Commissioners at the Evansville City Human Relations Commission meeting on Oct. 22 discussed ideas for observing Human Rights Day on Dec. 10, including a webinar, a public book read, and a speaker or panel at the Central Library.

A staff presenter said Executive Director Diane had suggested a webinar and wanted feedback. One commissioner suggested a combination of a book read in the weeks leading up to the day, partnered with a local bookstore, and a panel or speaker event on Dec. 10. "If we were to do a book read in the weeks leading up to it, I'm sure we could partner with any local bookstore," a commissioner said, adding the program could culminate with a panel or film screening at Central Library.

Commissioners also noted content options: an introductory session explaining the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and locally relevant programming on human‑rights issues, including local civil‑liberties and First Amendment topics. One participant referenced materials from the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights as a possible framework for designing a "human rights city" approach and said staff and the executive director would discuss whether that framework belongs in the Dec. 10 programming.

Why it matters: Commissioners emphasized multi‑generational engagement and practical, hopeful messaging for residents, saying programming should include children and young adults and offer concrete actions people can take after the event. Several commissioners offered to host or help organize events.

Next steps recorded in the meeting: staff and Executive Director Diane will collect ideas and follow up with commissioners; one commissioner said she would share flyers and details for a noon talk at the University of Southern Indiana that week.