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    Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission

    Advisory Councils to the PHRC

    Advisory Councils were created under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) to bring statewide Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) resources to local communities. They are groups of 8-24 nonpartisan and nonpolitical volunteers who meet regularly and serve as advisors to the PHRC.

    Apply to join a PHRC Advisory Council
    Advisory Councils to the PHRC

    Advisory Councils duties include: 

    • Advocating for your community.
    • Partnering with the PHRC to take on key civil rights issues in your area.
    • Assisting community members with filing complaints that are investigated by PHRC staff.
    • Raising awareness about each person’s right to live, work and learn, free from illegal discrimination.
    • Planning events, training, and discussions that will educate the community and celebrate the diversity in your area. (The PHRC can help with events.)

    Advisory Councils members are expected to:

    • Regularly attend meetings.
    • Represent PHRC as you interact with community members.
    • Share information with potential complainants.
    • Help to plan and implement events.
    • Share civil rights information throughout the community.

    Current Advisory Councils to the PHRC

    • Council Chair: Yeimi Bautista
    • Meeting Location: 61 Seminary Drive, Gettysburg, PA
    • Meeting Time: 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    • Meeting Date: The third Thursday of the month

    Interested in joining? Contact the PHRC.

    • Council Chair: Cheryl King
    • Meeting Location: virtual
    • Meeting Time: 5:00 p.m.
    • Meeting Date: Last Tuesday of each month

    Interested in joining? Contact the PHRC.

    • Council Chair: Tom Herman
    • Meeting Location: TBD
    • Meeting Time: TBD
    • Meeting Date: TBD

    This advisory council is recruiting members. For more information about joining, please contact the PHRC.

    • Council Chair: Joanne Tosti-Vasey
    • Meeting Location:
      • Currently Zoom
      • If in-person: State College Borough Municipal Building, Room 241
        South Allen Street, State College
    • Meeting Time: 7:15 p.m.
    • Meeting Date: The fourth Wednesday of each month

    Interested in joining? Contact the PHRC.

    • Council Chair: Currently vacant
    • Meeting Location: virtual
    • Meeting Time: 7:00 p.m.
    • Meeting Date: Second Thursday of the month

    Interested in joining? Contact the PHRC.

    • Council Chair:Danyelle Blackwell
    • Meeting Location: Virtual
    • Meeting Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
    • Meeting Dates: Second Monday of every month

    Interested in joining? Contact the PHRC.

    • Council Chair: Shateria Franklin
    • Meeting Location: Virtual
    • Meeting Time:11:30 a.m.
    • Meeting Date: First Wednesday of the month

    This advisory council is recruiting members. For more information about joining, please contact the PHRC.

    • Council Chair: Dr. Linds Thomas Worthy
    • Meeting Location: Virtual
    • Meeting Time: 12:30-1:30 PM
    • Meeting Date: First Thursday of each month

    This advisory council is recruiting members. For more information about joining, please contact the PHRC.

    • Council Chair: Elaine Maddon-Curry
    • Meeting Location:
      • Currently virtual
      • If in person: Hazleton One Community Center, 225 East 4th Street, Hazleton
    • Meeting Time: 6:00 p.m.
    • Meeting Dates: Every other month, first Monday (Sept. 8; Nov. 3; Jan. 5)

    Interested in joining? Contact the PHRC.

    • Council Chair: Currently Vacant
    • Council Vice-Chair: Ashley Wolfe
    • Meeting Location: Virtual
    • Meeting Time: 7-8 PM
    • Meeting Date: Every three months, fourth Tuesday (January, April, July, October)

    Interested in joining? Contact the the PHRC.

    • Council Chair: Jason Burkholder
    • Meeting Location: Virtual
    • Meeting Time: 7 p.m.
    • Meeting Date: 4th Thursday of each month

    This advisory council is recruiting members. For more information about joining, please contact the PHRC.

    • ​​Council Chair: Maribel Torres
    • Meeting Location: Virtual
    • Meeting Time: 7 p.m.
    • Meeting Date: 4th Thursday of each month

    This advisory council is recruiting members. For more information about joining, please contact the PHRC.

    • Council Chair: Harma Ellens
    • Meeting Location: Virtual
    • Meeting Time: 11 a.m.
    • Meeting Date: The third Friday of the month

    Interested in joining? Contact the PHRC.​​

    • Council Chair: Ronald Saunders
    • Meeting Location: Zoom
    • Meeting Time: 7 p.m.
    • Meeting Date: Second Monday of each month

    Interested in joining? Contact the PHRC.

    • Council Chair: Damien Townsville
    • Meeting Location: virtual
    • Meeting Time: 6:00 p.m.
    • Meeting Date: The fourth Wednesday of every month

    Interested in joining? Contact Contact the PHRC.

    • ​​Council Chair: Jennifer Martin
    • Meeting Location: Virtual
    • Meeting Time: 7 p.m.
    • Meeting Date: 4th Thursday of each month

    For more information about joining, please contact the PHRC.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    For more information about creating a new council, please contact the PHRC Outreach Coordinators.

    • Develop relationships with local employers, school districts, law enforcement, religious/spiritual centers, community groups & coalitions.
    • Continually recruit potential nominees, to ensure broad and diverse representation on your Advisory Council.
    • Identify how your community changing? Reach out to groups that need representation.

    • Guidance, direction, and support from an Outreach Coordinator.
    • Specialized training on fair housing, addressing discrimination, employment, education, and public accommodation.
    • PHRC materials for outreach.
    • Increased exposure for your community’s activities.

    An advisory council member is appointed to serve a term of three years, or until their successor is appointed.

    • Virtual film screening and discussions.
    • Sponsoring community forum on resources to combat hate.
    • Sharing information about the PHRC at local festivals and fairs.
    • Hosting trainings on Implicit Bias.
    • Helping community members file complaints as needed.