Sunnyvale Human Relations Commission reports strong turnout for "Allies in Training," discusses second signature event options

The Sunnyvale Human Relations Commission reported a combined 66 registrants for its "Allies in Training: Building a Better Community" training set for June 13 and discussed possible topics and partners for a second signature event, but made no formal decision.

Fernanda, a city staff member, told commissioners that "we have 30 people registered via Zoom and 36 people in person," and said the training would include pre- and post-surveys, breakouts limited to four groups and community agreements for participants. She added that the city manager and deputy city manager planned to attend.

The briefing followed a brief ceremonial item during which Council Member Charles C. Chang presented a certificate of appreciation to Commissioner Claudia Camacho for her service. The commission also approved the minutes of its May 14, 2025 meeting by a 4-0 roll-call vote.

Why it matters: Commissioners said events are a primary tool for the commission to bring people together across Sunnyvale and that better outreach and partnerships could broaden participation. Commissioners and staff discussed collaborating with existing local bodies to co-host events rather than having the Human Relations Commission always lead planning and logistics.

Discussion and outreach details

Commissioners and staff described outreach channels used for the Allies in Training event, and where they plan to repeat outreach for future events. Fernanda and commissioners said outreach included an in-person presence at the Sunnyvale Arts and Wine Festival, direct emails and voicemail outreach, and distribution through local organizations. Named channels mentioned were Sunnyvale Community Services, a Chamber of Commerce connection, Downtown Association, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Sunnyvale, a Bay Area Unitarian mailing group (DRUM), Nextdoor postings (including a Refugee Resettlement Village group), Leadership Sunnyvale, Hobie's and other local businesses for flyer displays, and contacts at the Planning Commission and Library Board of Trustees.

A commissioner noted contacts who help resettle refugees in the area; staff said some refugees served by that group come from Ukraine and others from the Middle East. Commissioners asked staff to capture which outreach channels were used so the commission could repeat successful approaches.

Topics and partnerships for a second signature event

Commissioners discussed potential subjects for a second signature event or series: bullying/social empathy (with parents and school-district collaboration), immigration, and issues faced by multi‑heritage families. Fernanda said she will present a draft work plan at the next meeting and invited commissioners to suggest topics or study issues for the coming year. Commissioners suggested partnering with the Arts Commission or Library Board, collaborating with the school district or school counselors, and inviting school-board members or other local boards to join planning conversations.

Logistics and legal limits noted

Staff reminded commissioners that because a quorum of the commission will be present at the Allies in Training session, they must sit together at the front table to comply with the California Brown Act and that breakout-room discussions should be handled with that in mind. Fernanda said the commission would use the breakout rooms while also ensuring the session remained an open, public meeting.

Action taken

The only formal vote recorded on June 12 was approval of the May 14, 2025 meeting minutes. No vote was taken on holding a second signature event or on specific topics; commissioners described options and asked staff to return a draft work plan for future action.

Next steps

Fernanda will circulate a draft work plan at the next meeting. Commissioners said they would continue outreach and noted new commissioners joining in July could contribute additional ideas.

The meeting began at 7:32 p.m. and adjourned at 8:04 p.m.