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Home My WebLink About2016-12-06 Human Relations Advisory Committee MinutesorKo. Town of Reading e Meeting Minutes C/6J9"4 MCOR90P*� Board - Committee - Commission - Council: �® RVED WNECLERK ANG, MASS. Human Relations Advisory Committee 1011 JAN -q A 8: 30 Date: 2016-12-06 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Conference Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: Meeting Session: Attendees: Members - Present: David Clark, Linda Snow-Dockser, Heather McLean, Seema Lynch, Lori Hodin Members - Not Present: Lynn Dornink, Kyung Yu Others Present: Ruthie Wilson, Jess Squires, Lily Mittnight, Devika Ellen Hill, Gina McCormick, Kaitlyn Mercurio, Kate Goldlust, Amy Cole, Demetra Tseckares Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Lori Hodin on behalf of Lynn Dornink Topics of Discussion: Public comment idea—in reaction to recent election there have been a number of communities that have put out of resolution, served on trustees of town in NY, an example is out of San Francisco. Use document to reaffirm/affirm that we're a welcoming city/town. I'd like to focus on welcoming Muslim families in our town. I'm willing to do draft document. I want it to be in Reading, doesn't have to be any bigger. Asked Barry Berman what's the process, he directed me here. Heather- we've talked about a human rights proclamation Linda- 3 years ago Jason Lewis approached our committee to ask if we wanted to send out a resolution. Process- we'd craft something then send it to Selectmen, they'd decide whether they wanted to publish it. I'm political, I want selectmen to look at San Francisco statement. At this moment in our American history, we want to point out—not in our town. Seema- we cannot present anything that might be viewed as political. Linda—goal is to build consensus Heather- we have to tone ourselves down and be more neutral. It's nice to hear from fighters. If you're interested in a more nuanced approach then I offer that. Linda- if we think about our mission we can be transparent and bi-partisan. I want people to literally sign it, maybe at MLK day celebration, we need to get permission. It's a small think, a reiteration of what Reading claims to be. There's a lot in the air. I like both ideas, because we don't want to wait until something happens. Seema, Lynn and Heather met with Wakefield Human Rights Commission Maybe create a joint subcommittee reps from HRAC and selectmen to write Page 1 1 I went to panel this weekend with Senator Clark—grassroots efforts we all want basically the same thing to work up, we're not going to get it top down, they called it a 'disastrous opportunity' Clergy Council meeting tomorrow—forward banner holy family with 'immigrants and refugees welcome" Coming from a citizen will be more powerful. A proactive and simple statement that affirms respectful values. Linda- I'm not in favor of more divisiveness, we need to take it out of political arena and into human arena. If someone is already reading something at MLK, does it make more sense to go through thoughtful process? I'd like to get it through prior to inauguration day. The process to present to selectman is a public process- on TV. If it's catalyst for conversation, then that's good. Linda- reads an email about joining together to fight hateful comments and slurs. Jess' presents results from survey administrated to over 400 RMHS students during flex time. There were different responses from Reading residents and community members who do not live in Reading. For ex. over half of respondents who do not live in Reading have witnessed discrimination, vs 30% of Reading residents. Seema reports out about Wakefield Human Rights commission- their advice try to bring Selectmen on board who are willing to work with us. Question how do you work through complaints? Very collaborative process with Town manager/administrator. Complaints go to town administrator first who then sorts complaints and sends to proper person for response. Transition can happen a couple of ways—board of selectmen needs to vote, then we figure who we report to or we could go through town meeting. Climate advisory committee is similar- report to selectmen. Wakefield HRC presented to School committee and Board of selectmen- take feedback to administrator, collaboration with town counsel too, more communication. We want to change name and change structure. What do other neighboring communities have?—mostly commissions. Next step—subcommittee meets with Barry and Kevin. Perhaps we invite John Halsey to speak at MLK celebration Wakefield HRC advice -involve Selectmen in planning of events. Should we invite Dr Doherty to speak as well. Update on Festival of the trees- snowflake theme we're each unique. Jess update- Senior video- we have an idea that we think is easily executed. We want to hear history of Reading civil rights. Went to Senior center Tuesday of the election. We had questions, none of the Seniors wanted to talk. What does MLK mean to you? Ask elementary school students and High school students. You could ask Senior citizens too at Cedar Glen and Tannenville. Reading Town Band will play National Anthem and other songs. Reading community singers are out this year because of weather. We'll end with we shall overcome. Reading choirs are planning on playing. Jason Cross interested in starting host families with more authentic relationships. Goal is to have integrated choir to form bonds and to have students work together. Looking for elementary school students to join- one rehearsal, usually the Friday before MLK Anthony Wright will do a video presentation. METCO dance troupe not interested. Page 1 2 Transitions- last year went smoothly without our having to worry about it—maybe have some sort of slide show with quotes—ask Kyung. Make sure that HS chorus is fine singing with the Reading band. Written to Market Basket for donations- they give us a gift card each year – for cream cheese and OJ and paper products Applied to Kohls for workers in action Asked for bagel world bagels Need to get coffee Need to get someone to coordinate tables on Main Street—means reaching out to people who did tables last year- most outreach by email. Lilly will volunteer. Feedback for poster - Change the font Heather moved to approve 11/3 minutes, Seema seconds, 5 in favor Heather moved to adjourn, Seema seconds, 4 in favor (Lori had to leave at 9:05pm) Page 1 3