Programs

In-Service Trainings
The Waterloo Human Rights Commission offers trainings on Civil Rights and diversity. We provide trainings to Companies within the Cedar Valley, government agencies and educational facilities.

Town Forums
The Waterloo Commission on Human Rights Commission has held town forums with the Waterloo Police Department to bridge the gap between public perception and actual police practices.

Town Forums have been held to educate the community about fair housing and landlord tenant laws.

Town Forums have been held with Workforce Development to discuss ways to eliminate the disparity in unemployment rates amongst minorities.

Young Hearts & Young Minds
The Waterloo Human Rights Commission believes that children are our future. There is no better way to provide a future free of discrimination than to educate our young people. The Commission has partnered with the Waterloo Community School District to make our youth an integral part of our Annual Conference on Human Rights.

We have developed materials and programs for youth. The materials focus on Fair Housing and Civil Rights. Copies of the material include:
Fair Housing for youth ages 5 – 8
Fair Housing for youth ages 9 – 12
Civil Rights for youth ages 5 - 8
Civil Rights for youth ages 9 – 12

Events

Cedar Valley Conference on Human Rights
In March 1998, Mayor John Rooff asked the Human Rights Commission to organize a Race Conference in Waterloo. The Mayor wanted all who attended to feel they could be part of the solution and that their opinion mattered in improving our City’s racial issues. Because of this, the central focus of this conference intentionally focused on the issue of race relations rather than on diversity in general. Since that time the conference has become an annual event. The Conference usually includes a guest speaker, morning and afternoon workshops, and information booths in the lobby. After ten years it was decided to become a more inclusive conference and now covers a wide range of diversity issues. Registration forms are available at the Commission Office.

Summer Harmony Day
Summer Harmony Day in Waterloo, Iowa is a community reflection (an embrace on its diverse and unique local population) for the various people that make up our friends, families and neighbors in the community.

This tradition began after a number of insightful events occurred in 2005, beginning with discord and troubled youth on the town’s southwest side of the community during the summer. This area of town experienced a diverse mix of African-American, Latino, and Bosnian neighborhoods. During the summer of 2005 there were clashes between teenage youth and the local business establishments at the W. 5th Street Plaza, and there were Waterloo Police call incidents.

Neighbors in the community made allegations of racial disparate treatments from the local businesses towards these minority youth. Businesses reported increased juvenile activity and loitering with requests to local police to monitor.

The Waterloo Commission on Human Rights, Executive Director, Mayor, and city officials aligned with Waterloo Neighborhood Services and a neighborhood association meeting was held. There were invited guests of different ethnicity and parents of children to attend the meeting. The meeting's purpose was designed to discuss issues within the local area that were having negative impacts in building relationships.

The Waterloo Commission on Human Rights in order to send a message, bridge community wide dialogue, and encourage trust-built relationships, established the first day of summer as "Summer Harmony Day" activities. This event brings the entire community together to celebrate its heritages, spread awareness of the resources in the community that enhance the quality of life for residents, and provide fun entertainment. Summer Harmony Day also presents the opportunity for those of different affiliations to network each other for honest conversations and dialogue while getting to know each other in a safe environment.

Human Rights Day Celebration and Awards Luncheon
This day marks the annual anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1948. The Commission decided to make this an annual community event in 1998 by recognizing individuals, organizations, and institutions that have demonstrated outstanding work in support of human and civil rights in the City of Waterloo. Awards are presented in five categories (private citizen, service sector, private sector, educational institution, and human rights commissioner) during the luncheon. Nomination forms are available at the Commission Office or click here to download an application. Eligibility includes anyone working or doing business in the City of Waterloo. The luncheon usually includes a dynamic speaker. For a copy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights go to www.unhchr.ch/udhr/index.htm