The City of Newburgh Human Rights Commission had several discussions for possible celebrations of Human Rights Day and community recruitment events for the HRC during their regular meeting on Thursday, August 25.

Human Rights Day, which is celebrated on December 10 annually, commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations on December 10, 1948. In the City of Newburgh, the HRC was established on January 14, 1991 and last December, the city adopted a proclamation that recognized Human Rights Day in the city.

According to interim HRC chair Ramona Burton, the HRC was able to acquire a budget from the City of Newburgh in the amount of $6,000. Now, the HRC has the remainder of the year to spend the budget. In addition to preparations and discussions for the funds, the HRC also welcomed Haydee Carrasquillo as the newest commissioner in the group.

Several ideas for usage of the funds were for the Celebration of Human Rights Heroes, which would be more garnered for families and community members, where they would have the opportunity to learn more about the various human rights heroes in our communities and learn more about the work they do.
Following that celebration would be a more networking based type of community event that would allow community members to meet the HRC and discuss relevant issues. This would also be where the HRC could meet community members that may be interested in joining the group.

In addition to these events, the HRC also discussed the possibility of bringing on an additional person that could assist the group in their future functions and work. The HRC also has submitted to the city and city council a budget proposal in the amount of $10,000 for the next year.