Lacey Parks and Equity Commission meet jointly to discuss Corporate Sponsorship Policy improvements

Posted

The Lacey Commission On Equity and Board Of Park Commissioners had a joint meeting to review the Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation’s (LPCR) drafted changes to the Corporate Sponsorship Policy on Monday, November 14.

The sponsorship and naming rights agreement grants privileges to businesses or organizations to enter an agreement to support LPCR’s events in exchange for in-kind or financial support.

In the current policy, sponsors must support the mission and policies of the City of Lacey and LPCR mission and are evaluated based on the criteria found on its website.

It was expected to incorporate inclusive considerations to the existing policy, hence the consultation with the Commission on Equity.

“It's a lot more impactful to have representatives sponsoring events that lately support issues like women's rights and LGBTQ rights and just overall represent diversity, equity, inclusion, especially at kids events, right?” Commission on Equity student representative Alanis Blackburn commented. “Because they see that representation in their community,” added Blackburn.

Guns sales in our park

Commission on Equity Chair Thelma Jackson raised concerns for a better vetting process with improved criteria about partner organizations, referencing the frequent gun shows at Thurston County Fairgrounds in Lacey. 

“How much are we condoning as a city when we embrace those kinds of ongoing activities that are very offensive to a number of citizens?” Jackson asked.  “As a community person, I'm offended and feel fearful of those kinds of things,” commented Jackson.

"This is a bigger issue than sponsorship," Jackson said in a separate interview with the JOLT, "It’s not just pistols and pocket knives, it’s AR-15’s and machetes." 

Jen Burbidge, director of Parks, Culture, and Recreation, acknowledged the concerns and informed the attendees that the policy was crafted before the Commission on Equity was founded.

“This committee, the Commission on Equity wasn't in existence yet. This is why we really value this opportunity,” replied Burbidge.

The document of the drafted revisions regarding the Corporate Sponsorship Policy discussed during the meeting can be accessed here.

Comments

2 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here

  • BobJacobs

    Corporate sponsorships for government programs are a minefield.

    When I served on a city council I recommended no sponsorships. They're just not worth the hassle. Sooner or later problems arise.

    Bob Jacobs

    Friday, November 18, 2022 Report this

  • MaKane

    Who decides what is offensive? If the Tacoma chapter of the "national African American gun association" was to hold an event at a public park in Lacey would that also be considered offensive? Isn't playing favorites with politically divisive issues contradictory to equity? Particularly when considering that conservatives are the minority in the Olympia area?

    Sunday, November 20, 2022 Report this