Delaware County Council is taking applications through Friday, Nov. 14, from residents interested in serving on the County’s new volunteer Human Relations Commission.
Residents interested in applying can visit DelcoPA.Link/HRC to submit an application.
Applicants must be Delaware County residents and at least 18 years old.
Delaware County encourages applicants from all backgrounds — including educators, business leaders, faith representatives, social service providers, and community advocates — to apply.
The Commission was established by unanimous vote on Sept. 7. It will promote equity, protect human rights, and prevent discrimination.
Members will help shape local policies and practices that uphold fairness in housing, employment, healthcare, education, and public accommodations, according to a Delaware County press release.
County Council is still hoping to enact a Human Relations Ordinance that would empower the commission to hold hearings on complaints involving protected classes, render decisions, enter into formal mediation, or levy fees, writes Kathleen E. Carey for the Daily Times.
In the meantime, the commission will still be able to listen to residents and determine if there has been discrimination in housing, employment, medical care, and education that involves the protected classes.
It will also promote education and awareness around diversity, equity, and inclusion, and will conduct studies and reports on discrimination.
The commission will work with public and private organizations to strengthen inclusivity, and it will make recommendations to Council to advance equitable policies.
“Establishing this Commission is an important step in ensuring that every resident of Delaware County is treated with dignity and respect,” said County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “We’re looking for engaged community members who are passionate about fairness and inclusion and who want to help strengthen relationships across our diverse County.”
The Human Relations Commission will have seven to 13 volunteer members appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by County Council.
Members will serve staggered three-year terms and meet monthly. The Commission may also include up to three non-voting ex officio members drawn from local advocacy groups, educational institutions, or partner agencies to broaden representation from across the community.
Members will serve without compensation, and elected officials are not eligible to serve.
Council Vice Chair Richard Womack, who has spent decades advocating for civil rights and equity in the workplace, encouraged residents from all walks of life to apply.
“We want to hear from people who bring different experiences and perspectives — because that’s how we make better decisions and build a more inclusive County,” said Womack. “This is an opportunity for residents to have a direct hand in shaping how we promote fairness in our communities.”
Councilmember Elaine Paul Schaefer noted that creating the Commission sends a strong message about Delaware County’s values.
“Discrimination in any form has no place here,” said Schaefer. “This Commission will give our residents a voice and provide a forum to address concerns in a constructive, solution-focused way.”
“It’s important that we get this right — that we create a lasting Commission that helps residents resolve issues quickly, fairly, and with compassion,” added Councilmember Christine Reuther.
“Too often, complaints can take years to move through the state system,” said Councilmember Kevin Madden. “A local body gives our residents a place to be heard and ensures that resolutions come sooner rather than later.”
Read more about the Human Relations Commission in the Daily Times.
