HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-11-26 ad Hoc - Human Rights Committee Minutes Town of Reading
z Meeting Minutes
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
2620 FEb - �d!t 10: 00
Ad Hoc Human Rights Commi e
Date: 2019-11-26 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Police Station Location: Community Room
Address: 15 Union Street Session: Open Session
Purpose: General Business Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Patricia Calley, Andrew Grimes, Linda Snow Dockser, Andy Friedmann, Anne
Landry
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Deputy Chief Dave Clark, Josh Goldlust, Christine Kelley, Sherilla Lestrade,
Gina McCormick
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jacquelyn LaVerde
Topics of Discussion:
Chair Andy Friedmann called the meeting to order at 7:14pm.
Mission Statement
The Committee reviewed mission statements drafted from previous discussions and agreed
on the following mission:
The [group name to be determined] is a [type of organization to be determined] that
fosters and supports a Reading culture that promotes and celebrates diversity. The
[group name] honors our shared humanity, and condemns and confronts acts of
discrimination, racism, bias and hate. The [group name] also strives to educate,
empower, and connect community members to do the same.
Responsibilities include:
1. Foster conversations to:
a. Acknowledge privilege and all the ways people may experience it; and
b. Eliminate individual and systemic bias and discrimination.
2. Provide a safe place for community members to share and be heard.
3. Collaborate with community partners to empower people through education,
resources, and outreach aligned with the group's mission.
4. Host and organize events and gatherings that advance the group's mission.
Organizational Structure
Gina McCormick and Linda Snow Dockser reviewed the recent changes to RCASA. The new
RCASA structure no longer has a board of directors and tasks the staff director with
appointing advisory board members. Separate from the Town structure, a 501(c)(3)
"Friends of the Coalition"would be created, which would be allowed to fundraise for the
Coalition. This new structure is not subject to open meeting law. The Committee discussed
the hiring of and need to budget for a staff person, and the benefits and drawbacks of
placing them at the Library, or with Human and Elder Services. The location discussion was
paused to steer the discussion toward the organizational structure.
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The committee discussed the various structures: option A, which is a bylaw established
committee; option B, which is a Town department established committee; and option C,
which is a committee created by multiple boards. Important factors of the various
structures were considered including: allowing non-residents to serve; hiring of a dedicated
staff person and to whom they would report; who would be responsible for appointing
members of the organization; who would be appointed (e.g. staff members, clergy
members, other community members); establishing the autonomy of the organization;
which structures are subject to open meeting law; and establishing a 501(c)(3) to support
the organization.
Following discussion, members were tasked with deciding their top three organizational
priorities, as well as any suggestions for names for the organization. At the next meeting,
the priorities will be discussed and weighed and the group will decide which option best fits
the top priorities.
MILK Day
The Committee discussed setting up a booth at the HRAC MLK Day event to provide
information about the ad hoc and collect stories. The group agreed that it may be
worthwhile, and would be helpful to involve the Al school group to participate. The group
will continue the discussion at the next meeting.
On a motion by Ms. Landry, seconded by Mr. Grimes, the ad hoc Human Rights
Committee adjourned at 9:49pm
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