Human Relations Commission

Overview

The City of Holland recognizes the inherent right of its inhabitants to strive to fulfill their goals and aspirations unhindered by discrimination based on or resulting from considerations of age, race, national origin, color, disability, education, familial status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, height, marital status, religion, source of income, or weight. Therefore, in 1966, the City of Holland created the Human Relations Commission. The Human Relations Commission (HRC) is comprised of 9 members broadly representative of the City’s population who are appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council.

Regular Meetings

  • 6 pm
  • 3rd Thursday of every month
  • City Hall
    270 S River Avenue
    Holland, MI 49423

These are public meetings and all residents are encouraged to attend. Auxiliary aide services can be made available for persons with hearing and/or visual impairments for these meetings by calling our office 48 hours prior to the meeting dates.

Members

The Human Relations Commission (HRC) is comprised of volunteers dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion and advocating for all residents of Holland. Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor and serve for 3-year terms. City residency is required.  Learn more about serving on the HRC and submit your application.

Current Members

  • Keiffer Sestric
  • Michelle Slikkers, Chair
  • Terry DeYoung
  • Abigail Klomparens
  • Catherine Ristola Bass
  • Rebekah Schipper
  • Tory Fahrion
  • Jeff Minkus
  • Robert Hamilton

City Staff

  • Esther Fifelski, Director, Human Relations Department 
  • David Hoekstra, City Council Liaison


Student Representatives

  • Yanyssa Ochoa
  • Angel Venegas
  • Mariah Stewart


Mission Statement

The Holland Human Relations Commission exists to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in housing, education, employment, and public service.  We advocate for all residents, with special care for under-served communities.  We do this through research, advocacy, education, mediation, and empowerment.

Vision

A place where all residents are honored and empowered to become productive members of the community, unhindered by bias, misunderstanding, and conflict.

Values

  • Serving with a heart for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Serving for the common good: Putting aside individual interests.
  • Serving with civil engagement that allows for open dialogue and differing opinions.
  • Serving with a collaborative spirit, which includes team participation and cooperation.
  • Serving with commitment and reliability. 

Activities of the HRC

  • Encourage, receive, investigate, evaluate and conciliate complaints from any person or group, of discrimination contrary to the public policy and make known to such person or group the procedures which may be used to complain of such discrimination.
  • Make investigations and studies and conduct research to gather statistics or data which will aid in substantiating the need for programs and promoting meaningful social change in accordance with public policy.
  • Promote amicable relations and mutual respect between and among the racial, cultural, religious, and other groups within the greater city community, and discourage discrimination practices toward or within any such groups.
  • Promote equal opportunity, counter results of past discrimination, initiate action necessary to effectuate the public policy, and concern itself with the cultural, educational, and other matters contributing to a harmonious society.
  • Cooperate with and aid in the organization of activities of other public and private organizations in efforts to improve relationships and conditions among the residents of the greater city area.
  • Advise and consult with the City Council and other public or quasi-public bodies on matters within its scope of authority.
  • Assemble, analyze and disseminate factual data, information, and materials of educational value relating to group relations.

Sub-Committees

  • Education/Employment
  • Housing/Government/Community Relations

Network

  • Community Network for Education