City Staff Present Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint at Social Science Club
On February 15, Deputy City Manager Joan Walls and Equity and Engagement Director/Chief Equity Officer Rachel Joy presented information on the Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint during a meeting of the Social Science Club of Champaign and Urbana. The presentation was part of the Club’s 135th year of events. The presentation provided an overview and […]
Equity and Engagement Staff Attends Healing Circles at Centennial High School
On January 12, 2023, Acting Community Relations Manager, Mary Catherine Roberson and 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.
City Staff Discusses Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with Local Boy Scouts
On November 17, 2022, Acting Community Relations Manager Mary Catherine Roberson (Equity and Engagement) met with members of the Boys Scouts of America Troop 101. The Troop is comprised of students from Champaign and Savoy. The scouts are working to earn their “Citizenship and Society” merit badges by learning about efforts to address equity within […]
City’s Human Relations Commission Meets for Retreat
On Saturday, October 29, Acting Community Relations Manager Mary Catherine Roberson (Equity and Engagement Department) met with members of the City’s Human Relations Commission (HRC) for a half-day retreat. The HRC is responsible for the promotion of equal rights and opportunities in the City and enforcement of the City’s Human Rights Ordinance. The group participated […]
CU Days Was a Blast!
On August 13, 2022, staff from the City’s Equity and Engagement Department staffed a booth at Champaign-Urbana Days, located at Douglas Park. Community members gathered to enjoy music, activities, and food provided by local vendors. Staff were able to speak to community members about resources that the City has to offer. The booth hosted a […]
Neighborhood Services Hosts CommYOUnity Block Party at Turnberry Ridge Park
On August 11, 2022, the Neighborhood Services Department hosted a neighborhood based CommYOUnity block party at Turnberry Ridge Park. Employees from the Equity and Engagement Department also assisted with the event. There were backpacks with supplies given to 125 kids. More than 150 neighbors enjoyed an evening of food and games, as well music provided […]
New Equity and Engagement Department Webpages Launched
On July 13, 2022, a new section of the City website featuring the Equity and Engagement Department debuted on the City’s website. Staff from the Equity and Engagement Department, City Manager’s Office, and Information Technologies Department worked with a local firm to design and build out the new pages to showcase all the important work […]
City Staff Donate to Help the Hungry
In honor of #WearOrange Weekend the Equity and Engagement Department collected staff food donations the week of May 30, 2022. All the food that was collected will be given to the C-U Public Health District’s food bank.
City staff participated in Community Coalition Walk As One Event
On May 12, City staff from the City Manager’s Office, the Equity and Engagement Dept., Police Dept., and the Neighborhood Services Dept. participated in a Champaign Community Coalition Walk As One event in partnership with United Way’s Read, Talk, Play Everyday Initiative. This initiative stresses the importance of playing and reading with children at a […]
Equity and Engagement Department Guest Presenter at the Neighborhood Leader Meeting
On April 6, 2022, Tracy Parsons from the Equity and Engagement Department presented an overview of the City’s Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint at the Neighborhood Leaders Monthly Meeting. Tracy highlighted key activities of the Community Coalition and the Community Violence Response Team in response to violent incidents, as well outlining root causes of gun […]