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    4.    
INTERNAL OPERATIONS COMMITTEE
Meeting Date: 09/11/2017  
Subject:    REVIEW OF THE COMMISSION FOR WOMEN
Submitted For: David Twa
Department: County Administrator  
Referral No.: IOC 17/12  
Referral Name: Commission for Women Review
Presenter: Julie Enea Contact: Julie DiMaggio Enea (925) 335-1077
Information
Referral History:
The Contra Commission for Women (originally, Women's Advisory Committee) was established in February 1989 to identify major economic, educational and social concerns of women in Contra Costa County, and to reach and inform all women on a variety of issues. The Commission is composed of 21 appointees consisting of twenty (20) members (five appointed to District Seats and 15 At-Large seats), and one (1) Alternate to the At Large members. The Commission, in 2011, modified its bylaws to clarify and streamline its operations. A copy of the bylaws are attached for reference.

The Commission for Women has no staff support, and no budget has been provided since FY 2004-05. Some of the early membership, in 1993, created and incorporated a stand-alone non-profit organization with the California Secretary of State, currently registered as "Friends of the Contra Costa Commission for Women". The Friends group has often partnered with and provided funding to the Commission to promote events and projects. The Commission's recent and current activities reflect a focus on State, regional, and national policy trends, and do not specifically relate to the operations of County government. Although the Commission holds a variety of important and timely seminars and outreach events, its advisory role to the Board is unclear. The Board record contains few reports or recommendations to the Board on women's issues. The last triennial advisory body review indicated that some of the Commission's past activities may not be considered directly aligned with the purpose of the commission and may be undertaken by community organizations.

The Commission has historically had difficulty meeting quorum requirements for meetings. As recently as last year, the IOC considered whether or not to eliminate the Commission, restructure it to a smaller size, or reconstitute its membership. The IOC ultimately decided to maintain the Commission in its current configuration.
Referral Update:
Recent months have seen a spate of resignations from the Commission for Women. Since June 2017, the following resignations have occurred:
  • 6/26/2017: The Famiy & Human Services Committee approved the appointment of Heidi Benenson, but she withdrew prior to Board appointment.
  • 7/11/2017: BOS Meeting (all at-large seats):
    • Angela Herron
    • Bonnie McCreary
    • Natalie Oleas
    • Jessica Laird
    • Summer Selleck
  • 8/1/2017: BOS Meeting:
    • Iris Wong (District IV appointee)
  • Pending resignations:
    • Beth Mora (District II)
    • Liliana Gonzalez (at-large seat)

While it is impossible to know the specific reasons for each resignation, several problems may be contributing to the disenchantment:

  • Blurred responsibilities and understanding of the functions of the Contra Costa Commission for Women. Joint efforts between the Commission and Friends group over the years may have blurred lines between the two groups' functions and created an environment, real or perceived, of influence or control by Friends group members who also serve on the Commission. Friends group activities and priorities may be diverting the Commission's focus from the County's established charge for the Commission.

  • Members who exert too much control or who stifle group participation. Tension and disenfranchisement can been created by members who take action unilaterally and do not invite group input on Commission initiatives or activities.

  • Members who are underutilized and lose interest. Highly influential, educated, and dedicated members who are not encouraged to to particulate in a meaningful way can lose interest in continuing service.

  • Factions and Fragmentation. Personality conflicts and power struggles can lead to factions with discordant goals and priorities.

  • Technical Errors. A dispute occurred over a potential Brown Act violation due to a closed session discussion that may have occurred at the June 20, 2017 Commission meeting.

Members of the Commission have been notified of today's discussion and may have direct input to provide to the Committee regarding the present dysfunction and future viability of the Commission.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
CONSIDER report on the recent member resignations from the Commission for Women and DETERMINE action to be taken.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
No fiscal impact.
Attachments
Commission for Women Bylaws_March 2011
Commission for Women Roster as of 9/6/17

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