There was one voice missing at a community forum on human rights last month--the community's.

It was the first in a series of public forums sponsored by the Seattle Human Rights Commission to gather community concerns, hopes and fears about human and civil rights issues in their community. But the minutes ticked by in a meeting room at the Loyal Heights Community Center and no one came.

Angela Tarah, chair of the commission, said she was surprised by the lack of attendance especially in light of a recent incident in Ballard when a 14-year-old African American boy was attacked on his way home from school by two white men. The attackers used racial slurs against the victim, according to the police report, and many have labeled it as a hate crime.

The commission is holding forums in each area of the city over the next few weeks to examine the state of human rights awareness and issues in Seattle. The commission advises Mayor Greg Nickels and the Seattle City Council in matters effecting human and civil rights.

"We thought this isn't something we could do sitting in an office with only our knowledge," said Tarah. "We aren't leading the discussion. We aren't presenting anything--we are here to listen."

This is the first year the commission has held community forums to determine what human rights issues should be addressed, so it was particularly disappointing that no one came, they said.

"This determines our work and what our focus will be so we want to make sure all groups of the community are heard," said commissioner Kathy Cox.

The commission, which is comprised of 15 citizen volunteers who are appointed by the mayor and the city council, work in committees in areas of public safety, economic justice and education. Tarah said the commission needs more volunteers to serve on its committees to make progress towards human rights policies in Seattle.

"One of the things we want to dispel is that human rights violations only happen in some far away country," said Tarah. "But human rights violations don't have to be some horrible thing like genocide. We have to talk about it because it's not solved yet."

Commissioner Michael Fitch said the group exists to be an investigative arm to promote legislative initiatives and enhance community awareness on human rights issues.

"Our purpose is to provide leadership to end discrimination in this community," said Fitch. "Human rights means being free from living in fear because of our personal beliefs, religious preference, and sexual orientation."

Community Voices on Human Rights Forums: June 8, Miller Community Center. 330 19th Ave. E. June 13, Rainier Community Center. 4600 38th Ave. S. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., forum begins at 7 p.m. Free childcare and refreshments are available. Contact Marta Idowu at 206-684-4540, marta.idowu@seattle.gov, or Angela Tarah at 206-850-6110 angelatarah@cablespeed.com for more information.