“Race Talks” at Urbana Neighborhood Connections Center
On March 24, 2023, staff from the Equity and Engagement Department joined “Race Talks” that were being held at the Urbana Neighborhood Connections Center. As part of their afterschool program, these middle school students engaged in important conversation about race in American society today. This open and honest space allowed them to share their personal […]
Citizen Review Subcommittee Training
In February 2023, the City Council approved the appointment of two new members to the Citizen Review Subcommittee (CRS). On March 11, 2023, staff from the Equity and Engagement, Legal, and Police Departments held an all-day training session for new and existing members of the CRS. CRS members learned about limits of authority, use of […]
Neighborhood Services and Equity and Engagement Departments Relocating to New Offices
On February 27, 2023, the City of Champaign’s Neighborhood Services and Equity and Engagement Departments will begin serving the public from a new location in Downtown Champaign. The new offices are located at 205 W. Park Avenue, just west of the Virginia Theatre and a short walk from their current home in the City Building. […]
City Staff Member Presents to Central Illinois Human Resources Group
On Tuesday, February 14th, Jorge Elvir, Community Relations Manager for E&E, spoke at the Central Illinois Human Resources Group presenting on: You are welcome here! – Fostering an environment of inclusion. The presentation focused on the importance of welcoming environments when defining diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. This included an overview of what […]
Y on the Fly Launch
Wednesday, February 8th, community members and partners gathered to celebrate the launch of the Y on the Fly after-school site (2422 W. Springfield Ave. Champaign.) Y on the Fly seeks to deliver a “Y without walls” programming experience directly to underserved communities who lack transportation and critical resources for youth development and success. After-school participants […]
Equity and Engagement Staff Attends Healing Circles at Centennial High School
On February 9th, Justice Victim Advocate Jarrel Young (Equity and Engagement) attended Healing Circles at Centennial High School. These weekly sessions provide young men an opportunity to connect with community leaders and receive empowering messages of hope and resilience.
Welcoming America Certification Audit
The City of Champaign was recently selected as one of three communities nationwide to be a pilot site to beta test the Welcoming Standard 2.0 and the starred certification system for Certified Welcoming. The certification demonstrates our commitment to our values of welcoming everyone who chooses to call Champaign home, including immigrants and refugees. The […]
Equity and Engagement Helps Displaced Residents
On January 12th, the Equity and Engagement Department staff collaborated with CU Church to gather supplies for the displaced residents of Champaign Park Apartments. Families that are in need will be given essential necessities such as toiletries, hygiene products, covers/blankets, food, and more. Pictured right: Justice Victim Advocates Jarrel Young and Eric Toga gather […]
City Staff Member Attends Menorah Lighting
On December 8, Illini Chabad hosted a pre-Hanukkah program in downtown Champaign. City staff joined the Champaign Center Partnership and other community organizations for the lighting of the menorah.
Equity and Engagement Staff Tutor Youth
On December 1, Acting Community Relations Manager Mary Catherine Roberson (Equity and Engagement Department) played math games with first graders at Stratton Elementary to help them learn math facts. Mary Catherine has spent the semester assisting students biweekly as a part of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce’s “iRead. iCount.” mentoring program in partnership with […]