Commission discusses 'Know Your Rights' series and minority business expo for 2026

Commission members proposed several community outreach initiatives as part of the 2026 calendar, including a “Know Your Rights” educational series for youth (particularly junior-high and high-school ages), a session for senior citizens, and a session for parents of children with special needs. Members framed the series as educational outreach to help residents understand traffic-stop rights, special-education procedures (IEPs) and available resources.

Why it matters: commissioners said a dedicated educational series could address knowledge gaps among parents and youth about rights, school processes and available community resources. Members discussed inviting the school superintendent or a district representative to participate or send a representative to present on school-based services and legal/process questions.

Commissioners also proposed a minority business expo — a small-scale vendor fair or expo — to showcase minority-owned businesses in the spring (March–April) and suggested partnering with the Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to recruit participants. The commission discussed holding a community picnic connected to Ramadan and other cultural observances, and noted that many cultural groups currently provide food contributions rather than paid catering.

Members emphasized early outreach to cultural organizations, including the Asian American Council, local Lebanese and Turkish community groups, and community partners such as DIPHY and Welcome Dayton. Commissioners said setting firm festival dates early would make it easier to engage cultural groups and to encourage performance and vendor participation.

No formal votes were taken on these program proposals; commissioners directed staff to explore partnerships and report back with potential partners, timelines and resource needs.