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Home My WebLink About2016-09-07 Human Relations Advisory Committee Minutes�y OFq Town of Reading Meeting Minutes RECEIVED TOWN CLERK 0 soard - committee - commission - council: ,HEADING. MASS. Human Relations Advisory Committee 416 OCT I I A Of t Date: 2016-09-07 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, Seems Lynch, Lynn Dornink Members - Not Present: Heather McLean, Kyung Lu Others Present: Ruthie Hodin, Catherine Grayson, Lily Mittnight, Susan Gaskell, Christine Hansen, Jess Squires Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Linda Snow-Dockser on behalf of Lynn Dornink Topics of Discussion: Meeting called to order by Linda Snow-Dockser. Street Faire was discussed: Schedule of volunteers, sign In Sheet, Discussion of Flag — we decided not to use the flag that Linda had purchased because some veterans at the Town Faire might be offended by the transformation of the American Flag into a rainbow flag. Other topics (activities, etc): Lynn brought candy and will submit receipt if reimbursement is desired, Clothes Pin People will be main activity, Hand Outs — description of committee and survey. Big Posters will be on display. MLK Celebration Discussion: • In talking about the MLK Event, we started evolving plans for the year based on the goals: Meaningful, a catalyst for positive change; Build participation; Engage groups across towns and community • Specific goals for MLK event and others: • More membership and people involved in HRAC • Celebrating Diversity —bringing in people from different backgrounds to share • Engage different groups and promote ownership — Table Exhibits; poetry contest, GSA; AWOD Message should be communicated during brunch and during presentation and continue afterward • Engage people for more than one event — to start the conversation — have something to'advertise' coming up next and activities leading up to event. Page 1 1 Decide on a theme/slogan: suggested by Lori Hodin: "And Justice for All" which would tie together MLK's Letter from Birmingham Jail and the Pledge of Allegiance. Lori is writing up this idea. Form subcommittee for planning • Essay/poetry contest idea discussed • We discussed connecting with teachers • Decide on speakers/groups to involve: No RCS this year. Wakefield is interested and will discuss collaborating with us at their next meeting. • Lori suggested hiring Rapper Afro Dee to perform. He has performed at Lincoln Sudbury before and is affordable and local. He has a spoken word poem about "being an upstander," as well as a piece called "Memories Live On" which is about a person who is gay dealing with rejection. • Another choice would be Taylor Mali but he would be more expensive — • Decide on funding needed — Eastern Bank takes 30 days; Kohls; Market Basket; Bagel World • Venue: RMHS PAC is reserved; Handicap seats and Mics listed —email sent to Stephen MacDonald 9/6/16 • Notes written to: • Reading Community Singers Not performing this year due to weather • Kristin Killian — RMHS Chorus • Natalie Cunha — Reading Drama • Sherri Vanderaker • Jane Burns — Reading Elder • Linda emailed RCTV to tape MLK again, awaiting response • METCO — READING CHORUS has already been invited and will sing: R. Kelly's "World's Greatest." • Hope is to have other forms of performances maybe from Wakefield — Dance Troupe, Drums, Chorus? • Breakfast with tables around encourage new connections and movement: Organizer needs to be assigned • Student Groups — information about their group and activities for children: Liaison to GSA/AWOD • Possibly have wristband to give out to continue conversations beyond the celebration • Priority again to have visible diversity, not just talk about it • Invocation to be discussed with Clergy Council • Chris will work with Jess, Catherine and Lily to plan a video presentation for MILK Day: bring in cross -generational population by connecting students with seniors/ veterans and engaging RIF (Reading Interactive) Club to create video interviews done by students with seniors. • Brainstorm about Library opening and approach Library staff about HRAC doing something on October 19th • Agenda for upcoming Meetings and schedule for rest of year: o We asked everyone to write in the first Thursday of every month. Page 12 o The dates have been reserved at the Police Station. o Deputy Chief Clark will not be able to attend Nov. 3 because it is the last day of RAD. Meeting adjourned Page 1 3