Race and Cultural Relations Leadership Network

RCRLN Members met in-person for the December Annual Meeting on December 2, 2022.

The Race and Cultural Relations Leadership Network (RCRLN, “the Network”) is a standing committee of the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee (GIPC). It was established to serve as a mechanism to foster positive relationships among diverse populations and to respond to racially and culturally charged issues in the greater Indianapolis community. The RCRLN was established in 1994 as a recommendation of Mayor Stephen Goldsmith’s Vision Indianapolis Tomorrow initiative. Since then, the RCRLN has operated mainly behind the scenes to address issues such as police/community relations, business and economic development, immigration, and education.

The RCRLN is unique in that it is comprised of business, civic, and community leaders who volunteer their time and services to study and improve race and cultural relations in the city and its institutions. It is not a board of directors, an organization, or an action group. Instead, it is a process, a network and forum, and a convening agent and facilitator. It is among the longest sustainable community relations processes in the country.

Mission

The Race and Cultural Relations Leadership Network (RCRLN) convenes, educates, and mobilizes community leaders on racial and cultural relations issues to improve the quality of life in the Indianapolis area.

The RCRLN accomplishes its mission by educating its members (and the community) through multiple perspectives on the racial and cultural relations issues presented and discussed at monthly meetings and regular community forums. The RCRLN also serves as a conduit of reliable information to City-County government and existing organizations/leadership dedicated to taking appropriate action in such matters.

The scope of the work conducted by the RCRLN includes (but is not limited to):

1. Identify race/cultural relations issues in our city
2. Inform leadership of the race/cultural relations issues in our city
3. Develop, advocate for and/or implement possible solutions to real and potential race/cultural relations issues in our city (where and when appropriate)
4. Build and broker relationships between community groups, the Mayor’s Office, and other municipal or civic agencies.

The RCRLN may make recommendations for specific action to the GIPC Executive Committee (when and where appropriate). The RCRLN is empowered to convene and educate local leaders on race and cultural issues, foster communication and action, and build relationships between community groups and local government. The RCRLN aims to improve the quality of life of all residents and guests by coordinating responses to issues that arise within the Greater Indianapolis area that have racial or cultural implications.

Accomplishments

• Reformed the IMPD Citizens Complaint Review Board through the Citizens Complaint Process Working Group
• Explored ways to increase diversity at IMPD through the IMPD Diversity Task Force
• Managed a community process to bring African American art to the Cultural Trail through a Cultural Arts Committee
• Coordinated alternative responses to a proposed KKK rally
• Convened law enforcement, community leaders, family members, and other concerned citizens to work through misunderstandings and concerns regarding several high-profile incidents involving different groups in the Fountain Square area
• Convened the Crime and Violence Task Force which led to the implementation of a new community policing strategy in Indianapolis
• Convened leadership to support the Avon School Corporation in addressing a racially charged incident involving students from Avon Community High School