Commissioners review International Women’s Day plans and local event calendar

Commissioners used the Jan. 15 meeting to plan upcoming events and share community announcements.

International Women’s Day: The commission discussed format and timing for the March observance and asked members to provide feedback by email; the chair will research venues and return recommendations. Commissioners debated Saturday vs. Sunday timing and suggested keeping the program short with a small number of speakers.

Commission gala: The chair proposed moving the commission’s gala to late fall (September or October) to allow more time for planning and avoid conflicts with other local events; commissioners generally favored September.

Black History Month and MLK events: Commissioners reviewed a slate of local Black History Month programming — a Feb. 7 kickoff brunch (invite only), youth quiz bowl Feb. 14 at the YMCA, movie nights at the police department community room, a talent show Feb. 22, a gospel fest Feb. 15, an Essence-style Black Expo and health pop-up on Feb. 21, and a dinner dance later in February. The chair also reminded members about Martin Luther King Jr. Day events at Purdue University Northwest and a noon celebration at the Hope Center.

Fundraising and community outreach: A commissioner announced a Feb. 14 Valentine 'adult night out' fundraiser with tickets at $30 to defray travel costs for a drill team invited to Honolulu; commissioners agreed to add events to the city community calendar and to coordinate sponsorship outreach.

Next steps: members will send feedback on International Women’s Day programming by email; the chair will check venue availability and pricing and report back at the February meeting.