HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-07-07 Human Relations Advisory Committee MinutesOrR 0j
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Town of Reading
' Meeting Minutes
RECEIVED
TOWN CLERK
READING, KAM
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Human Relations Advisory Committee
I* SEP I, A *10i
Date: 07-07-2016 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Police Station Location:
Community Room
Address: 15 Union Street
Purpose: Meeting Session:
Attendees: Members - Present:
Linda Snow Dockser, Lynn Dominic, Christine
Hansen, Kyung Yu, Heather
McLean
Members - Not Present:
Lori Hodin, Seema Lynch, David Clark
Others Present:
Lily Mittnight
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Lynn Dornink
Topics of Discussion:
Meeting was called to order at 7:05. Heather asked for news and updates. Christine reported that
offensive graffiti was found in the men's bathroom at 30 Haven Street on July 3. Christine left a message with a
police officer who has been proactive about addressing past incidents in that area. HRAC determined they
should follow up with police to see if they have connected with the property manager. Linda reported a
teachable moment concerning gender neutral bathrooms.
Heather said she will work to arrange a meeting between HRAC subcommittee and BOS Barry
Berman and Kevin Sexton in the next 4-6 weeks. HRAC should also be in touch with Ombudsperson, Matt
Kraunelis. In terms of next steps, Wakefield Human Rights Committee members suggested avoiding going to
Town Meeting.
Brainstorming for raising HRAC visibility: getting events and meetings on town calendars and web
sites; forming a sub -committee to outline plans for community education and defining what services and
supports HRAC can provide; and partnering with churches, schools, and library to plan and promote co-
sponsored events. Melrose HRC held an essay contest in which students participated. Perhaps HRAC can
follow their lead and have the winning essays read at MILK celebration.
Linda moved to accept June Minutes with Heather seconding. Vote 4-0 to accept. Next meeting is
scheduled for August 4.
Linda will host METCO pool party on September 10. The Reading Street Fair will be held on
September 11. HRAC will have a booth and members will need to help staff it.
Brainstorming for MILK event:
• Ask people to bring donations for Reading Food Pantry or packages for vets
• Work with Adam LaFrance to engage Melrose Historian as a speaker
• Invite surrounding communities (North Reading, in particular) to participate to make event multi-
community in nature
• Contact the Peat Street Assisted Living Recreation Director
• Include more performance (dance, music, poetry) rather than one central speaker
• Find opportunities and incentives for students and their families to attend (e.g., essay contest)
• Read the "Declaration of Human Rights* per Jason Lewis' suggestion
• Develop slogans and branding for MILK that we can use all year (e.g., "A right delayed is a right
denied.")
The last discussion point for the night was whether we should try to organize a world cafe before MILK No
fmr decision was made on this.
Lynn moved to adjourn with Heather seconding. Vote was 4-0 in favor. Meeting ended at 9:10.
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