Items tagged: Equity and Engagement Department

“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 […]


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 […]


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 […]