External Affairs Overview
The External Affairs Division of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) serves as the agency’s primary connection to the public, ensuring that civil rights protections are widely understood and accessible to all Hoosiers.
Through strategic communication, public engagement, and community partnerships, External Affairs promotes awareness of the civil rights laws, educates individuals on their rights, and fosters collaboration with organizations that share ICRC’s mission.
Our work is not just about informing the public -- it’s about empowering communities, strengthening partnerships, and educating the public that every person in Indiana has the resources they need to live free from discrimination.
- Role in the Agency
ICRC’s mission is to enforce Indiana’s civil rights laws and provide education and outreach to ensure equal opportunity for all Hoosiers. External Affairs plays a critical role in fulfilling this mission by:
- Public Engagement & Awareness: Hosting educational events, public forums, and presentations that provide a platform to discuss civil rights.
- Community Partnerships: Collaborating with local, state, and national organizations to expand the agency’s reach and impact.
- Media & Communications: Managing public messaging, press releases, social media, and educational campaigns.
By bridging the gap between government and the public, External Affairs helps fulfill the Commission’s statutory obligation to promote equal access to housing, employment, credit, public accommodations, and education.
- EEOC & HUD
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
ICRC is a Fair Employment Practices Agency (FEPA), working with the EEOC to investigate and resolve employment discrimination complaints. External Affairs assists this effort by:
- Leading workplace rights education initiatives
- Organizing employer training programs on anti-discrimination laws.
- Hosting public forums on employment rights and equal opportunity.
- Creates and provides brochures and posters for distribution.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
As a designated Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) agency, ICRC works closely with HUD to enforce fair housing laws in Indiana. External Affairs supports this partnership by:
- Conducting outreach and education on fair housing rights and responsibilities.
- Hosting training sessions and community discussions on housing discrimination.
- Creating public awareness campaigns to promote fair housing compliance.
- Creates and provides brochures and posters for distribution.
- C.O.R.E. (Community Outreach Resource Education)
The C.O.R.E. (Community, Outreach, Resource and Education) program is ICRC’s direct link to Indiana communities. This initiative ensures that civil rights education reaches individuals and organizations particularly in underserved communities.
- On-Site Discrimination Complaint Intake: With an Intake specialist on-site with the Public Outreach and Education Manager at C.O.R.E. events individuals have the opportunity to file discrimination complaints on the spot, ensuring immediate access to ICRC’s services.
- Community Conversations and Civil Rights Q&A: Public appearances and listening sessions provide a space for individuals to share their experiences, voice concerns, and ask questions about their civil rights. These sessions give the public direct access to ICRC representatives.
- Educational Resources: Distributing educational materials that help individuals and businesses understand their rights and responsibilities under civil rights law, and who to turn to if they feel their rights have been violated.