HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 10456 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 20-10456
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council August 4, 2020
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SUBJECT: THE APPOINTMENTS PROJECT
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Mayor Price has publicly announced the goal of reaching gender parity and greater diversity for the City of
Fort Worth's boards and commissions, in partnership with the Appointments Project°. The Appointments
Project works to strengthen communities by increasing the gender diversity of civic boards and
commissions.
Overview
Numerous studies of boards and group dynamics document multiple benefits of diverse voices and
viewpoints. Diversity drives innovation, by allowing ideas that are "out of the box," and creating a culture
where the ideas of all members are heard, creativity is facilitated, and problem solving is maximized.
A diverse board or commission also provides better representation of the organization's stakeholders,
including clients, constituents, and the broader community. Such boards are able to more effectively
leverage the needs of underserved groups and markets, understand the broader culture and context within
which the organization is embedded, and represent the concerns of those served.
About the Appointments Project
The Appointments Project° was established based on a study conducted by the Women's Foundation in
2014, in an effort to identify the barriers causing women to be underrepresented on civic boards and
commissions. The research showed that women are less likely to apply to serve on boards and commissions
because they are not asked to serve or generally feel that they do not have the needed expertise to serve,
and they want to ensure their time is spent efficiently. The research also showed that women would be
more likely to serve when exposed to greater training and mentorship opportunities. Since that time, the
Appointments Project has worked with organizations to serve as a talent bank, advisor, and advocate for
women seeking opportunities to serve on boards and commissions. This award-winning program provides
on-line training, candidate tool kits, and the expertise to make a significant impact in Fort Worth.'
The Current State of Boards and Commissions
Currently the City of Fort Worth's 322 board and commission seats are made up of 36% female and 64%
male representatives. The goal of the Appointments Project is to partner with city and other civic
organizations to provide training and recruitment that would result in an increase of diverse, qualified
candidates for boards and commissions and ultimately more diverse boards that better reflect the
community.
1"Key Findings from the KU study commissioned by the Women's Foundation"
https://static1.sguarespace.com/static/545815dce4bOd75692c341a8/t/54c17203e4b063fc8abOb6d3/1421964795071/Women%27s+
Foundation+Research+Findings+2.pdf
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 20-10456
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council August 4, 2020
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Page 2 of 2
SUBJECT: THE APPOINTMENTS PROJECT
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Next Steps
The City Secretary's Office, the Diversity and Inclusion Department and the Mayor's Office have been
engaged with the Appointments Project and are currently identifying community partners that will work
with The Appointments Project to help train, mentor, and encourage qualified candidates to apply for
positions on city boards and commissions.
Application processes and appointment procedures will not change. What is changing is the increased
focus, public training, and partnerships supporting qualified community leaders to apply to serve on
boards and commissions. Staff will provide an update on this initiative in six months or at the request of
City Council.
If you have any questions concerning this information, please contact Chelsea Adler, Chief of Staff to
Mayor and Council at 817-392-6363 or chelsea.adler@fortworthtexas.gov.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS