Who We Are

Human Rights Advisory Commission > Who We Are

“Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home — so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. […] Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world.”

– Eleanor Roosevelt

Our Mission

The Mission of the BCHRAC is to uphold, promote and protect the inherent dignity and inalienable rights of individuals in Barnstable County.

What We Do

The Barnstable County Human Rights Advisory Commission believes that all persons living, working, and visiting Barnstable County are entitled to a social and legal order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in local and state legal frameworks, as well as human rights instruments, are fully realized. Centering its efforts on the Barnstable County Community, the Advisory Commission members strive to realize this goal by

Cultivating an atmosphere of mutual understanding of the county’s cultural and social diversity
Driving community awareness and understanding of the County’s diverse cultures
Nurturing bridges that connect like-minded individuals and groups
Serving as a forum for human rights education and resources
Recognizing the outstanding actions of individuals
Providing the public with an outlet for identifying and addressing human rights concerns within Barnstable County and, where possible, assisting in the resolution of complaints
Enlisting the cooperation and support of racial, religious, ethnic, civic, fraternal, benevolent, and private and public agencies in eliminating unlawful discrimination

Our History

The Barnstable County Human Rights Advisory Commission (formerly the Barnstable County Human Rights Commission BCHRC) was first established by the County in 2007. In June 2019 the BCHRC became an “Advisory” Commission under Ordinance 19-10 with a new name, structure and designated Human Rights Coordinator position. Hence the Barnstable County Human Rights Advisory Commission was born. The Final Approved Ordinance 22-01 can be viewed here.

BCHRAC Strategic Plan

2022-2027 (Calendar Year)

Plan Updated As Of: March 12, 2022

Strategic Plan:

The Mission of the BCHRAC is to uphold, promote and protect the inherent dignity and inalienable rights of individuals in Barnstable County.

STRATEGIC GOAL:

All persons living, working, and visiting Barnstable County are entitled to a social and legal order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in local and state legal frameworks, as well as human rights instruments, are fully realized.

Objective 1: The human rights of individuals in Barnstable County are guaranteed.

Advise, facilitate, and provide referrals in response to complaints
Create a database of complaints to identify trending issues in human rights violations
Identify and report trending issues based on complaints to County

Objective 2: Individuals and groups are educated of their human rights.

Develop educational tools:
Recognize and promote achievements by local individuals
Create a resource library (incorporated into the HHS library)

Objective 3: Individuals and groups are engaged through collaboration to achieve common human rights goals.

Coordinate with other county commissions and services.
Identify and engage influencers leaders and decision-makers on the Cape to strengthen relationships
Create a Cape-wide community outreach event Create a communications plan
Create a communications plan

1st objective: The human rights of individuals in Barnstable County are guaranteed 

2nd objective: Individuals and groups are educated on their human rights

3rd objective:  Individuals and groups are engaged through collaboration to achieve common human

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OUTREACH & EVENTS COMMITTEE

This committee establishes and maintains relationships with individuals, groups and local government to enhance the impact of the BCHRAC regarding Human Rights. Members report on significant activities in the community, meets/networks with like-minded groups, and convenes events or activities that will engage the whole community around Human Rights issues.

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

The Communications Committee supports the publicizing of all BCHRAC activities and events; provides and/or coordinates content to the County Human Services Newsletter, local Op-Ed pages, BCHRAC Web Site and select social media platforms; ensures that BCHRAC Web Site content is up-to-date (events, meetings, documents, news); and provides Human Rights resources for publication on the County’s Human Services Resource Page.

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

With Education at the heart of the BCHRAC mission, this Committee develops, coordinates and/or delivers presentations, workshops, panels, discussions, or forums to educate and engage the entire community in Human Rights issues.

COMPLAINT INTAKE COMMITTEE

The Intake committees seeks to assist residents of visitors to the area with addressing human rights or civil rights violations that occur within Barnstable County.

STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE

The Strategic Planning Committee leads the creation of the Five-Year Strategic Plan to ensure that all work conducted under the banner of the HRAC adheres to and aligns with the Ordinance and that all programs developed and implemented by the Barnstable County Human Rights advisory Commission are informed by the Strategic Plan

HUMAN RIGHTS AWARDS BREAKFAST COMMITTEE

The Commission celebrates the UN Human Rights Day on December 10th with hundreds of participants on Cape Cod. The task force organizes all aspects of the breakfast, including the selection of a theme and the solicitation and selection of nominees for the Cornerstone and Rosenthal Community Championship Awards.

HUMAN RIGHTS ACADEMY COMMITTEE

The Human Rights Academy holds two sessions each year in the Fall and Spring where students from all over the county meet to highlight the work they have done in support of human rights. They also reward students who demonstrate leadership in improving human rights on Cape Cod and worldwide.

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