The Human Rights Commission (HRC) is an 11-member group of volunteers, appointed by the Mayor and Council, that is charged with minimizing the effects of conflict and promoting an appreciation of diversity within the city. To meet these goals, the HRC provides a variety of services and educational and cultural programs that promote global thinking, encourage civic awareness, and/or reflect the rich diversity found in the city. Some of these services and programs include diversity and inclusion training, topical forums, voter education and registration, and community celebrations such as the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration and Rockville Pride. The HRC also advises the Mayor and Council on human rights issues that may affect residents.
To promote diversity and to improve human relations, it is important for the HRC to know and understand the issues that the city’s various communities face. To that end, the HRC engages in community outreach activities throughout the city and invites residents to attend its monthly meetings. To encourage community involvement, the HRC also invites residents to participate in its programs and to apply for commissioner positions as vacancies occur.
The Human Rights Commission offers this eight-month program to Rockville high school and Montgomery College students interested in learning approaches to diversity and inclusion training of peace building organizations.
The Human Rights Commission seeks nominations for the Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Award and the F. Michael Taff Award.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Award is for a high school student (living in or attending a school in Rockville) who has helped to advance the goals and dreams of Dr. King in either their school or the community.
The Taff Award nomination is awarded to an individual, organization, non-profit employer or business that has helped to improve the lives of people with disabilities in the City of Rockville, such as through efforts to improve accessibility or raise public awareness. While federal, state, and local government agencies are not eligible for the award, they are encouraged to submit nominations.
