Leaders for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Council (LEDIC) - Nov. 25, 2025

Agenda

1. 5:30   Welcome, Land Acknowledgement
2. 5:40    Introductions/ Check-in
3. 5:50   Public Comment
4. 6:00  LEDIC name, final recommendations
5. 6:30  Bylaws review
6. 7:00  January meeting guests from County Administration
7. 7:20 Announcements/Events
8. 7:30   Adjourn

No Meeting in December
Next Meeting January 27, 2026

Minutes

Staff: Maria Magallon
Members Present: Chair, Tory Blackwell, Joselito Tanega, Melissa Roy-Hart, Desiree Thomas, Sirius Bonner, Gabrielle Blaug
Members Absent: Aprille Flint-Gerner, Brandi Johnson, Lori Bender, Mike Foley, SandeBea Allman, Vanessa Huckaby, Monte Starr

Meeting summary 

The meeting began with introductions and discussions about land and labor acknowledgments, followed by casual conversations about Thanksgiving traditions among LEDIC colleagues. The group then addressed organizational matters, including a name change, and reviewed bylaws updates, with Maria presenting findings from an audit of advisory boards and commissions. The conversation ended with discussions about reconnecting with the Board of County Commissioners, various organizational updates, and community initiatives, including a focus on supporting local nonprofits and food banks.  Next steps

• Tory: Update the Google survey with additional feedback from the LEAP office and Emmett Wheatfall, and send the new link to Maria.
• Maria: Resend the updated survey to council members for additional feedback before the next meeting.
• Maria: Send out the bylaws audit findings, the new bylaws template, and the current bylaws to council members for review and consideration.
• All council members: Review the bylaws audit findings, template, and current bylaws; consider whether the current purpose, goals, and membership numbers are still appropriate; and be prepared to discuss and provide input at the next meeting.
• All council members: Think about and prepare questions for the county administrator and Board of County Commissioners for the January meeting, especially regarding membership approval, reconnecting with the Board, and implementation of the Belonging and Welcoming in Clackamas County report.
• Joselito: Bring questions about making the council mandated (not advisory) to his contacts on the Commission for Asian Pacific Islander Affairs and report back to the group.
• Maria: Ask Donna (community engagement) about the process and feasibility of making the council mandated rather than advisory, and report back to the group.
• Joselito: Update the group on the outcome of the nationwide search for the new ED and potential for collaboration. 

Introductions 

Chair Tory called the meeting to order at 5:39 p.m.  The meeting began with introductions and a discussion about land and labor acknowledgments, which Tory read aloud. The group then conducted check-ins, with Tori Blackwell leading a conversation about Thanksgiving traditions. 

Council Name Change Discussion And Partner Recommendations

The discussion focused on gathering feedback for a survey related to two final name recommendations. Tory shared a survey link and encouraged participants to complete it, emphasizing the importance of their input. Joselito mentioned his previous suggestions, including the Community Advocacy and Inclusion Council and Clackamas County Advocacy Commission, but could not recall if he had suggested the former. Tory confirmed that the survey was designed to prevent multiple selections for the same option. 

The council received feedback from both the college's equity office and Emmett Wheatfall, who suggested "Community Advocacy Group" or "Leaders in Advancing Community Voices" as preferred options. 

The college's equity office recommended broad names like "Clackamas County Advocacy Commission" or "Leaders in Advancing Community Voices" to be inclusive, while cautioning that more specific names, such as "inclusion" or "social justice," could be problematic.  

After reviewing survey results, the group agreed that "Commission" sounded more serious and practical than "Group," and "Clackamas County Advocacy Commission" tied with "Leaders in Advancing Community Voices" for third place, while "Community Advocacy and Inclusion Council" received the fewest votes. A final decision on the name change would be delayed until the next meeting with a full quorum.

Advisory Boards and Commissions (ABC) Bylaws Audit And Member Terms 

Maria presented findings from an audit of advisory boards and commissions, done by Donna Hockey of the Community Engagement Program.  The findings highlight recommendations for bylaw updates, including the addition of specific goals, clarification of membership terms, and recruitment processes. 

The group discussed the council's current goals, considering their relevance in light of its evolving role and challenges in recruiting and retaining members.

Maria discussed the challenges of getting new members approved by the Board of County Commissioners and highlighted the need to update the bylaws. She encouraged attendees to prepare questions for the January meeting, where Commissioners Helm and County Administrator Gary Schmidt are expected to attend. Maria also mentioned the recommendation to add a parliamentarian position and clarified the proposed term limits for officers, which include a one-year term with the possibility of two consecutive terms. 

Council Leadership and Future Planning     Maria discussed the transition of roles within the council. Vanessa will take on the chair position, with Tori serving as a vice chair for advisory support. She highlighted the importance of maintaining knowledge transfer.   Maria encouraged members to review the bylaws and audit findings, and to consider the council's purpose and goals.

Reconnecting with County Commissioners

The group discussed reconnecting with the Board of County Commissioners, noting that LEDIC used to present an annual report. They agreed to ask the commissioners about implementing recommendations from the 200-page "Belonging and Welcoming in Clackamas County" report, specifically focusing on how the county plans to address its findings and how LEDIC can support these efforts.

Community Updates and Initiatives

Gabi shared her positive experience with the Metro Future Visioning Committee, noting the diversity of participants.

Joselito mentioned a nationwide search for a new executive director for Oregon’s Advocacy Commission's Office.

Tory- highlighted the Willamette Week Give Guide, encouraging donations to local nonprofits, and mentioned an upcoming Big Give Day with various prizes.  

The group also discussed community efforts in supporting food banks and other resources. The conversation ended with a lighthearted discussion about mac and cheese recipes.

Adjourn  

Meeting adjourned at 7:14 p.m.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year, 

Next meeting  January 27, 2026