Evanston equity commission targets Oct. 15 listening session, schedules retreat and outreach push

At its July 16 meeting, the Equity Empowerment Commission set goals and assignments for public outreach and internal planning: commissioners targeted Oct. 15 for a community listening session tied to the commission’s equity scorecard, scheduled a commissioners’ retreat for Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and discussed facilitator interviews for both events.

"The goal is to have this October listening session," Chair Wostick said, adding that if planning timelines did not allow, the commission would consider moving the session to Nov. 19. Commissioners agreed to compile a list of targeted organizations, draft invitation emails, secure a venue, arrange refreshments, and develop a working-session agenda that would gather actionable feedback on the equity scorecard.

Commissioner Amir offered to help compile the list of target organizations and Commissioner Radcliffe volunteered to draft the outreach email. Commissioners also discussed event staffing for National Night Out on Aug. 4 and the First Friday Farmers Market, and suggested using tablets and paper surveys to distribute and collect the equity survey in person.

Members debated whether to use a professional external facilitator or an EEC member to lead the listening session; several commissioners said they favored a professional facilitator with an EEC co-chair. There was also brief discussion of paying modest stipends (about $20 per organization) to encourage participation in a larger working session.

What happens next: Commissioners committed to do outreach work between now and September, to share draft agendas and invitation language, and to report progress at the commission’s September meetings. The commission tabled votes requiring a quorum to the September meeting.