DEI | Microaggressions Training
On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, Janel Gomez, Community Relations Manager in the Equity and Engagement Department was invited to speak at Keller Williams Realty Lunch and Learn about microaggressions. Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional, words or actions that communicate negative or derogatory messages towards a marginalized group. These can be verbal, nonverbal, or even environmental […]
Champaign Fire Department Will Be Conducting Hazardous Materials Training
The Champaign Fire Department will be conducting hazardous materials training November 4th, 6th, and 8th, 2024, at Sholem Aquatic Center, 2205 Sangamon Dr., Champaign. Fire department instructors will lead a scenario designed to simulate a hazardous materials release and subsequent control of the release. There will be two daily sessions beginning at 8:30 a.m. and […]
EDDIT Site Visit and Symposium
On June 5 and 6, 2024, staff from Equity and Engagement, Public Works, and Neighborhood Services Departments participated in the Equitable Development Data Insight Training (EDDIT) site visit. EDDIT, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, offers specialized data analysis and storytelling training for nonprofit, community, and government organizations dedicated to promoting urban equity in […]
Diving Into Digital Equity
On January 30, 2024, April Faulkner (E&E) attended a seminar hosted by the Illinois Broadband Lab (IBL) providing insight on the Illinois Digital Equity Plan. Representatives from IBL provided important information on upcoming grants to support digital equity as well as a deep dive into local findings and initiatives. The seminar was attended by 20+ […]
Champaign Police and Fire Train Area First Responders
On January 30, personnel with the Champaign Police and Champaign Fire Departments hosted a half-day training session for all first responders in Champaign County. The training was held at First Christian Church in Champaign, and involved classroom instruction, a scenario, and a debrief, and was designed to take each responding unit approximately 60 minutes. The […]
Welcoming Week 2023!
On September 8 -17, 2023, Welcoming Week is celebrated across the county! Here in Champaign County, the New American Welcome Center’s coordinated nearly 30 events for foreign and native born community members to come together and celebrate the diversity of our community. These events included music/dance performances, ally training, arts education, entrepreneurship, cultural festivals and […]
Administrative Services Team Training
On August 30, 2023, Community Relations Manager, Janel Gomez, presented to the Administrative Services Team (AST) about how to deal with difficult telephone calls, specifically angry citizens. Specific attention was made on how to deal with microaggressions and when customers use racially insensitive language. The team held a discussion on their customer services experiences and […]
Joint First Responder Training to be held July 25 at Jefferson Middle School
Champaign County first responders will hold a joint training exercise on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, starting at 8:00 a.m. at Jefferson Middle School (1115 Crescent Dr, Champaign). The training exercise will conclude at approximately 2:00 p.m. and will help prepare first responders for rapid response emergency scenarios and mutual aid needs that may occur in […]
City Staff Attends Damage Assessment Training
Staff from the Neighborhood Services Department (NSD) and the Building Safety Division (BSD) participated in Damage Assessment Training presented by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). Staff from other area government agencies including the University of Illinois and Champaign County attended the training as well. Due to recent staff turnover in both NSD and BSD, […]
Hope Fair Housing
On May 17, 2023 Community Relations Manager for the Equity and Engagement Department, Janel Gomez, attended the HOPE Fair Housing Conference where Jim Bennett, director of the Illinois Department of Human Rights, was the keynote speaker. Conference sessions focused on educating the public about source of income protections, identifying bias in real estate appraisals, and […]