24 South St., Memorial City Hall, Auburn, NY 13021
Phone: (315) 255-4122 ~ Fax: (315) 253-3243
E-mail: kburns@ci.auburn.ny.us
Website: http://com.humanrights.org
Karen M. Sheftic-Burns - Executive Director
Mission: Promote greater understanding and respect among racial, ethnic and religious groups.
Services: Answers to human rights questions; investigations of alleged discrimination in employment, education, housing, religion, and public accommodation; design and presentation of public education programs; promoting greater understanding and respect among racial, ethnic, and religious groups; distribution of educational literature. Educational video library available.
Legal Services - Available at no charge every Friday from 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. by appointment. Spanish Translator available by appointment.
Annual Human Rights Scholarship - Awarded annually to a qualifying high school senior.
Educational Advertising Campaign - Human rights questions answered and published in the Citizen.
Multicultural Art Classes For Elementary Children - Children are given a brief introduction to various cultures and their traditions, music, food, and language. Art assignments coincide with culture lesson. (No charge)
Spanish Translator - Available on select Thursdays by appointment. Free service.
City Hall Lobby Display (first floor) - Offers free printed materials on various issues, plus information on culture traditions/celebrations, etc.
Food Pantry Drop Site - Available at the Human Rights office--usually during holidays.
Educational Events - Juneteenth Day Celebration: educates the public about a historical event. Juneteenth Day is the day that the slaves located in Texas & Louisiana received the news that the Civil War was over. All slaves were free. Open to the public. Schools are encouraged to attend.
Black History Month - Lecture events for education. Surveys on famous African-Americans, published weekly in local newspapers during February. The month has also included Auburn Schools' participation in Black History Month Essay Competition with selected essays for publication. Essay Contest open to all elementary/middle school (grades 2-8) students. Essayists complete the statement "My Favorite African-American of Achievement is _______. He/She is my favorite because they help make their community a better place by doing _____." Selected entries are published in The Citizen and the Syracuse Newspapers. Writers are encouraged to write about historical figures as well as individuals they may know or admire. All essays are displayed at City Hall throughout February. All writers and the public are invited to a Black History Month Ceremony and Dessert Reception. Program is free.
Women's History Month - Annual Program presented to schools and/or the general public.
Annual Human Rights Awards - Honors individuals who are active in the community, dealing with Human Rights issues.
Volunteer Opportunities Program: Click here for information on available opportunities -
www.human-services.org/volunteer/pdf/index.html
Hours: Office is open on a part-time basis, flexible hours subject to change: Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Call for an appointment.
Support: City of Auburn