By Ryan DiLello

Somerville’s Human Rights Commission is recruiting. On Saturday, April 23, at 11:00 a.m., members of Somerville’s Human Rights Commission held a meet-and-greet at the Somerville Public Library’s East Branch.

The organization, headed by and comprised of two city residents, Christopher Spicer Hankle and Lara Versari, focuses on promoting the wellbeing of the city. Spicer Hankle is a stay-at-home father and trained theologian. Versari is a community youth and family resources navigator.

Much of the Commission’s work centers around holding the city accountable on issues of racial and social justice, via independent investigation. “In the past we’ve had a full-time director, with a memorandum, able to subpoena witnesses, and bring an investigation to court,” Spicer Hankle said. With more members, the commission can return to its duties in full.

The Commission also holds community events and projects, through partnerships with other organizations. Last March, the Commission launched a video project that documented the experiences of the city’s immigrant restaurant owners.

Spicer Hankle also mentioned that the Commission holds annual events to commemorate MLK day and pride month. Most recently, the Commission backed the city’s Safe Streets Alliance, a coalition of activists pushing for safe and equitable city streets.

The Human Rights Commission will launch online applications on its website in two weeks. Applications will remain open for a month. If you missed them last weekend, the Commission will hold another meeting on May 14 at the West Branch Library.

To read more about the commission, visit the link: https://library.municode.com/ma/somerville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH2AD_ARTVBOCOAG_DIV6HURICO