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  • A survey was printed in the Hopkins Highlights that sought information from residents on human rights issues in Hopkins.
  • In 1995 the Commission spent a lot of time on outreach efforts, including the recruitment of new members. A presentation was made to the Hopkins Business and Civic Association. Personal contacts were made to over 40 local religious and civic organizations informing them about the Commission.
  • The Calendar Project - The Human Rights Commission and Alice Smith Elementary School worked together to produce a calendar promoting diversity and human rights and incorporating art work by Alice Smith students. Calendars were distributed to every family with a student at Alice Smith. The League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions also requested copies that were later distributed to human rights commissions throughout Minnesota.
  • The Commission sponsored a seminar on diversity in 1997, which was attended by representatives of the City, the school district, the religious community, and others.
  • The Commission drafted and the City Council adopted a Hate and Bias Crime Response Plan. This document will be a guide for community response to any hate or bias crimes that might occur in Hopkins.
  • In December of 1998, Commission members commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by reading a book about the Declaration to local students. Copies of the book and a poster were distributed to the Hopkins' elementary schools and the Hopkins' library.
  • In 1999, the Commission awarded its first Hopkins Human Rights Award to Barb Westmoreland for her work with Empty Bowls.
  • The Commission sponsored a human rights essay contest for students in the spring of 2000. Three students received proclamations and savings bonds for their winning essays.
  • The Commission helped initiate the Heritage Celebration in 2001. Held in conjunction with the Raspberry Festival, the Heritage Celebration featured music, food, crafts, and information from many of the different cultures that are represented in Hopkins.
  • The second annual human rights essay contest attracted 21 entrants. The winning Hopkins essay received an honorable mention award in the statewide Human Rights essay contest.
  • There were four recipients of the third annual human rights awards in 2001. Awards were made in all three categories: non-profit, business, and individual.
  • In 2002 the Commission participated in the Fiesta de Mexico. A loom with fabrics was available. The Commission distributed brochures and bookmarks. The Commission also produced new logo stickers and continued its efforts to have local businesses display the stickers.
  • In 2003, the Commission again assisted with and participated in the Heritage Festival.
  • During 2004, the Commission invited various people to speak to the Commission about issues that they are dealing with. Nora Davis, of the Family Resource Center, and Police Chief Craig Reid spoke to the Commission.
  • The Commission began a reading event at the Hopkins Library in 2004. Adults were invited to bring their children to the library. Books dealing with diversity and human rights were read.
  • During 2005, the Commission worked on promoting a community read centered on the book: The Middle of Everywhere by Mary Pipher. The book is about refugees settling in the United States. The idea behind the community read was to encourage members of the Hopkins' community to first read the book and then come together to discuss it. The Commission also met with representatives of the faith community to discuss their experiences with the increasingly diverse population of Hopkins.