Racial Inclusivity and Social Equity Commission (RISE) 12/3/2024.

The Racial Inclusivity and Social Equity Commission (RISE) of Albany met on December 3rd, 2024. They covered equity statement revisions, updates on subcommittees, and future agenda items.

A significant part of the meeting was focused on revising the equity statement, taking time to create a thorough equity statement that is inclusive and with language suitable to present to the city council and public. They discussed creating an inclusive equity statement to encompass people of all political beliefs. Although the equity statement is directed more towards city council, Commissioner Jim Lindsay mentioned not writing radical statements that would scare off more conservative readers. However, as Commissioner Jynette Oji mentioned, some statements such as, “We recognize that dominant groups have everyday privileges that others do not have access to,” are inherently true and not radical.

After agreeing to revise the equity statement, Lindsay and Commissioner Erin Cho said they would take it to Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) organizations in Albany for their feedback. They are looking to reach parent engagement groups and school culture clubs to get as many perspectives on the statement as possible.

Commissioners then transitioned to discussing subcommittee updates. Oji mentioned that the Inclusive Sports Subcommittee does not have a determined location for an hour-long sports clinic they would like to hold every week for eight weeks. Lindsay mentioned getting in contact with the Albany Berkeley Soccer Club as well as East Shore Alliance for help with field space and permits. The commission will continue to discuss the matter in the next meeting as stated in the upcoming meeting’s agenda. Additionally, they have the equity statement for action on the agenda.

They also discussed how the commission can uphold a part of its purpose, which states that “The RISE Commission shall also seek to develop positive relations through the Commission’s regular monthly meetings as a space to facilitate greater respect and understanding between people, offering opportunities for cultural exchange and education, and promote tolerance and mutual respect between all members of the community.” Lindsay said that they aren’t fully fulfilling their mission and referred to previous times when they did. Oji observed that it’s hard for people from diverse communities to attend monthly meetings and make presentations about themselves. They then deliberated about inviting other commissions, such as the parent engagement committee, to come present at the RISE monthly meetings. This idea could be a powerful initiative at future meetings if successfully implemented.

The meeting spanned an hour and fifteen minutes, where by the end they had revised the racial equity statement, given updates on subcommittees, discussed upcoming meeting agendas, and reviewed ideas for educational presentations for future meetings.

–Sophie Pomfret