The purpose of this paper is to explore possible ways to gain the support needed for the Commission. Problem Statement Increasing racial and ethnic tension, escalating hate violence, and concerns for promoting harmonious pluralistic communities and resulted in a proliferation of human relations commissions in California that has not been seen since racial riots plagued America in the mid 1960's. The activities of the commissions are not changing and serving as a vehicle to bring human relations issues to the attention of decision-makers. Commissions are being asked by local governments to attempt to deal with the increasingly complex issues facing American society. At the same time the budgets of local governments are being squeezed because of taxing restrictions and court rulings forcing budgeting for jails.
Supervisors are unable to ignore existing or potential court mandates to spend on incarceration.
Remaining funds are directed toward other mandated and essential services. Groups of people will always come together to solve problems that need cooperative solutions. Commissions that are unstaffed or understaffed have difficulty holding regular meetings in the absence of a crisis requiring a response. When action is needed they usually do no more than offer verbal support to individuals or organizations asking for help. An effective human relations commission capable of fulfilling its responsibilities in a sustained way require staff support and budget.