Submitted By
Dr. Danielle Walker, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Presentation on Becoming a Certified Welcoming City
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Overview
Overview
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will give a presentation on the process of becoming a Certified Welcoming City. A Certified Welcoming City is a formal designation for local governments that have created policies and programs reflecting their values and commitment to immigrant inclusion. This innovative program assesses local governments on their efforts to include and welcome immigrants in all areas of civic, social, and economic life in their communities. Currently, the City of Champaign is the only city in Illinois that has completed the certification. This is a great opportunity to demonstrate the commitment to the work of building immigrant inclusion and language access. This initiative is aligned with the Village Board Goal of Racial Equity, Priority 1: Ensure equitable access to government services.
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Anticipated Actions/Commitments
Recommendation
The Board will receive updates throughout the process as specific milestones are met.
Report
On February 9, 2024, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) applied to become a Certified Welcoming City. The Office of DEI was notified in March 1, 2024 that the Village of Oak Park has been accepted to begin the process of certification. This a robust process that will take over a year to complete.
Background:
Welcoming America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that leads a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by ensuring everyone belongs. They believe that all people, including immigrants, are valued contributors and vital to the success of our communities and shared future. Through the Welcoming Network, they work to help communities develop the roadmap they need to create welcoming policies and share new approaches to inclusion to create an environment where everyone can truly thrive. Their mission is to support communities building a welcoming society where every person, including immigrants, can fully contribute and shape our shared prosperity. Their vision is a just world in which we each belong, prosper, and thrive in the place we now call home, no matter where we came from.
Certified Process:
To become certified, a city must meet certain checkpoints within the Welcoming Standard framework. Civic engagement, connected communities, economic development, education, equitable access, government and community leadership, and safe communities are all components within the Welcoming Standard framework.
The process starts with a self-assessment to understand the potential star designation. Next, the Welcoming America’s Certification team will review the self-assessment to inform the audit plan. Then the audit occurs that involves a series of interviews with stakeholders to provide additional context for immigrant work that is occurring in the community. Upon the conclusion of the audit, a detailed report is developed that includes a roadmap for identifying priorities. If the report identifies areas that need more evidence, the municipality will be given additional time to provide the needed information. Lastly, once all needed evidence has been confirmed for compliance with all of the criteria for the star designation, local governments receive their certificate and coordinate an announcement. Welcoming America communications staff provide additional support to amplify the achievement, including a press release, a quote from Welcoming America, and branded marketing materials. The certification is valid for four years.
Additionally, becoming a Certified Welcoming City is different than and will not interfere with the Welcoming Village Ordinance that was adopted in 2017. The Village Welcoming Ordinance codifies the longstanding practice among Village employees - including members of the Oak Park Police Department - of not collecting or maintaining information related to the immigration status of Village residents or visitors.
Overall, this opportunity advances Board Goals around racial equity, language access, and equitable access. It is a collaborative and iterative process for the community to partake in building out immigrant inclusion in Oak Park.
DEI Impact
1. Marginalized/Minoritized Populations: Immigrants and other marginalized populations are directly impacted by the requirements for becoming a Certified Welcoming City. These populations may face challenges related to integration, access to resources, and discrimination based on their immigrant status. Becoming a Certified Welcoming City requires that the Village take intentional action to alleviate these challenges.
2. Disparity Addressed: The program addresses disparities in access to opportunities and resources faced by immigrants and marginalized communities. By fostering inclusivity and empowerment, it aims to create a more equitable environment where all residents can thrive.
3. Data-Informed Approach: The certification program leverages data to assess and identify the needs and demographics of the immigrant populations and evaluate the effectiveness of support services provided. This data-driven approach ensures that policies and practices are responsive to the needs of diverse communities.
4. Engagement of Impacted Populations: Impacted populations, such as migrants, are engaged during the certification process through community outreach efforts, partnership with local organizations serving migrants, and participation in decision-making processes. This ensures that their voices are heard, and their needs are addressed in program planning and implementation.
5. Environmental Impact: While the Certified Welcoming City program focuses primarily on social and economic aspects, there may be indirect environmental benefits associated with creating inclusive communities. By fostering social cohesion and collective well-being, welcoming cities may contribute to environmental sustainability through community resilience and cooperation.
6. Endorsement of DEI: Becoming a Certified Welcoming City endorses diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout the community. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to creating an inclusive environment where all residents feel valued, supported, respected and empowered to participate in community life, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Alternatives
1. Continue with the process of becoming a Certified Welcoming City and incorporate any input provided by the Village Board into the certification process.
2. Discontinue the process of becoming a Certified Welcoming City.