TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to enter into an agreement with the Greater Long Beach National Conference for Community and Justice to provide Human Dignity Program services for a period of one year in an amount not to exceed $93,000. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
In September 1999, the City Council authorized resources to develop a Human Dignity
Program (Program). On December 13, 1999, a Human Dignity Program Officer was
hired to implement the Program. Key elements of the Program include a hate crime
response team, an inter-group conflict resolution team and diversity training to promote
community harmony and mutual acceptance.
In February 2000, the City of Long Beach entered into an agreement with the Greater
Long Beach National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) to provide training
for the Hate Crime Response Team members and conduct community awareness
events and other outreach activities to promote the Program. Attachment A lists recent
highlights of the Human Dignity ProgramlNCCJ accomplishments. The scope of service
has been amended to allow NCCJ to play a fundamental role in coordinating resources
for the Youth and Gang Violence Prevention Task Force. The agreement with the NCCJ
has expired, and City Council approval is requested to authorize another one-year
agreement from February 2005 through January 2006.
Through the Program, law enforcement, governmental institutions, the religious
community, the educational community, grass roots organizations, and community and
neighborhood associations are networked to share resources and send a citywide
message of tolerance. By utilizing NCCJ, extensive community human relations
outreach and education have been conducted resulting in increased cultural acceptance
and awareness. Presentations have been made throughout the City and surrounding
areas.
The effectiveness of the Program is monitored through victim assistance surveys,
community surveys and by an increased awareness of what constitutes a hate crime.
Individuals and organizations report that the Program has proven to be a valuable
resource for the citizens of Long Beach in the ongoing efforts to eliminate hate crimes
and ensure that visitors and residents are treated with dignity and respect. The City has
gained local, state and national recognition for this Program.
The Program is especially proud of its precedent-setting partnership with the Long
Beach Police Department (LBPD). The Human Dignity Program and the LBPD work
closely to identify, report and provide resources to victims of hate crimes and bias
incidents. In an effort to coordinate information, the LBPD has revised their standard
forms and developed support documents that include the Program components.
With a well-deserved reputation as a leader in the human relations field, NCCJ has
been vital to the Program's efforts. The proposed agreement will continue to allow the
City of Long Beach, Human Dignity Program, to benefit from that experience.
This letter was reviewed by Senior Deputy City Attorney Donna Gwin on June 1, 2005
and by Budget Management Officer David Wodynski on June 2,2005
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on June 21, 2005 to ensure the continuation of NCCJ
services.
FISCAL IMPACT
The agreement amount is $93,000 for a one-year period. This represents the same
level of funding as the previous agreement. Funds are budgeted in the General Fund
(GP) in the City Manager Department (CM).
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
[Respectfully Submitted,]