Community Relations Commission

Purpose

The Community Relations Commission is to foster and promote understanding, mutual respect, cooperation, and positive relations in a diverse inclusive community. The Community Relations Commission is also to promote increased participation in all aspects of community life and a sense of shared community among all residents.

  1. Develop better relationships among all residents in a diverse and inclusive community of Wheaton.
  2. Encourage and recognize residents to be service-oriented in the opportunities to assist one another in the community and the neighborhood.
  3. Promote and support initiatives with federal, state and local governmental agencies, commissions, businesses, schools, civic and religious organizations, neighborhood and community events aimed at increasing goodwill and civil engagement among the residents and the global community at large.
  4. Recognize and approve, honors or awards for persons, firms, or entities that serve or advance understanding, mutual respect, cooperation, and positive relations between and among residents.
  5. Identify for the city council programs or projects which will enhance relationships between city government and its residents.
  6. Conduct and promote such educational and other programs as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the commission.
  7. Encourage communications and awareness between the people of this city and its sister cities. The commission shall also foster, encourage and direct such further action as shall be necessary to develop activities and programs towards those ends.

Meetings

The Community Relations Commission generally meets at 7:00 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at City Hall. All meetings are open to residents. You are welcome to attend, share your thoughts, or observe to see if you would like to apply for a position. For up-to-date information regarding all of the City’s Boards and Commissions meeting dates, times, and locations, please see the City Calendar.

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Members

The commission consists of no less than 7 and no more than 13 members.

  • Erica Nelson, Chair
  • David Sohmer, Vice Chair
  • Meg Beasley
  • Scott Chedister
  • Andrea Clayton
  • Sam Hardy
  • Michael Hodel
  • Saleha Jawaid
  • Laura Peccarelli
  • Ben Waterman
  • Angela Welker

Current Vacant Positions: 0
Available Positions: up to 2

Wheaton Gives Back

During the month of October, the Community Relations Commission invites Wheaton residents to participate in Wheaton Gives Back, an effort to help neighbors in need. The commission is partnering with the People's Resource Center, Downtown Wheaton Association, and the Wheaton Park District for two programs. Throughout the month, residents can donate new and gently used coats, hats, mittens, gloves, and scarves at various locations in Wheaton. All items will be donated to the People's Resource Center Clothes Closet. On Friday, Oct. 27, the commission is looking for volunteers to unload trucks as part of the People's Resource Center's annual Stuff-a-Truck event. For more information, visit the City's website.

Festival of CulturesFestival of Cultures

The Community Relations Commission will host the 2023 Festival of Cultures on Sunday, Sept. 17 from 1-5 p.m. in Memorial Park. The Festival of Cultures featured diverse community members at cultural booths where they will share their heritage and stories.

Good Citizens AwardGood Citizens Awards

The annual Good Citizens Awards help recognize those who make the generous and often extraordinary contributions that make Wheaton an outstanding community. This may be volunteer service for a school, church, nursing home, civic group or nonprofit organization.

Read about the 2023 Good Citizens Awards recipients.

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Hispanic Heritage Month

The Community Relations Commission leads Wheaton’s Hispanic Heritage Month efforts by sharing the events hosted by community organizations.

Read about Hispanic Heritage Month in 2021.


Women History MonthWomen's History Month

Join the Community Relations Commission in recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women to history, culture, and society through a number of events with the City's partner organizations.

View events and more happening in Wheaton for Women's History Month in 2023.

Black History Month

Black History Month

The Community Relations Commission leads Wheaton’s Black History Month efforts by sharing the events hosted by community organizations.

Read about Black History Month in 2023.


Asian American and Pacific Islander Month

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

The Community Relations Commission leads Wheaton’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month efforts by sharing the events hosted by community organizations.

Read about Asian American and Pacific Islander Month in 2023.

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Pride Month

The Community Relations Commission is sharing information about the history of LGBTQ+ Pride Month and local events that celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride and the LGTBQ+ local community.

Read about Pride Month in 2023.

Sister City

The Community Relations Commission encourages communication and cultural awareness between the people of Wheaton and its sister cities:

  • Karlskoga, Sweden
  • Wheaton Aston, England

Past Projects & Events