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 leadership 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 volunteer for their activities, and to apply for commissioner positions as vacancies occur.
Dec. 10, the day that the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, is designated as Human Rights Day. Rockville marks Human Rights Day with a proclamation by the Mayor and Council. The Human Rights Commission promotes human rights throughout the year with services and educational and cultural programs.