In acknowledgement of the growing and vibrant Haitian Community in Boynton Beach, the Haitian Community Council (HCC) was created by the City of Boynton Beach to act as a liaison between the Haitian Community and the City. The Haitian Community Council is comprised of seven individuals who reside or work in Boynton Beach, are of Haitian descent and or have extensive knowledge and interest in the Haitian Community.
Mission Statement:
The Haitian Community Council's principal objective is to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of the Haitian community in the city of Boynton Beach. The Haitian Community Council seeks to remove all barriers of discrimination through democratic process. This Mission will be accomplished by seeking the enactment and enforcement of local laws securing civil rights, including informing the public of the adverse effects of not participating in the democratic process, school violence prevention, fair housing, employment, voter registration, health and economic opportunities. The HCC is working successfully with allies of all races especially with the city of Boynton Beach, and plays significant role in establishing legal precedents in order to improve the quality of life of the Haitian Community in Boynton Beach.
2010 - 2011 Goals and Objectives
Goal:
To serve as liaison with the City Commission and Administration and to communicate issues of relevance to the Haitian community.
Objectives:
To hold Council meetings in different areas of the City to seek input from Haitian residents on issues of concern.
Action Steps
A)Conduct two to four community meetings in 2011.
a.Conduct outreach to Haitians in the City of Boynton Beach using a variety of communication vehicles.
b- Haitian Community Council (HCC) will design bi-lingual flyers on a quarterly basis announcing upcoming council meetings as well as any other communication assistance as needed for special informational sessions.
c- The City of Boynton Beach will assist the Haitian Community Council by distributing flyers (see item in New Resident packages.)
d- City of Boynton Beach will promote the Haitian Community Council meetings on city website in English/Creole and provide email links to Haitian Community Council chair or City Co-Liaison’s email address.
e- Haitian Community Council (HCC) will gather and City will add to the Haitian Community Council (HCC) website page bios of each Haitian Community Council (HCC) member.
f- The City of Boynton Beach will publicize each meeting in its monthly newsletter and other publications in English/Creole and include Haitian Community Council (HCC) contact information.
B).Haitian Community Council (HCC) will present updates and a final report to the City Commission. Haitian Community Council (HCC) requests the City assign an individual to work with Haitian Community Council (HCC) to assist us in implementing several of these outreach activities which will require City involvement.
C)To inform the Haitian community about issues and policies of the City of Boynton Beach.
1.Haitian Community Council will work with the City of Boynton Beach using the same outreach vehicles outlined above to communicate City of Boynton Beach issues to Haitian residents.
D) To continue to work toward increasing Haitian employment within Boynton Beach’s government.
II GOAL:
To promote and support Haitian culture in the City of Boynton Beach.
Objectives:
A)To support cultural and civic events in the City of Boynton Beach during Haitian Heritage Month.
1.City of Boynton Beach will provide space for art exhibit during Haitian Heritage month.
2.Haitian Community Council will take lead in annual art exhibit of Haitian artists and identify artists who are available to exhibit.
3.Haitian Community Council will partner with the Palm Beach County Library and make the exhibit a collaborative event with them.
B)To support cultural and civic events in the City of Boynton Beach
C)Haitian Community Council (HCC) will Explore collaborations with Haitian.
businesses, CRA, chambers and associations to promote local business to Boynton Beach.
Areas of Major Interest
The following represent the areas of major interest to the Council:
1.Haitian Business Issues: To promulgate Haitian business and entrepreneurial opportunities.
2.Employment Relations: To monitor the fair and equal treatment of Haitian applicants and employees.
Specific attention is given to Haitians in management and professional employment within the City. To monitor reports on the number of Haitian hired by the City.
3.Educational Issues: To represent the interests of Haitians before the School Board and other bodies in order to address educational issues. The Council has established communications with the Palm Beach Library Services.
4.Citizen Participation:To increase the City's responsiveness to the delivery of services to the Haitian community. The focus is to increase and diversify the number of Haitian on City boards/committees that ultimately affect services to residents. Also to serve as a conduit for the City to educate residents about City processes in areas such as code enforcement, community planning, and other general services.
5.Cultural Heritage: To promote cultural harmony and strengthen inter group relations among ethnic groups. The focus is to promote cultural awareness and enhance sensitivity towards cultural and ethnic heritage. In particular, recognition days acknowledge the culture and arts of Haitian nations on a rotating basis.