The Equal Opportunity Department in collaboration with the Phoenix Human Relations Commission sponsor the Faces of Diversity Brown Bag events to promote cultural diversity awareness education to the community.
On March 28, “The Heroic Journey: An Adolescent Quest for Identity” was the topic of the hour. Montessori teachers Jennifer Matthews and Shayne Sotelo and Faith North Montessori students presented the holistic benefits of The Heroic Journey Program in the middle school classroom. The presentation provided a look inside the teenage brain and why this “journey” towards identity becomes so essential for their later years. Students entering adolescence begin to ask themselves, “Who was I as a child and who am I now?” At this age, children are trying to forge an identity and find their place in society.
The Heroic Journey Program encourages adolescents to use their natural gifts and talents while figuring out who they want to be. The more students can consciously think about and visualize who they want to be, the more likely it is to happen.
Having studied abroad in England and Spain as well as several other countries, middle school Montessori teacher Jennifer Matthews brings a rich knowledge of cultural Rites of Passage from many parts of the world including Australia, Italy, France, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Colombia and Panama.
As a middle school teacher/administrator and transformational life coach, Shayne Sotelo has taught children in grades second though 12 and has done extensive work regarding the adolescent brain and adolescent behavior. Sotelo was awarded the 2012 Teacher of the Year in the Phoenix Elementary School District.
With their more than 30 years of combined teaching/coaching experience and Montessori K-8 training working with adolescents, Matthews and Sotelo provide more schools and teachers with this year-long life skills program.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
United Minds: A Youth Perspective on Diversity
The Phoenix Human Relations Commission, in cooperation with the Equal Opportunity Department and PHX Channel 11, has produced a 35-minute DVD addressing race relations and cultural diversity. The DVD, United Minds: A Youth Perspective on Diversity, focuses on ways for youth to build tolerance and a sense of community at school.
It features 13 dynamic students from Valley high schools gathered together for a roundtable discussion on diversity issues affecting young people. Discussion centers on:
EOD collaborated with the National Conference for Community and Justice in creating a discussion guide to accompany the DVD.
It features 13 dynamic students from Valley high schools gathered together for a roundtable discussion on diversity issues affecting young people. Discussion centers on:
- What is Diversity?
- Race and Ethnicity Perceptions
- Stereotypes
- Who is Responsible for Change?
- Reflections of the Past and Visions of the Future
EOD collaborated with the National Conference for Community and Justice in creating a discussion guide to accompany the DVD.
For a copy of the DVD and discussion guide, contact the Equal Opportunity department at 602-256-4126/voice or 602-534-1557/TTY. There is a charge per DVD to cover the cost of dubbing and shipping.
EOD Strengths/Weaknesses
A lot of times, with non-profit and public sector organizations, it seems that "weaknesses" are the nature of the beast. With economic downturns and government agencies all over the country rolling out platforms of "doing more with less", it is no wonder that processing time, staffing shortages and budget cuts, caseloads and decreasing morale are a few weaknesses that can be unavoidable.
Just today, City Manager Ed Zuercher announced potential tax increases, public service fees, and cuts to senior and community centers in the Valley to somehow recover the nearly $38 million budget shortfall this fiscal year. This was due to overstated revenue projections by Phoenix City Council the last couple of years.
I think that the City of Phoenix is both a wonderful employer and a great place to live. In recent years, the strengths have been in our ability to revitalize and grow from a 'small town' feel to the sixth-largest city in the Nation. This evolution to a 'big city' brings more revenue and more people from across the country are going to want to move here. This past winter I couldn't turn on the news without hearing about dreadful conditions of blizzards, snowed-in residents, closed businesses and schools. Phoenix may have extreme summer months, but we NEVER shovel snow from our driveways or stop functioning because of the weather!
So, where we can do better as an organization is to continue to revitalize, attract business, employment, residents which will then lead to increases in revenue. I think we also have an opportunity to partner with the entertainment and arts community to enrich not only the economy of Phoenix, but also the culture.
Just today, City Manager Ed Zuercher announced potential tax increases, public service fees, and cuts to senior and community centers in the Valley to somehow recover the nearly $38 million budget shortfall this fiscal year. This was due to overstated revenue projections by Phoenix City Council the last couple of years.
I think that the City of Phoenix is both a wonderful employer and a great place to live. In recent years, the strengths have been in our ability to revitalize and grow from a 'small town' feel to the sixth-largest city in the Nation. This evolution to a 'big city' brings more revenue and more people from across the country are going to want to move here. This past winter I couldn't turn on the news without hearing about dreadful conditions of blizzards, snowed-in residents, closed businesses and schools. Phoenix may have extreme summer months, but we NEVER shovel snow from our driveways or stop functioning because of the weather!
So, where we can do better as an organization is to continue to revitalize, attract business, employment, residents which will then lead to increases in revenue. I think we also have an opportunity to partner with the entertainment and arts community to enrich not only the economy of Phoenix, but also the culture.
Professional Development Workshop - B2GNow Roadshow
My department (Equal Opportunity) currently contracts with 'B2GNow' which is a software development company that provides us a 49 CFR Part 23 & 26 certification, compliance and reporting system so that we may more easily comply with federal regulation of FHWA, FAA, and FTA funded City of Phoenix projects.
This system has only been 'live' for little over a year and yesterday was my first opportunity to attend a training workshop on how to better utilize the system in my day-to-day job functions.
The even lasted all day (8:00 - 4:30) and included modules on Contract Monitoring for DBE/DBE goals compliance, Certification, Airport Concession DBE module, bid tracking, e-affidavits, prevailing wage regulation, public outreach and event planning, disparity study reporting, modal agency reporting, NAICS codes and SBA size standards.
The workshop not only covered these very necessary system capabilities, but also how we can improve communication with our AZ United Certification Partners, certified firms and prime contractors through the system.
It was very exciting to learn about everything that B2GNow is capable of doing, but also what is in store for even more streamlined processes, new modules, and reporting capabilities.
I was trained briefly when we rolled out this new cloud-based software, but this workshop was very interactive with over 20 staff members from B2GNow (which stands for "business to government") It is diversity management software, specifically created for the public sector to help us comply with government diversity programs (like EODs SBE/DBE program). I was able to speak face-to-face with representatives about some technical issues I'd been having trouble with, mostly not understanding the functionality of certain system features. There were also features available that I had no clue existed! And the City is paying for this software, so I'm glad our staff was able to get the most out of the day.
I came back to the office this morning eager to use what I had learned!
This system has only been 'live' for little over a year and yesterday was my first opportunity to attend a training workshop on how to better utilize the system in my day-to-day job functions.
The even lasted all day (8:00 - 4:30) and included modules on Contract Monitoring for DBE/DBE goals compliance, Certification, Airport Concession DBE module, bid tracking, e-affidavits, prevailing wage regulation, public outreach and event planning, disparity study reporting, modal agency reporting, NAICS codes and SBA size standards.
The workshop not only covered these very necessary system capabilities, but also how we can improve communication with our AZ United Certification Partners, certified firms and prime contractors through the system.
It was very exciting to learn about everything that B2GNow is capable of doing, but also what is in store for even more streamlined processes, new modules, and reporting capabilities.
I was trained briefly when we rolled out this new cloud-based software, but this workshop was very interactive with over 20 staff members from B2GNow (which stands for "business to government") It is diversity management software, specifically created for the public sector to help us comply with government diversity programs (like EODs SBE/DBE program). I was able to speak face-to-face with representatives about some technical issues I'd been having trouble with, mostly not understanding the functionality of certain system features. There were also features available that I had no clue existed! And the City is paying for this software, so I'm glad our staff was able to get the most out of the day.
I came back to the office this morning eager to use what I had learned!
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Library Department - Food for Fines
I know this isn't my department, but I thought it would be nice to let my fellow college students know that if they have outstanding library overdue fees, this is an option : )
April 2, 2014
Library customers can pay overdue fees and help restock the pantries of Valley food banks during Phoenix Public Library’s annual “Food for Fines,” April 12 - 26, 2014.
During “Food for Fines,” 50 cents will be deducted from a customer’s library account fees for each non-perishable food item donated at any of the city’s 17 libraries. A maximum of $75 can be paid with donated food. Homemade food cannot be accepted.
Donated food will be distributed to St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance and Desert Mission Food Bank. Last year the program collected nearly 61,000 pounds of food.
For more information, call 602-262-4636 or visit phoenixpubliclibrary.org. Phoenix Public Library is a system of 16 branch libraries and the Burton Barr Central Library. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/phxlibrary and “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/phoenixpubliclibrary.
Media Contact:
Rita Marko 602-534-2025
April 2, 2014
Library customers can pay overdue fees and help restock the pantries of Valley food banks during Phoenix Public Library’s annual “Food for Fines,” April 12 - 26, 2014.
During “Food for Fines,” 50 cents will be deducted from a customer’s library account fees for each non-perishable food item donated at any of the city’s 17 libraries. A maximum of $75 can be paid with donated food. Homemade food cannot be accepted.
Donated food will be distributed to St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance and Desert Mission Food Bank. Last year the program collected nearly 61,000 pounds of food.
For more information, call 602-262-4636 or visit phoenixpubliclibrary.org. Phoenix Public Library is a system of 16 branch libraries and the Burton Barr Central Library. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/phxlibrary and “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/phoenixpubliclibrary.
Media Contact:
Rita Marko 602-534-2025
Phoenix Women's Commission
Mission of the Commission
Meetings
The Phoenix Women's Commission meets bimonthly at 3 p.m. on the second Monday in Room 704 of the Calvin C. Goode Building, 251 W. Washington St., 7th Floor. The commission is staffed by the Equal Opportunity Department. Visit the public meeting notices for meeting times. All meetings are open to the public.
The commission’s intent is to bring awareness to issues of significance to women, building a vital link between government and community. The commission is interested in receiving input from women’s organizations and individuals on issues concerning women.
Membership
The mayor and City Council appoint 17 members to three-year terms. Membership applications are available at http://phoenix.gov/citygovernment/boards/apply.
The Phoenix Women's Commission is a member of the National Association of Commissions for Women. NACW is an organization that gives a national voice to commissions for women and creates an exchange of information and ideas among government, the private sector and women's organizations. To learn more about the NACW, visit its website at http://www.nacw.org.
Phoenix Women's Commission Brochure
Meetings
The Phoenix Women's Commission meets bimonthly at 3 p.m. on the second Monday in Room 704 of the Calvin C. Goode Building, 251 W. Washington St., 7th Floor. The commission is staffed by the Equal Opportunity Department. Visit the public meeting notices for meeting times. All meetings are open to the public.
The commission’s intent is to bring awareness to issues of significance to women, building a vital link between government and community. The commission is interested in receiving input from women’s organizations and individuals on issues concerning women.
Membership
The mayor and City Council appoint 17 members to three-year terms. Membership applications are available at http://phoenix.gov/citygovernment/boards/apply.
The Phoenix Women's Commission is a member of the National Association of Commissions for Women. NACW is an organization that gives a national voice to commissions for women and creates an exchange of information and ideas among government, the private sector and women's organizations. To learn more about the NACW, visit its website at http://www.nacw.org.
Phoenix Women's Commission Brochure
April is National Fair Housing month!
April 1, 2014
April is celebrated nationwide as National Fair Housing Month. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status or sexual orientation.
To learn about fair housing practices, the city offers a series of free fair housing workshops throughout the year at the Calvin C. Goode Municipal Building, 251 W. Washington St., 10th floor, room CCG West.
The workshops are presented in partnership with the Southwest Fair Housing Council and offer ADRE-authorized fair housing REALTOR® re-licensing credit.
Housing providers, including landlords, leasing agents, realtors and property managers, are encouraged to attend. Registration is required.
For more information or to register, call the city’s Equal Opportunity Department at 602-262-7486/voice or 602-534-1557/TTY. Follow us on Twitter @phxequalopprty.
Media Contact:
Alejandro Montiel 602-534-3443
April is celebrated nationwide as National Fair Housing Month. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status or sexual orientation.
To learn about fair housing practices, the city offers a series of free fair housing workshops throughout the year at the Calvin C. Goode Municipal Building, 251 W. Washington St., 10th floor, room CCG West.
- 1 to 4 p.m. – Wednesday, April 23
- 9 a.m. to noon – Tuesday, May 20
- 9 a.m. to noon – Tuesday, June 24
The workshops are presented in partnership with the Southwest Fair Housing Council and offer ADRE-authorized fair housing REALTOR® re-licensing credit.
Housing providers, including landlords, leasing agents, realtors and property managers, are encouraged to attend. Registration is required.
For more information or to register, call the city’s Equal Opportunity Department at 602-262-7486/voice or 602-534-1557/TTY. Follow us on Twitter @phxequalopprty.
Media Contact:
Alejandro Montiel 602-534-3443
Public Service in EOD
The mission of the Equal Opportunity Department is "to improve the quality of life in Phoenix by promoting equal opportunity, embracing diversity and eliminating discrimination".
The department does this in three ways:
1. Through the Business Relations Division, programs for small and socio-economically disadvantaged businesses ensure that owners have an equal opportunity to subcontract on locally and federally funded contracts
2. The Compliance and Enforcement Division investigates complaints of discrimination in employment and housing on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, familial status, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity or expression. The Division also serves as an advocate in fair housing and fair employment education and outreach
3. The ADA Compliance program ensures that all City facilities, programs and activities are accessible for people with disabilities in compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Ace and the Arizonans with Disabilities Act.
The EOD also demonstrates public service by offering outreach and education events to the public as well as City customer departments.
The department does this in three ways:
1. Through the Business Relations Division, programs for small and socio-economically disadvantaged businesses ensure that owners have an equal opportunity to subcontract on locally and federally funded contracts
2. The Compliance and Enforcement Division investigates complaints of discrimination in employment and housing on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, familial status, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity or expression. The Division also serves as an advocate in fair housing and fair employment education and outreach
3. The ADA Compliance program ensures that all City facilities, programs and activities are accessible for people with disabilities in compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Ace and the Arizonans with Disabilities Act.
The EOD also demonstrates public service by offering outreach and education events to the public as well as City customer departments.
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