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I've Created An Initiative for Accountability

 


Initiative for Accountability

A First‑Person Reporting System to Combat Bureaucratic Barriers

Executive Summary

In Minnesota, communities of color face systemic disparities in economic opportunity, medical treatment, and the social services departments and programs that are tasked with processing the documentation, rendering payments for services and managing this task ethically and efficiently according to regulation. Soulaani people—Specifically black American descendants of chattel slavery—are disproportionately affected by these systemic failures, often navigating inaccessible systems with little transparency or recourse when DHS employee's and partners violate regulation during the processes of administering and delivering programs. The current DHS abuse-reporting process obscures victims from critical stages of documentation and investigation, effectively silencing them.

This proposal introduces a first-person reporting system where victims can directly file, track, and manage their own "formal" reports—from submission to resolution. By removing bureaucratic intermediaries, increasing transparency, and embedding safeguards against retaliation, the system aims to restore agency, build trust, and hold Minnesota’s social institutions accountable.


Why This Matters: Context & Data

  • Minnesota is among the worst states in the nation for racial economic disparities. Black households here have a median income roughly $30,000 lower than white households, and a poverty rate nearly three times higher (Black: 20.9% vs. White: 7.5%) 

  • The homeownership gap in Minnesota is especially stark—77.5% of white households own homes versus just ~30.5% of Black households, one of the largest racial gaps nationally 

  • Persistent systemic barriers—rooted in redlining, wage disparities, and policy neglect—compound harm when Soulaani individuals or marginalized residents seek grievance redress under the DHS reporting system.

These inequities amplify the consequences of bureaucratic failure, making experiential documentation and transparency essential for ensuring justice.

Clarifying the "Soulaani" Community

In this context, “Soulaani” refers specifically to Black American descendants of chattel slavery—born in Minnesota, with multi-generational roots in the United States. It does not include recent immigrants or refugee communities. The systemic barriers and racial disparities such as the "Minnesota Paradox" addressed here are unique to Black Americans in the region and do not extend to broader groups like “people of color.” The proposal targets the specific, historic inequities faced by Soulaani individuals within Minnesota’s Department of Human Services, but will naturally be beneficial to all participant households in the state.

Core Features of the First‑Person Reporting System

  1. Direct Victim Access
    Empower individuals to submit their own detailed reports—free from third-party filtering or misrepresentation.

  2. Full Transparency & Tracking
    Users can view report content, status, investigator roles, and timelines—ensuring no hidden steps or unjust delays.

  3. Secure Anonymous Reporting
    Victims may choose to file anonymously, with encrypted infrastructure and secure log-ins to protect identity and safety.

  4. Visibility of All Parties
    Reports automatically list caseworkers, investigators, and decision-makers, enabling identification of conflicts of interest.

  5. Real-Time Feedback Loop
    Victims receive ongoing status updates and can submit supplementary evidence or clarifications at any point.

  6. Escalation & Appeals Pathway
    Structured options exist to escalate unresolved issues to oversight committees or independent authorities.

  7. Integration with Legal & Advocacy Support
    Users can opt to share their report with legal or advocacy partners, facilitating timely assistance.

  8. Cultural Competency Training for Staff
    All platform users—including investigators and case managers—are trained in anti-bias practices. Misconduct is logged and enforceable through oversight mechanisms.

Reducing Red Tape: Structural Reforms

  • Streamlined Submission Process: No bureaucratic gatekeepers or long wait times. The platform is designed for efficiency and clarity.

  • Direct Access to Legal Resources: A built-in directory connects victims to legal aid and advocacy groups instantly.

  • Transparent Follow‑Through: Victims can confirm that what they submitted matches what is investigated—guarding against administrative distortion.

  • Influencing Policy to Restore Justice: This system opens formal pathways for marginalized communities to challenge procedural and cultural barriers in social services.

Why Now?

Minnesota’s economic indicators reflect deep inequality despite overall prosperity. While the state ranks among the top nationally for average incomes, racial disparities plague nearly every line item—from income to homeownership to savings stability. These disparities are magnified in the Soulaani and other marginalized communities.

Implementing this system is more than reform—it is a civic assertion: that all individuals—regardless of race, language, or background—deserve direct access and accountability in systems meant to serve them.

Proposal for a First-Person Reporting System (Language): A Justice Framework for Soulaani Survivors of Systemic Neglect in Minnesota’s Department of Human Services

To address the unique challenges Soulaani people face within the Minnesota Department of Human Service, it’s crucial that victims have direct control over how their reports are created, submitted, and tracked. The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) abuse reporting system, as it currently stands, places unnecessary barriers in the way of individuals seeking justice. By not allowing people to submit their own reports or see the details of what’s being reported and investigated, it creates additional layers of red tape that prevent accountability and perpetuate the disenfranchisement of marginalized groups like the Soulaani community.

The creation of a first-person reporting system would allow victims to directly enter their own reports, ensuring that the accounts of abuse, mistreatment, or procedural failures are accurately captured without external interference or misrepresentation. This system would be transparent, allowing victims to track their reports and ensure accountability at every stage.

Key Components of the First-Person Reporting System:

1.      Direct Access for Victims to Submit Reports
Victims should have the ability to submit first-person reports in formal capacity without the need for an intermediary. Rather than blocking reports from being formally filed into systems, all complaints would be filed into systems at which point they would receive formal decision, only after investigation, and naming all the persons involved in processing, investigation and judgment. The reporting system would allow users to create detailed, comprehensive reports of their experiences, directly entering information about incidents of mistreatment, bureaucratic neglect, and any failure of professionals to follow protocol—up to 10,000 Characters. The system would be intuitive, guiding victims through a step-by-step process to document their claims effectively. This removes the need for third-party intervention and prevents the potential for miscommunication or misrepresentation of the facts.

2.      Transparency in Reporting and Investigation
The current system’s lack of transparency—where individuals are not allowed to see what has been reported or who is involved in investigating their case—needs to be removed. Victims should be able to see the details and status of their report in real-time, including details such as:

o    What is written in the report and Who is handling the investigation.

o    The timeline of the investigation and any delays.

o    What actions have been taken, and what next steps are planned. This transparency ensures accountability by allowing victims to monitor the progress of their case and intervene if necessary to ensure that their report is being treated with the seriousness it deserves.

3.      Secure, Anonymous, and Confidential Reporting
The reporting system must prioritize victim confidentiality and the ability to report anonymously, should individuals choose to do so. This ensures that those who fear retaliation or further mistreatment do not face additional harm when trying to hold systems accountable. In addition, the system should offer secure log-ins for victims to track their reports, and encrypted communication channels to protect sensitive personal information.

4.      Clear Documentation of All Parties Involved
The system should automatically document all parties involved in the investigation, including any caseworkers, administrators, or other relevant staff, along with their roles. This documentation would allow victims to see if there are any conflicts of interest or discrepancies in the process. It also ensures that all involved parties are held accountable for their actions. Victims should also be able to request specific individuals to be removed from their case if they believe there’s a conflict of interest or bias.

5.      Real-Time Feedback Mechanism
As reports are processed, victims should receive real-time feedback on any updates to their case. This feedback would include:

o    A confirmation that their report has been received and logged into the system.

o    Updates on the status of the investigation or actions being taken.

o    Opportunities for victims to provide further details, submit evidence, or clarify information.
This ongoing dialogue empowers victims and removes the feeling of being ignored or dismissed, which is often prevalent when navigating bureaucratic systems.

6.      Escalation Protocols and Clear Pathways to Appeal
In cases where victims feel that their report is not being addressed in a timely or fair manner, the reporting system should have clear escalation protocols. This would allow reports to be elevated to higher authorities within DHS or independent bodies if necessary. There should be a clearly defined process for victims to appeal decisions or report inaction.

7.      Integration with Legal Aid and Advocacy Organizations
The system should facilitate the involvement of legal aid or advocacy organizations for victims who are struggling to navigate the system. Victims could opt to share their report with trusted third parties, who could offer support, assist with legal recourse, and advocate for the victim’s rights throughout the process. These organizations should be notified when a report is filed, ensuring that they are kept in the loop and can intervene when needed. This is a risky piece due to a history corruption and bias within Minnesota's assistance system. Therefore, this should not be an automatic sharing system. Victims MUST be able to opt in and out of this option.

8.      Training and Accountability for DHS and Social Service Staff
Staff involved in handling these reports should be trained on cultural competency, anti-racism, and bias reduction to ensure that Soulaani victims, and other marginalized groups, are treated fairly and respectfully. The system would require that all staff engaged in investigating complaints follow strict procedures to prevent mishandling of reports. Staff members who fail to adhere to these guidelines should face consequences, with records of such actions visible to the oversight committee—with restrictions on how many of those an employee may receive without an employment review and possible dismissal. Minnesota is an "at-will" employment state. There simply is no reason to continue retaining staff that will not follow regulations and get the job done, by the book, according to regulation. These dissents from regulated protocol, alter outcomes drastically.

Removing Red Tape and Bureaucratic Barriers

To make this first-person reporting system effective, we must also eliminate the red tape that currently prevents Soulaani people from accessing justice. This involves:

1.      Streamlining the Reporting Process
The current process, which often requires multiple intermediaries and long waiting times, can discourage individuals from even attempting to file a report. A streamlined system will reduce bureaucracy, making it easier for victims to create and submit reports without unnecessary hurdles.

2.      Simplifying Access to Legal Resources
Victims should not have to jump through hoops to access legal or advocacy resources. The system should include a directory of local legal aid organizations and advocacy groups that can assist with navigating the complexities of DHS and related programming.

3.      Eliminating Non-Transparent Practices
All forms of non-transparent or non-accountable behavior, such as deliberately obscuring the report’s details or misrepresenting facts, should be eliminated. The system must be designed to ensure that what is reported is accurately reflected in the investigation and that there is no opportunity for administrative manipulation.

4.      Removing Barriers to Justice
One of the most pressing barriers that Soulaani people face is the lack of access to justice due to these systemic and cultural issues. The new system should ensure that the proper legal pathways are opened, and that individuals can receive the justice they deserve without facing further resistance from the bureaucracy.

Conclusion: Empowering Victims and Ensuring Accountability

By creating a first-person reporting system that allows victims to directly input, track, and monitor their reports, we can create an equitable framework for Soulaani people and other marginalized communities to challenge the bureaucratic, racial, and cultural barriers they face in Minnesota’s social services and mental health systems. Removing red tape, increasing transparency, and implementing clear escalation protocols will empower victims to demand accountability and justice. Only through these structural reforms can we hope to address the systemic failures that perpetuate discrimination and neglect, and truly create a system that serves all people, equitably and effectively.


References

Axios. (n.d.). Minnesota’s economic disparities and racial inequality. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.axios.com

Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. (n.d.). Racial disparities in Minnesota: Causes and consequences. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.minneapolisfed.org

Minnesota Budget Project. (n.d.). Economic disparities and racial inequality in Minnesota. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.mnbudgetproject.org

Minnesota Department of Human Services. (n.d.). Minnesota’s State Portal. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://mn.gov

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder. (n.d.). Black homeownership gap in Minnesota. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://spokesman-recorder.com

MinnPost. (n.d.). Racial disparities in homeownership in Minnesota. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.minnpost.com

Reddit. (n.d.). Discussion of racial disparities and social justice in Minnesota. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.reddit.com

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Minnesota. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota


Roy Wilkins Center for Human Relations and Social Justice. (n.d.). Minnesota Paradox. University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.hhh.umn.edu/research-centers/roy-wilkins-center-human-relations-and-social-justice/minnesota-paradox
(submission)

Introduction

Proposal for a First-Person Reporting System: A Justice Framework for Soulaani Survivors of Systemic Neglect in Minnesota’s Social and Mental Health Services

This proposal addresses a critical gap in Minnesota’s Department of Human Services (DHS) and related mental health systems: the lack of a transparent, accessible, and accountable reporting mechanism for individuals—particularly Soulaani people (Black American descendants of U.S. chattel slavery)—who experience abuse, neglect, or systemic failure in state-managed services.

Current reporting frameworks require intermediaries to file abuse or misconduct claims, often denying victims the ability to submit and track their own reports. This practice contributes to misrepresentation, erasure, and inaction—leaving survivors without justice or protection. For Soulaani residents, who are disproportionately impacted by systemic racism, these barriers worsen existing disparities and further undermine trust in public institutions.

The First-Person Reporting System outlined in this proposal would allow survivors to directly submit, monitor, and control their reports while ensuring due process, transparency, and timely resolution. The system also includes provisions for secure anonymous reporting, integration with legal and advocacy organizations, and mandatory accountability measures for DHS staff.

By removing bureaucratic red tape and embedding cultural competency, this reform would be a significant step toward restoring public trust and ensuring that those most affected by institutional failure are finally seen, heard, and protected.


Submission Letter

To: [Board or Agency Name]
Re: Proposal for a First-Person Reporting System for DHS and Mental Health Services
From: [Your Name or Organization Name]
Date: [Insert Date]

Dear Members of the [Board or Agency Name],

I am writing to respectfully submit the attached proposal entitled “Proposal for a First-Person Reporting System: A Justice Framework for Soulaani Survivors of Systemic Neglect in Minnesota’s Social and Mental Health Services.” This proposal responds to ongoing concerns from marginalized community members who continue to experience systemic failures within the state’s human services infrastructure—particularly Black Americans descended from U.S. chattel slavery, also known within this document as Soulaani people.

The enclosed report outlines a practical and scalable first-person reporting system designed to increase transparency, reduce reporting barriers, and deliver timely accountability for individuals who have historically been denied justice. The current DHS abuse reporting structure—as it stands—does not allow individuals to file or follow up on their own complaints, placing an undue burden on victims and preventing proper tracking, feedback, or resolution. These bureaucratic practices not only perpetuate inequity but may actively endanger vulnerable residents who lack representation or recourse.

The proposed system includes:

  • Direct submission and real-time tracking of reports by victims;

  • Secure, confidential, and optional anonymous reporting;

  • Transparent status updates, documented timelines, and investigator information;

  • Escalation pathways and conflict-of-interest protections;

  • Integration with trusted legal and advocacy groups;

  • Staff accountability measures and mandatory training on racial bias, anti-Blackness, and disability awareness.

This initiative is timely, necessary, and overdue. The communities most impacted by state neglect must be empowered to hold public systems accountable—without fear, red tape, or silencing. I would welcome the opportunity to present this proposal in person or to discuss implementation strategies with relevant departments.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and commitment to justice.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[Organization or Affiliation, if applicable]


Agencies and Partners for Submission and Adoption

Advocacy & Legal Partners:

Legislative & Oversight Bodies:

Public Awareness and Community Channels:

  • Community Organizations (e.g., local nonprofits, cultural centers) for grassroots outreach and coalition building.

  • News Op-Eds & Editorial Boards to build public support and highlight systemic issues.

  • Public Testimony Forums such as hearings before legislative committees or town halls to share lived experiences and push for accountability.

1. Disability Ombudsman (Minnesota Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities - OMHDD)

  • Who they serve: People with physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, and mental health conditions.

  • Services: Advocates for client rights, investigates complaints about services, and promotes client-centered care.

  • Website: mn.gov/omhdd

2. Minnesota Department of Human Rights

  • Who they serve: People facing discrimination based on race, disability, and more.

  • Relevance to Black Minnesotans: Can investigate civil rights complaints, including housing, healthcare, and public services.

  • Website: mn.gov/mdhr

3. Ombudsman for Managed Health Care Programs (Minnesota)

  • Who they serve: Medicaid/Medical Assistance (MA) and MinnesotaCare recipients.

  • Issues covered: Denied services, improper billing, access to care.

  • Website: mn.gov/dhs/ombudsman


4. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Ombudsman

Role: Assists people with Medicare and Medicaid rights, healthcare access, and complaints.

  • Website: https://www.cms.gov/About-CMS/Agency-Information/OMH/OMB

  • Medicare Beneficiary Contact Center: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)

  • TDD for Hearing Impaired: 1-877-486-2048

  • Email: You can contact local State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) for ombudsman services through the CMS website.

5. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

Role: Enforces civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination in healthcare and social service programs on grounds including race, disability, national origin, and more.

  • Website: https://www.hhs.gov/ocr

  • Phone: 1-800-368-1019

  • TDD: 1-800-537-7697

  • Email: OCRMail@hhs.gov

  • Mailing Address:
    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
    Office for Civil Rights
    200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
    Room 509F, HHH Building
    Washington, D.C. 20201

Office of Minority Health (OMH) – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Role: Leads efforts to improve the health of racial and ethnic minority populations, including African Americans, by developing health policies and programs that address health disparities.

Minnesota Office of African American Health (OAAH)

Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
Address:
Freeman Building
625 Robert St. N
P.O. Box 64975
Saint Paul, MN 55164-0975MN Dept. of Health+1minnestories.mn.gov+1minnestories.mn.gov+1MN Dept. of Health+1

Phone: (651) 201-5813
Email: oaah.mdh@state.mn.us
Website: https://www.health.mn.gov/about/org/oaah/index.htmlminnestories.mn.gov+1MN Dept. of Health+1MN Dept. of Health+2MN Dept. of Health+2MN Dept. of Health+2

The OAAH was established in 2023 to address the root causes of health disparities affecting African American Minnesotans, particularly multigenerational African Americans, or American descendants of slaves. The office focuses on areas such as healthcare quality and access, education, economic stability, and social inclusion. It also convenes the African American Health State Advisory Council to guide its initiatives.


The Attorney General’s Office can be an appropriate contact for issue involves systemic discrimination, civil rights violations, or failures in public services that require legal oversight or enforcement.

For concerns related to discrimination in healthcare, housing, social services, or abuse reporting—especially involving marginalized groups like the Soulaani community—the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division or a similar unit is often tasked with investigating and addressing such complaints.

Why it’s appropriate:

  • The AG’s office enforces state and federal laws against discrimination and abuse.

  • They can investigate systemic failures or patterns of neglect.

  • They often have consumer protection and public advocacy units.

  • They can initiate legal actions to enforce accountability.

In Minnesota, for example, the Minnesota Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division handles discrimination complaints related to housing, public services, and employment.

(Goals)

General

  1. Grants and Public Funding

    • Apply for grants from government agencies focused on health equity, social justice, civil rights, and community development (e.g., NIH, CDC, DOJ, state DHS grants).

    • Look for funding from foundations supporting racial equity, mental health, and disability rights (e.g., Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, local community foundations).

  2. Partnerships with Nonprofits and Advocacy Groups

    • Collaborate with nonprofits that can co-sponsor or co-develop the platform, accessing their fundraising networks.

    • They may apply for joint grants or tap into charitable donations.

  3. Fee-for-Service or Subscription Model

    • If the system includes specialized legal, advocacy, or counseling services, these could be offered on a sliding-scale fee or subscription basis.

    • Or, offer premium features (such as personalized case management) to agencies or organizations.

  4. Government Contracts or RFPs

    • Pitch the system as a vendor/service provider to local or state government agencies to implement the reporting platform officially, funded by public budgets.

    • Respond to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for tech solutions improving accountability or public health reporting.

  5. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Sponsorships

    • Engage corporations interested in social justice and diversity to sponsor or fund the initiative as part of their CSR commitments.

    • This could include tech companies, healthcare organizations, or local businesses.

  6. Crowdfunding and Community Support

    • Launch a crowdfunding campaign targeting community members and allies who want to support equity and transparency.

    • Use platforms like GoFundMe, Kickstarter, or Patreon.

  7. Data & Reporting Services (Ethically Managed)

    • Aggregate anonymized data and trends to inform policy makers or researchers (with strict ethical guidelines and consent).

    • Sell reports or offer consultancy services to agencies or advocacy groups.

  8. Training and Workshops

    • Develop paid workshops or training sessions on cultural competency, anti-racism, and how to navigate DHS/mental health systems effectively.

    • Offer certification programs for service providers.


Important Notes for general goals

  • Transparency and Ethics: Monetizing this initiative requires clear ethical boundaries, especially around data privacy and victim protection. Funding sources should align with the mission and values.

  • Sustainability Focus: Funding should support ongoing operation, tech maintenance, outreach, and advocacy, not just startup costs.

  • Community Engagement: Ensure the community benefits and has a voice in funding decisions to maintain trust and relevance.



Personal

  1. Consulting Fees

    • Position yourself as the expert and lead consultant for organizations, nonprofits, or government agencies wanting to develop the First-Person Reporting System.

    • Charge hourly or project-based fees to guide design, strategy, community engagement, and implementation.

  2. Project Management and Advisory Roles

    • Lead the project as a paid project manager or advisor, coordinating between developers, funders, legal teams, and community stakeholders.

    • This role is crucial and can command a salary or retainer.

  3. Grant Writing and Fundraising Specialist

    • Use your expertise to write grants or develop funding proposals, taking a percentage of successful grant awards or charging fees for proposal development.

    • Help secure initial funds to hire developers and run the project.

  4. Intellectual Property and Licensing

    • Own the conceptual rights and core design of the system and license the idea or framework to organizations or developers.

    • Negotiate royalties or licensing fees if your model or methodology is adopted elsewhere.

  5. Speaking Engagements and Workshops

    • Host paid workshops, webinars, or keynote talks about the system concept, racial equity, and bureaucratic accountability—positioning yourself as a thought leader.

    • Organizations pay for your expertise and presence.

  6. Partnerships with Developers or Agencies

    • Partner with software developers or social impact tech firms to co-create the system.

    • Your role as founder or co-founder can come with equity or profit-sharing.

  7. Content Creation and Publication

    • Publish white papers, guides, or toolkits around your system and sell or license these materials.

    • Use blogs, ebooks, or courses as passive income streams related to the initiative.

Important notes for personal goals

  • Emphasize my unique lived experience, community insight, and deep understanding of the problem.

  • Highlight that my leadership and vision reduce risk and increase the likelihood of creating a culturally competent, effective system.

  • Demonstrate a clear plan for funding the technical build, showing my role in bridging community and technology.


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