Agenda - 02-13-2014 - 3 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 The functions of the original Commission for Women (CfW) were made a responsibility of the Human Relations Commission (HRC) in 2011, and CfW as a separate entity was disbanded in April 2011. The BOCC discussed this topic at its October 8, 2013 work session. There were various opinions related to how to proceed and the advisability of establishing an independent group. There was consensus that the issue warranted further discussion. The possibility of having the Human Rights Commission establish a subcommittee was among the ideas discussed. The Human Rights Commission has discussed this matter and voted against creating a subcommittee whose sole focus is on issues of gender inequality. The HRC opted, instead, to create a subcommittee entitled Diversity Matters which will address a cornucopia of issues of inequality for different minority groups, i.e. women and persons with disabilities. This decision was based on the idea that if the HRC created a subcommittee that focuses only on women's issues, then there would be a need to create additional subcommittees with a targeted focus on a single minority group. The HRC is meeting on February 10, 2014, and any updates from that meeting will be provided at the work session. Conversations have occurred with groups interested in women's issues. A listing of interested groups is included in Attachment C. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with discussing the potential establishment of a Women's Commission as an Orange County advisory board. If a Commission is established, potential budgetary and personnel impacts will need to be considered. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive the information and allow the HRC additional time to explore its role in addressing women's issues and provide a written report to the BOCC at the May 20, 2014 regular meeting.