UPDATE: Fargo’s volunteer commissions are in a critical fight for survival as they face a 60-day deadline to justify their existence. The city has raised concerns about the commissions’ use of resources, prompting fierce pushback from their representatives who insist they are vital to community engagement.
The Native American Commission, Arts and Culture Commission, and Human Rights Commission are scrambling to prepare a report that could determine their fate. This alarming development has left many questioning the city’s commitment to inclusivity and diverse perspectives.
Ashley Littlewolf, chair of the Native American Commission, expressed her dismay after receiving just a two-day notice regarding an agenda item that could lead to the conclusion of these essential commissions. “It felt very fast,” she stated, highlighting the rushed nature of the decision-making process.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the potential loss of community resources and representation. Littlewolf articulated the concern: “Are you treating us as a commission advisory board, or are we transitioning into a service provider organization?” This raises critical questions about the future roles of these commissions, which have been established to serve the community.
The Arts and Culture Commission is actively defending its contributions with the newly created “Ripples of Impact” document, which outlines their mission and broader impact on Fargo. Chair Monika Browne-Ecker emphasized that the financial burden associated with these commissions is overstated. “This is all a combination of funding that is not some giant burden that it’s made out to be,” she assured.
The next steps are pivotal. The commissions must present their case to city leaders, demonstrating their value and necessity. Anna Johnson, a member of the Arts and Culture Commission, reinforced their commitment: “We don’t want to stop being a commission; we want to still help in whatever capacity that looks like.”
As discussions continue, the pressure is mounting for the volunteer commissions to prove their worth. The city’s decisions in the coming weeks will have lasting implications for community representation and resources.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as volunteers strive to safeguard their essential roles in Fargo.
