HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-03-03 Human Relations Advisory Committee MinutesTown of Reading
x'. Meeting Minutes
RECEIVED i
TOWN CLERK
;7,CING, MASS.
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Human Relations Advisory Committee 14ib pfAy 2 A 158
Date: 2016 -03 -03 Time: 7 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, Lynn Dornink, Kyung Yu
(came in at 8:00), Seema Lynch, Heather McLean
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Ruthie Wilson, Catherine Grayson, Siobhan Dowcett, Jessica Squires, Lily
Midnight, Sherilla Lestrade
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Lynn Dornink
Topics of Discussion:
Linda opened the meeting by sharing some news items about Parker Middle School's
support of a transitioning student, wedding announcements for same sex couples in the
newspaper, and the adaption of gender neutral graduation gowns by class of 2016. Lori led
an activity on the "Feeling Wheel" which helped members Identify underlying emotions they
may have in various situations (particularly those involving power differentials).
AWOD members reported on the group's activities, Including Siobhan's presentation
at BU conference and letters sent by less in support of METCO Rally Day. The group also
discussed criteria for getting into AWOD and how that might Impact the diversity (or lack
thereof) of the organization. We discussed how the application process might be improved
to increase member diversity, commitment, and accountability. Some suggestions included
electing officers and speaking with advisors prior to meetings when issues arise.
Seema reported on her work in researching HRAC history and purpose, and
recommended the committee work to develop a strategic plan going forward. Seema
believes the committee should stay under the auspices of the town, but questioned whether
as an advisory committee, HRAC can achieve its goals. She further posed the question as to
whether HRAC needs to change Its status, perhaps to a "Free Standing Committee ". At
Seems's suggestion, we agreed that it would be valuable to look at other town's web sites,
particularly those of Arlington and Melrose. She reported that the Melrose Commission had
gathered information by surveying their community with a short four question survey.
Heather moved and Lynn seconded that we ask about distributing a survey in Reading. The
motion was approved 6 -0. Seema suggested that Kevin Sexton be invited to the next HRAC
meeting. Committee members agreed as there is still confusion about HRAC's
communication parameters.
We then discussed action plan Items to complete before the next meeting. These
included:
• Seema will check with Kevin to see if we can distribute a survey (hard copy
and electronic) at the Debby Irving event. She will also send the four
questions from the Medford survey.
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• Linda will check with Andrea at the Library to see if we can distribute the
survey and collect signatures at the two events.
• Lynn will create a survey and make copies.
• Heather will digitize survey Lynn sends her and administer electronic survey
through Mail Chimp.
• Heather will explore ways to gather email signatures at event (either
electronically or on paper).
• All members will read through the Arlington Human Rights web site and
identify noteworthy features /activities. Members may additionally look at
Melrose's web site.
• Lt. Clark will gather the history of incidents occurring in Reading that might have
come under HRAC purview.
We discussed Debbie Irving's visit on March 29. Heather and Linda will be sitting at
the book table. We read the letter Linda wrote to thank all the people /businesses who had
helped with the MLK celebration. Heather moved for a vote on the letter to be sent as
amended. Lynn seconded. The vote was 6 -0 in favor. Lt. Clark moved to accept last month's
minutes. Seema seconded. The vote was 5 -0 in favor. Lily is hoping to attend Lobby Day
and Linda will see if she can bring her in her car. We also decided that we will not create
any subcommittees at this time. Lt. Clark motioned to adjourn the meeting, Lynn seconded.
The vote in favor was 5 -0. Meeting adjourned at 9:15.
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