Human Relations Commission

Overview

The Shorewood Village Board approved in 2017 the re-initiation of the Human Relations Commission.  The purpose of the Commission is to:

  • Advocate for the rights and values of our community through the protection of human and civil rights.
  • Listen to community member(s) grievances and complaints relating to discrimination, harassment, vandalism involving a hate crime, and intimidation based on race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, immigration status, sexual orientation, sexual or gender identity or a physical or mental disability (further defined as underrepresented groups) so that additional resources and assistance from outside agencies can be referred to the community member(s). 
  • Use various outreach tools to facilitate and increase resources to community members and businesses with concerns relating to race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, immigration status, sexual orientation, sexual or gender identity or a physical or mental disability.
  • Create an annual report to identify and analyze trends and community concerns brought to the Council.  Present the report to the Village Board for determining board and/or police action.
  • Provide and coordinate educational resources and events to strengthen relationships as well as reduce inter-group tensions by ensuring equality of treatment and opportunity to all who live, work, and gather in the Village of Shorewood.
  • Assess and coordinate outreach efforts with public organizations and advocacy groups to educate and raise awareness of existing services to underrepresented groups.
  • Review internal public organizational processes, procedures, and facilities to determine and/or make recommendations to increase opportunities for underrepresented groups.
  • Coordinate and cooperate with municipal, county, state, federal and other agencies or organizations in order to promote dialog and understanding for better human relations.
  • Report to Shorewood Village Police Commission, on an as needed basis, of incidences related to race and policing in the community.
  • Provide resources to community members that have concerns related to discrimination in hiring, customer treatment, and business practices of businesses operating in the Village of Shorewood.  This includes working with the Shorewood Business Improvement District to address any concerns related to businesses in our community.

Mission Statement

“We, the Human Relations Commission of Shorewood, cultivate community-wide change through learning, engagement, and policy to advance human dignity, respect, and civil rights.”

Meetings

  • 6:30 p.m.
  • 2nd Thursday of each month
  • Village Center, 3920 N. Murray Ave, Shorewood, WI 53211

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval. 

Click here to watch the YouTube video of HRC Community Forum, Shorewood Speaks: Candid Conversations on Progress Toward Racial Equity from July 14, 2020.

Check the Village Calendar or Agenda Center to view upcoming meetings or sign up to receive meeting notices under the Notify Me button.

Most Recent Agenda | View All Agendas and Minutes

How to Join

If you are interested in joining the Committee, please see the links below. The application will be kept on file and considered when there is a committee vacancy.

VOLUNTEER FORM (PDF) (printable)

VOLUNTEER FORM (PDF) (online and fillable)

Membership

The Commission shall consist of nine members appointed by the Village Board. Members must be a Shorewood resident. At least five of the nine members are required to have some experience with the underrepresented groups listed in § 26-1. Members should reasonably reflect the diversity in the Shorewood community.  Two students determined by Shorewood High School are also voting members to serve on the Commission.  Ex-officio members shall consist of a School Board representative and a Village Board representative.  Members shall serve a term of three years, provided that the initial Commission shall consist of three members appointed for a three-year term, two members appointed for a two-year term, and two members appointed for a one-year term. Upon expiration. The following are the current members of the Commission:

  • Ana Belen Duran Lopez - term expires 2023
  • Charlie DeSando - term expires 2024
  • McKenzie Edmonds - term expires 2024
  • Sharveta Parker (chair) - term expires 2024
  • Shavonda Sisson - term expires 2023
  • Maria Van Hoorn - term expires 2022
  • Matt Weiss - term expires 2022
  • Student members Molly Fox-Kincaid and Alicia Obiakor
  • Trustee Liaison Melissa Baldauff

Staff Liaison

If you would like to contact members of the citizen committee, please email the staff liaison listed below:

Fernando Santiago, Police Captain - Shorewood Police Department