Vermillion Human Relations Commission

There are many ways to serve the community. The City is seeking individuals to serve on a variety of Boards.
www.vermillion.us/formcenter

Proclamation Celebrating Women’s History Month 2024

WHEREAS, the City of Vermillion recognizes and values the diversity of its current residents as well as the generations who came before us and contributed to our history, and

WHEREAS, when that history focuses heavily on political, military, and economic leaders and events, it tends to virtually exclude women, both leaders and ordinary citizens, and

WHEREAS, women’s history adds very different perspectives about what is historically significant, exploring not just the contributions of leaders in the public sphere, but also examining women’s activities in the private sphere and their experiences at the crossroads where the two spheres meet and interact, and

WHEREAS, in 1987 a joint resolution passed by Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month in perpetuity, and

WHEREAS, the National Women’s History Month 2024 theme is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion,”

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Vermillion Human Relations Commission, do hereby proclaim March 2024 as Women’s History Month in the City of Vermillion. We encourage residents to educate themselves about and celebrate the contributions of women in our families, our community, our state, and our country. By celebrating our diversity and promoting inclusion, equality, and fairness, we continue to create a stronger and more vibrant community.

Vermillion Human Relations Commission

Hey, Vermillion:
It’s only 50 days until
the 50th annual USD Wacipi!
See you there!!

Join us for Black History Month Trivia in the MUC! This Wednesday, you can have a chance to win TONS of coyote cash, learn interesting facts, and have a great time.

Please note that this vacancy is for a resident of Vermillion enrolled in post-secondary education.

Proclamation for International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Issued by the Vermillion Human Relations Commission

WHEREAS, the Vermillion Human Relations Commission is unwavering in its dedication to creating a welcoming community for all citizens and fostering understanding

WHEREAS, on this solemn Saturday, January 27, 2024, we observe International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a day of reflection and commemoration for the millions of lives lost during one of humanity's darkest chapters; and

WHEREAS, the Holocaust serves as an enduring reminder of the dire consequences of unchecked hatred, discrimination, and the violation of fundamental human rights; and

WHEREAS, the Vermillion Human Relations Commission recognizes its responsibility to educate, memorialize, and reflect upon the lessons of the Holocaust to prevent the recurrence of such horrors in the future; and

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Vermillion Human Relations Commission, stand in solidarity with the international community on this day. We honor the memory of the millions of innocent lives lost, pledge to preserve the stories of survivors, and reaffirm our commitment to fostering a welcoming community for all citizens, historical awareness, and the protection of human dignity for all.

We encourage residents of Vermillion to actively engage in educational programs, participate in acts of remembrance, and join in collective efforts to ensure that the profound lessons of the Holocaust endure for future generations.

In witness thereof, we have set our hands and caused the seal of the Vermillion Human Relations Commission to be affixed on this 27th day of January in the year 2024.

Vermillion Human Relations Commission

Proclamation Celebrating Native American Day

WHEREAS, the City of Vermillion recognizes and values the diversity of its residents and the contributions of all cultures that enrich our community; and
WHEREAS, Native American Day celebrates the culture, heritage, history, and resilience of indigenous peoples all across the United States; and
WHEREAS, thirty-three years ago South Dakota became the first state to officially recognize and celebrate Native American Day;
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Vermillion Human Relations Commission of the City of Vermillion, do hereby proclaim October 9, 2023 as Native American Day in the City of Vermillion. We encourage residents to participate in events and activities that help us better understand and appreciate the history, culture, and contributions of Native Americans, as well as the unique challenges they continue to face; and to work together to create a more just and equitable society for all. By celebrating our diversity and promoting cultural awareness and understanding, we can create a stronger and more vibrant community.

Vermillion Human Relations Commission

Community events are a fantastic way to support local businesses, artisans, and entertainers. Attending these events also means participating in our shared culture and traditions. They serve as a reminder of our history and help to strengthen the bonds that make our community special. 🎭🎆

The Canby Misfits will be playing tonight for Thursday on the Platz, beginning at 5:30pm downtown.

Thursdays On The Platz Head downtown for a summer of fun with our annual summer music series, Thursdays on the Platz presented by Bluepeak. Each week, on the National Music Museum stage will feature free live music. You ll be able to sit back and enjoy beverages from weekly breweries and some of your favorite Vermillion f...

At the Vermillion City Council meeting on July 3, City Council Member Ward, Policy and Procedures Chair, reported that the Policies and Procedures Committee reviewed the Land Acknowledgement Statement the Human Relations Commission forwarded to the City Council for consideration.

The Land Acknowledgement Statement reads:
Our future as a community depends on recognizing our past. The City of Vermillion exists on the ancestral lands of the Oceti Sakowin and Omaha indigenous people. We honor and appreciate those who have the longest relationship with this place.

Council Member Ward stated that the Committee recommends approval of the Land Acknowledgment Statement and that it should be placed on City 11 agendas.

The presiding officer will decide to read the Land Acknowledgment Statement at a City meeting.

Standing united can create a town where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued. Here are some steps we can take to stop discrimination.

1️⃣ Education is Key: Let's educate ourselves about different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. Learning about our differences can foster empathy and understanding, breaking down barriers that fuel discrimination.

2️⃣ Embrace Diversity: Our small town is home to diverse individuals and communities. We can celebrate this diversity and create an inclusive environment where everyone feels accepted.

3️⃣ Speak Up Against Discrimination: If you witness or experience discrimination, speaking up and taking a stand is crucial. Silence only perpetuates the problem.

4️⃣ Engage in Dialogue: Initiate respectful conversations with others about discrimination. By engaging in open dialogues, we can raise awareness, debunk stereotypes, and foster a culture of inclusivity.

5️⃣ Promote Equal Opportunities: Let's ensure all individuals have equal access to employment, education, housing, and other opportunities. Encourage local businesses and organizations to implement fair practices and policies that promote diversity and inclusivity.

6️⃣ Lead by Example: Advocate for equality in your everyday actions. Treat others with respect and kindness, regardless of their background or differences.

Together, we can create a better future for generations to come.

The Human Relations Commission wishes to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Memorial Day is a solemn reminder of the price of freedom, a cost borne by the brave men and women in uniform and their families who live in their absence. We pay tribute to their courage, honor their memory, and stand with those who grieve.

Remember that our nation is a tapestry of diverse individuals, cultures, and beliefs. And the selfless service and sacrifice of our fallen heroes have safeguarded this tapestry, allowing each thread to contribute to the vibrant, inclusive society we are working to cultivate every day.

While we enjoy the freedoms we often take for granted, remember the brave souls who made it possible.

As we honor these heroes, let's commit to nurturing a society that values every member equally. Because each of us plays a vital role in weaving the fabric of our community and shaping a future that respects and cherishes diversity, inclusivity, and equality.

The Transformation Project Advocacy Network will host an event on Tuesday, May 9th, at Vermillion Theaters.

The event will feature a thought-provoking documentary called "A Run for More" that follows Frankie Gonzales-Wolfe, a corporate executive, political campaigner, military spouse, and proud Latinx daughter of immigrants.

She is the first trans woman to run for city council in her hometown of San Antonio, Texas.

The Transformation Project Advocacy Network is proud to offer this showing free of cost, and concessions will be available for purchase.

The goal is to educate South Dakotans about trans issues and encourage progressive candidates to run for public office. Following the 55-minute screening, the film producers will host a Zoom Q&A session.

Tuesday is National Library Workers Day! NLWD is a day for library staff, users, administrators and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers. Have a library worker in mind who goes above and beyond at your library? You can nominate a stellar library worker here -> https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SubmitAStarforNLWD

As an employee, you have certain rights that protect you from unfair treatment in the workplace.

1. Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations that protect you in the workplace, such as minimum wage, overtime pay, and anti-discrimination laws. https://www.vermillion.us/349/Ordinances

2. Document everything: If you experience any issues or incidents at work, document them as well, including dates, times, and details of what happened.

3. Speak up: If you believe your rights are being violated, speak up and raise your concerns with your supervisor or HR representative.

4. Get support: Consider seeking support from a union, employee advocacy group, or an employment lawyer who can advise you on your legal rights and help you take action.

5. Don't retaliate: If you raise concerns about workplace issues or file a complaint, it is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you. If you experience retaliation, document it and report it to HR or a lawyer immediately.

Vermillion "Talk of the Town"

Ordinances | Vermillion, SD The American Legal Publishing Website is a searchable index of the Vermillion Municipal Code. Once you enter the American Legal Publishing site, you can search or browse to the particular section or chapter you are interested in. 

The HRC welcomed representatives from USD Native Student Services at last night's monthly meeting.

They shared information about the 49th Annual Wacipi next weekend, 4/15 & 4/16, at the Sanford Coyote Sports Center. Doors open at 10am, but the Grand Entry times are 1pm and 7pm on Saturday and 1pm on Sunday.

They were clear that everyone is not only welcome to this Native American celebration of life, but they encourage you to invite your friends, family, and neighbors to participate in building community and inclusivity in Vermillion.

"Wacipi" means "they dance" in the Dakota language, and it sounds like the ground will be shaking throughout the event.

Vermillion "Talk of the Town" Vermillion Area Community Group USD Tiospaye Student Council Yankton, South Dakota Yankton area happenings Beresford, South Dakota

Please share USD Tiospaye Student Council’s USD's 49th Annual Wacipi & 11th Annual Alumni Dinner with your networks and save the dates! We can’t wait to see you there.

The City Finance Office received notification of a phone scam. The caller claims to be a City representative and offers discounted utility services. All City fees are set by formal City Council action. A staff member would never be authorized to make such an offer.

Focusing on "Empowering Workforce Culture" for the City of Vermillion, as City Manager John Prescott explained in this article, will contribute to conversations about diversity and quality of life.

Empowering workforce culture is a workplace environment where employees feel valued, engaged, and supported. This type of culture is characterized by a management style that prioritizes employee development, collaboration, and communication.

It is a culture where employees feel they have a voice and are given the tools and resources to succeed.

City of Vermillion - Municipal Government Vermillion "Talk of the Town" Vermillion Area Community Groupn City of Vermilion Police Department Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company

Workforce, Communication, Quality Of Life Topics In City’s Strategic Planning The Vermillion City Council took a “trip down memory lane,” as City Manager John Prescott described it, as he reviewed the city’s strategic planning that took place in 2022.

Supporting each other's beliefs can be challenging, especially when those beliefs differ from ours. However, there are some ways to approach this in a respectful and constructive manner.

Listen actively
Show empathy
Ask questions
Share your own beliefs respectfully
Avoid attacking or criticizing

The City is accepting Expression of Interest Forms for three vacancies on the Human Relations Commission. Appointments are expected April 17.
https://www.vermillion.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=511

Inclusivity is essential because it ensures that everyone, regardless of their background or identity, feels valued, respected, and supported.

When an environment is inclusive, people feel comfortable sharing their ideas, perspectives, and experiences without fear of being judged or discriminated against. This fosters creativity, collaboration, and teamwork, leading to more effective problem-solving and decision-making.

Ultimately, inclusivity creates an environment where we can leverage the strengths and talents of all individuals and create a more vibrant, productive, and thriving community.

The Human Relations Commission of Vermillion (VHRC) disseminates information and conducts public meetings regarding diversity recognition and anti-discriminatory practice, engages and cooperates with persons in organizations interested in similar objectives, and otherwise acts to promote human and civil rights for all citizens and visitors of Vermillion.

We can objectively hear complaints and recommend courses of action. Any person who has experienced a discriminatory practice within city limits may make a report within 180 days of the incident. An incident report form may be picked up from City Hall or accessed from the VHRC website and returned to City Hall or via email.

Our meetings are open to the public. We meet on the first Thursday of every month at 5:30pm in City Hall.

https://www.vermillion.us/325/Human-Relations-Commission

Women's History Month is an annual observance held during March to honor and celebrate the contributions and achievements of women throughout history. It began as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California, in 1978 and has since been recognized nationally and internationally.

The South Dakota State Historial Society honors women in history in SD by providing letters, diaries, reminiscences, photographs, and organizational records that bring history alive through the voices of women who participated in events as they happened.

https://history.sd.gov/archives/womenshistory.aspx

South Dakota State Historic Preservation Office South Dakota State Historical Society South Dakota State Archives South Dakota Historical Society Foundation South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center Women's History Month

20 years after her college basketball career, Vanessa (Yanez) Iverson returned to the court last weekend to honor her Native American heritage.

Iverson, a Yankton Sioux tribal member from Wagner, played for the University of South Dakota from 2002-06. On Saturday, she was one of three former USD athletes honored at center court as part of the school’s second Native American Heritage Day.

https://www.plaintalk.net/local_news/article_6a348b70-a968-11ed-b516-97850cef83cc.html

USD Celebrates Native American Heritage Day VERMILLION — Nearly 20 years after her college basketball career, Vanessa (Yanez) Iverson returned to the court last weekend to honor her Native American heritage.

Cultural differences cause behavioral and personality differences like body language, gestures, mindsets, communication, manners, and norms, which may lead to miscommunication.

By being culturally aware in the workplace, we can learn to recognize and appreciate other people's beliefs, customs, and values to interact with them without prejudice or judgment. This leads to more connections and fewer interpersonal conflicts arising from cultural differences.

The Brookings Human Rights Commission hosts some interesting events that help us understand each other better. Check this one out!

invites you to attend a virtual hearing of Dr.Hoda Mahmoudi on February 11th at 6:30pm CT. Professor Mahmoudi will explore topic of "The intersectionality between race, environmental justice and world peace."

Zoom Link to Event
Meeting ID: 977 9040 5666
Passcode: 382839
One tap mobile +13017158592,,97790405666 #,,,,,,0 #,,382839 # US (Washington D.C)
Find your local number: https://jhjhm.zoom.us/u/aehqNZCJjM

We look forward to seeing you all!
invites you to attend a virtual hearing of Dr.Hoda Mahmoudi on February 11th at 6:30pm CT. Professor Mahmoudi will explore topic of "The intersectionality between race, environmental justice and world peace."

Zoom Link to Event
Meeting ID: 977 9040 5666
Passcode: 382839
One tap mobile +13017158592,,97790405666 #,,,,,,0 #,,382839 # US (Washington D.C)
Find your local number: https://jhjhm.zoom.us/u/aehqNZCJjM

We look forward to seeing you all!

Great way to get the community involved while honoring a person who truly believed in human rights!

Sanford Vermillion "Heroes Behind the Badges" Blood Drive
Sanford Vermillion Medical Center
January 31 @ 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

The need for blood donations is at a critical level! Join in to save local patients’ lives and support your local Heroes at the annual Heroes Behind the Badges event.

Click the link to schedule your appointment: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/sanfvermjan31 #/

Sanford Health

We welcome opportunities to engage with the community on projects or other outreach to promote human and civil rights for ALL citizens and visitors.