2016-06-30 Human Relations Adviosry Committee Minutes

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Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Aft Human Relations Advisory Committee 1!)ib JIUL U P 3: 41 Date: 2016-06-30 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Police Station Location: Community Room Address: 15 Union Street Purpose: Meeting Session: Attendees: Members - Present: Lori Hodin, David Clark, Linda Snow-Dockser, Seema Lynch, Heather McLean, Kyung Yu (left at 8pm) Members - Not Present: Lynn Dornink Others Present: Bob Vincent, Mark Segolla, Barry Berman, Kevin Sexton, Ruthie Wilson, Bil Chetwynd, Christine Hansen, Mark Segalla Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Kate Sylvester on behalf of Lynn Dornink Topics of Discussion: Heather called the meeting to order at 7:06pm. She asked those present to introduce themselves and share what brings them to the committee/what they bring to the committee as well as to share any news. Heather discussed bringing her marketing skills to the committee as a form of community outreach and was drawn to the committee as a way to be involved in the Reading community. She discussed the recent shootings in Orlando and how they provided an opportunity for community outreach. Linda explained her various roles throughout the community and emphasized her background in education/child development, and how that included community outreach and service. She mentioned the Pillars of Character program as particularly inspiring. Linda also shared her experiences with anti-Semitism while growing up and how that drove her to becoming a part of the committee. She thanked Heather, Seema, and Lynn for their work on the subcommittee to create the presentation to the board of selectmen regarding committee structural changes. Kyung shared his background and experiences as a pastor and starting an ethnic church in Reading. He expressed that he was impressed with the committee's commitment to diversity, and encourages his congregants to get involved with their local communities. He felt frustration with some of the processes that were required to execute some of the committee's plansi He believes it is a good thing to have the committee, but that the committee could be more proactive. He shared his experiences dealing with vandalism at his church. Ruthie introduced herself as a World of Difference liaison. She shared her experiences of hearing anti-Semitic jokes at school. Lori introduced herself as a parent in the community. She shared that she felt like an outsider as a person of Jewish faith in Reading. She says she joined the committee because she is committed to fostering diversity and respect for all people. She mentioned bringing her experience as a mediator and of training young people as mediators to the committee. Christine mentioned bringing her background in education and human rights activism to the committee. She said that she was drawn to the committee after witnessing some disturbing events in town. Kevin introduced himself as a member of the Board of Selectman and liaison.. Barry also introduced himself as member of the Board of Selectman. He shared his experiences growing up in New York and the culture shock he experienced moving to Boston. He also shared that his brothe is gay and was threatened with a dishonorable discharge from the Air Force. He shared his wish that th committee would help to make Reading a safe place for all people and wants to help the committee to c o that while also adhering to the rules of the town. Seema mentioned bringing her legal background to the committee, as well as her background as a mediator. She shared her experiences growing up as a chit of immigrants. She joined the committee because she was disturbed by things happening around the country. Mark introduced himself as Reading chief of police, and David introduced himself as liaison to Page 1 1