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Meeting Minutes
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Human Relations Advisory Committee ' 2 P 3 04
Date: 10 -1 -2015 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Police Station Location: Community Room
Address: 15 Union Street
Purpose: Meeting Session: General Session
Attendees: Members - Present:
Linda Snow Dockser, Lynn Dornink, Mark Segalla, Kyung Yu, Lori Hodin,
Heather McLean
Members - Not Present:
Monique Grananman
Others Present:
Sherilla Lestrade, Maha Hanania, Susan Gaskell, Jess Squires, Katherine
Grayson, Lily Mittnight, Ruthie Wilson, Kevin Sexton
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Lynn Dornink
Topics of Discussion:
We were joined by 2 new people who had learned about us at Town Faire —Susan Gaskell
and Maha Hanania. Also joined by members of AWOD and GSA from Reading High.
Linda suggested that we read the Mission Statement as a way to start meetings. Members
took turns reading sections.
For efficiency, Linda proposed meeting dates for several months going forward. Lori moved
to accept dates with Heather seconding. Vote: 6 -0 in favor.
Kevin Sexton informed us that the HRAC can have 7 full members and 3 associate
members.
Lori led the group in a culture sharing activity. She asked members to write, then pair and
share. The group de- briefed on what they had learned about their partner. Several people
commented on the value of the exercise and requested that we do similar activites in future
meetings.
Linda and Heather reported that the HRAC table generated a lot of interest at the Town
Faire. A large email list was gathered from people stopping by. Many children were drawn
by the clothes pin craft. All in all, a success.
Kevin discussed guidelines for press releases and communication by the committee. Lengthy
discussion on this issue. Kevin recommended that HRAC communication should focus on
committee activities, meetings, and celebrations rather than current events involving
discrimination or hate. This issue is related to the larger question of whether the HRAC will
go private in the next 2 years.
Heather reported on some updates she had made to the Facebook page. The group agreed
that these were great improvements. Some policies about what page can be used for are
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still being hammered out by Board of Selectman. Heather and Linda will work on a draft of a
communication policy for Oct 29 meeting.
Minutes were approved by a vote of 6 -0.
Linda reported that the sign and date has been reserved for MLK celebration. She asked that
those interested in being part of a sub - committee to begin brainstorming for MLA celebration
email her.
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