[0:00] Hello everyone. I am Tiffany Delgado
[0:02] Bickley. I am a member of the Abington
[0:04] Human Relations Commission and I'm here
[0:06] to present Abington Township Human
[0:08] Relations Commission year in review for
[0:10] 2025.
[0:12] Our mission. So in order to protect the
[0:14] rights of all community members, the
[0:16] Abington Township Human Relations
[0:18] Commission will promote the provisions
[0:20] of Abington Ordinance 2029 which
[0:22] prohibits discrimination in housing,
[0:25] employment, and public accommodations.
[0:27] Abington Township and the ATRC recognize
[0:30] the inherent dignity and worth of all
[0:32] people. Therefore, the ATRC strives to
[0:35] ensure through education, mediation, and
[0:38] community outreach that all members of
[0:40] the community enjoy equality and equal
[0:42] protection under the law. Who we are,
[0:46] Michelle Cooper is chair, and members
[0:48] are Kristen Chapen, Rosemary Jenkins,
[0:51] Joanne Kleiner, Shelley Rosenberg, and
[0:54] Justin Williams.
[0:57] some of our highlights. So, in
[0:58] partnership with the Adden Township
[1:00] Public Library, the commission invited
[1:03] community members to participate as
[1:04] human books in an upcoming human library
[1:07] event. Volunteers were encouraged to
[1:09] share lived experiences across topics
[1:11] such as race, identity, disability, age,
[1:15] and religion to foster dialogue and
[1:17] challenge stereotypes. The initiative
[1:19] aimed to create a safe, structured space
[1:22] for meaningful one-on-one conversations
[1:24] that build understanding and empathy
[1:26] within the community.
[1:30] On March 13th, the commission hosted a
[1:32] virtual panel discussion exploring the
[1:35] real life impact of proposed Medicaid
[1:37] cuts on individuals and families,
[1:40] featuring insights from state and
[1:41] advocacy leaders, including Senator Art
[1:43] Haywood, Chad Lacer of the Pennsylvania
[1:46] Human Relations Commission, and
[1:48] representatives from FAN and speaking
[1:50] for ourselves. The conversation examined
[1:52] what is at stake, who is most affected,
[1:55] and how communities can respond. The
[1:58] event provided an opportunity for
[1:59] residents to better understand the human
[2:01] consequences of policy decisions and to
[2:04] engage in an informed solutionsoriented
[2:06] dialogue.
[2:09] On March 21st, in partnership with the
[2:11] Township Board of Commissioners,
[2:12] Abington Police Department, and Willow
[2:14] Grove NAACP, the commission issued a
[2:17] joint statement condemning a widely
[2:19] circulated incident of racist
[2:21] harassment. The statement reaffirmed the
[2:24] community's commitment to respect,
[2:26] inclusion, and dignity while
[2:28] acknowledging the harm caused to the
[2:30] individual and broader community. It
[2:33] also encouraged residents to report
[2:34] incidents of discrimination and
[2:36] reinforced a shared commitment to
[2:38] equity, safety, and accountability.
[2:42] On April 2nd, we proudly welcomed new
[2:45] member Mon'nique Allen as a commission
[2:48] member.
[2:50] And on May 30th, the commission joined
[2:52] community members and leaders for the
[2:54] pride flag raising at the township
[2:56] building, affirming its commitment to
[2:58] inclusion and support for the LGBTQ plus
[3:01] residents. Remarks from a local high
[3:03] school student underscored the
[3:05] importance of visibility, allyship, and
[3:08] the right for all individuals to live
[3:10] authentically and safely.
[3:13] On June 3rd, HRC members represented the
[3:16] commission at the Abington Township Free
[3:18] Libraries Pridefest event. This annual
[3:21] event is always such a fun time. Music,
[3:24] organization, crafts, and community.
[3:28] And on August 5th, this was Abington's
[3:30] pre-night out. We enjoyed a beautiful
[3:32] evening with the community and all of
[3:34] our partners in service. We always
[3:36] appreciate the opportunity to interact
[3:38] with fellow residents, build awareness,
[3:40] and share what we do.
[3:43] On September 11th, we partnered with the
[3:45] Upper Dublin Human Relations Commission
[3:47] to host Michael Lieberman, senior policy
[3:50] council from the SPLC to a lecture on
[3:53] preventing hate crimes and protecting
[3:55] free speech. We hope to partner with the
[3:58] UDHRC again in 2026.
[4:02] And on October 4th, we joined a rally as
[4:05] a sponsor to support the transgender
[4:07] community at Cresmont Park.
[4:10] The week of October 18th, the commission
[4:12] conducted an implicit bias training for
[4:14] the Abington Township Police Department
[4:17] focused on increasing awareness of
[4:18] unconscious bias and its impact on
[4:20] decision-making. The session explored
[4:23] the psychological roots of bias, its
[4:25] effects on marginalized communities, and
[4:27] practical strategies officers can use to
[4:29] reduce bias in high pressure situations.
[4:32] The training emphasized reflection,
[4:34] accountability, and building trust
[4:36] through more equitable and inclusive
[4:38] policing practices.
[4:40] On November 17th, we proudly welcomed
[4:43] myself, Tiffany Delgado Vickley, as a
[4:45] commission member. And on November 18th,
[4:48] in partnership with local libraries and
[4:50] community leadership, the commission
[4:51] co-hosted a free screening of the
[4:53] documentary The Librarians. The event
[4:55] brought residents together for an
[4:57] evening of connection, shared learning
[4:59] featuring a red carpet, welcome, and
[5:02] community gathering prior to the film.
[5:05] And thank you. We are so grateful for
[5:07] the time and commitment of our former
[5:09] commission members. Their contributions
[5:11] have made a difference for our township
[5:12] and its residents. So again, a big thank
[5:15] you to Shelley Rosenberg, Joanne
[5:17] Kleiner, and Rosemary Jenkins.
[5:21] And connect with us. We have an email
[5:23] hrcabingtonpa.gov.
[5:25] We have our website and we also are on
[5:28] social media, Facebook and Instagram. So
[5:31] like, share, definitely follow along and
[5:34] participate in our events um and get to
[5:36] learn more and get to share with us.
[5:38] And feel free to reach out with any
[5:40] questions. Thank you.