree‑lighting, and hear staff assignments tied to the city’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) roadmap.

Event logistics and volunteers Commission members discussed vendor, volunteer and staging logistics for an upcoming cultural festival that staff and volunteers will run. Presenters said food trucks will be scheduled to arrive about 9:30 a.m. to prepare for an 11 a.m. festival start and a planned 6 p.m. close. Organizers described volunteer roles including parking, children’s activities and general on‑site assistance, and encouraged commissioners to arrive early if they can help with setup.

MLK Day and other events Commissioners discussed MLK Day planning and whether the commission should lead a lunch event on the Monday holiday; members agreed a task leader should secure location and logistics and that the commission will continue recruiting volunteers and confirming Wayne High School as a likely location. Staff also recommended that event leaders and volunteers coordinate with the staff liaison (Jeffrey) to secure facilities and confirm timing.

DEI roadmap and city initiatives Staff reported that city administration has asked the staff liaison to initiate several items from a city DEI roadmap: creating a community database, sharing human‑impact stories on city platforms, developing an economic development grant program and launching a civic leadership course. Staff said the economic development grants program currently has an initial budget of $125,000, with set‑asides for minority‑owned, women‑owned, veteran‑owned businesses and nonprofits; an application period was open through a fall deadline noted on city materials.

Tree lighting and tent The commission voted to accept a motion to have a commission tent at the city’s community tree‑lighting (first Saturday in December). The event includes a parade (participants walk at 3 p.m.) and a tree‑lighting program with booth hours slated for 4 to 7 p.m. A commissioner moved that the commission have a tent at the event; the motion carried on an aye vote and staff will return with further details on staffing the booth.

NAACP Freedom Awards sponsorship Commissioners discussed sponsoring the local NAACP Freedom Awards banquet in October. A motion was made to match the commission’s contribution from the prior year (the commission historically sponsored at a silver level); staff said last year’s sponsorship drew from remaining commission funds supplemented by city funds. At the meeting a motion to match last year’s level was put forward and taken under consideration; staff said final allocation would be confirmed with the commission’s budget manager and possibly by formal vote at the next meeting.

Other outreach ideas Members suggested additional outreach events, including youth‑focused "know your rights" sessions and fundraising events such as a 3‑on‑3 basketball tournament, and asked staff to coordinate whether proceeds could be earmarked to offset commission event costs or would require city council approval if transferred outside city accounts.

Speakers included the staff liaison (Jeffrey) and commissioners Christy Trotter, Jane Newby Alvasair, Yolanda Stevens and others. Staff noted program materials and application links for grants and sponsorships are posted on the city website and on community bulletin boards.