2002-04-11 Human Relations Advisory Commitee Minutes

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V HUMAN RELATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING April 11, 2002 'iNECEIVED Reading Police Station Community Room TOW CLERK 7:30 p.m. R ~z,DING, MASS. Present: Philip Maher, Edward M. Toland, Margaret L. Soli, Terry Jones, Enj& l gh4n A & 5 5 Guest: Wilma Frazer, Coordinator of Reading METCO Program 1. Meeting called to order by Margaret Soli, President. 2. Minutes of February meeting passed as they stand. 3. Margaret S. reported that grants are available from the Reading Cultural Council for Diversity programs. The deadline is October 15. Possible source of funding for International Festival? 4. Discussion took place on the Dialogues and the following ideas which were put forward at the final Dialogues meeting: Public forums, Book Group/Reading list on diversity, history, etc., Dinner Groups, International Festival, Support METCO Program, Community Service. Terry Jones volunteered to investigate International Festival/Kite Day for next meeting. Tie in with the Reading Summer Fest if feasible. Margaret Soli volunteered to talk with Diane Young at Library re: Book group. -We will continue to support the METCO Program. 5. Recommendation made and accepted to approach school system on professional development in the areas of sensitivity and diversity training for middle and high school faculty. Frank Amoroso can do training. Emily M. to talk with Robin D. about best way to approach school department. 6. Guest: Wilma Frazer, Reading METCO Coordinator invited us to LOBBY DAY on Monday, April 22, 9-3 in the State House Great Room. We must lobby to get reps to honor the already- made commitment of $18.3M for Fiscal Year 2003. If you can't attend Lobby Day, please write or call your Reps and Senator (see attached list of numbers and addresses). Emily M. to draft letter for our Committee to send in support of program. Harry Harutunian is sending letter all as well as putting something in the newspaper. Debbie McCauley mentioned METCO in her column. Wilma and Margaret spoke in support at PTO meetings. METCO began as a partnership. We need to support the program by reminding our elected officials that they committed to an increase in METCO, funding. Education° is a budget priority. $I8M is a commitment which needs to be honored. There are approx. 4,000 METCO students in 33 communities. 4,000 students are on the waiting list. Reading has 40 students (there were 90 in 1991) in grades 2-12. We will have 10 new students in the fall `02, 6 at Parker Middle School, and 4 at R1VHiS. Originally Coolidge was to have 3 new students but principal said he did not have room. Parker principal accepted students. NEXT MEETING May 9th, 2002 at 7:30 p.m. Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. Amily ctfu lly submitted, M ug n, Secreta