HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-04-01 Human Relations Advisory Committee Minutes RECcIVED
TOWN CLERK
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council: 2921 MAY 17 PM 12: 14
Human Relations Advisory Committee
Date: 2021-04-01 Time: 7:30pm
Building: Town Hall Location: Town Zoom Call
Address: Remote Session:
Purpose: Monthly Meeting Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Josh Goldlust, Kyung Yu, Dani DeVirgilio, Maddy Herrick
Members - Not Present: David Clark, Ashley Gross
Others Present: Amy Lannon, Lisa Racine, Andrea, Kathy, Olivia, Michelle
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Josh Goldlust
Josh calls meeting to order at 7:35 pm
Agenda:
1. Sharing-
a. Amy- RPL A bit nervous about hate activities and impact for where this could go
if/when library initiative passes. The team really focuses on equity and means a
lot. Working on for a long time.
b. Ally- Library's hold powerful positions in community but need to take stands on
important issues for Reading. What are we positioning out so we are not
reactionary. What more can we be doing.
2. Police Read Out (Chief comments)-
a. Chief was not present
3. Group thoughts/discussion on recent hate attacks
a. Kyung expressed feeling about hate throughout the year and now skyrocketing.
Frustrating. Uneasy, Frightening.
4. Support Statements
a. HRAC recommendation to select board for Dir of Equity&Social Justice
L Dani 2nd motion to discuss.
1. Kyung how can board express support in the meeting?
2. Dani-Is this mostly a budget issue? Isn't this a small line item base
on the potential person's salary?
3. Kyung-can town manager voice support for the budget?
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4. Amy- Bob's job is to get a balanced budget to fin com. It is a
priority and in the library budget, not this. Library budget was
OK'd by FIN COM.Town meeting has to approve library line items
for salary&expenses.
S. Ally- lots of groups are looking for diversity advisor for just this
reason for a jump in issues.Acknowledging this systemic issue.
6. Kyung-Q&A document as part of the new position was very
thorough.This is the year for momentum.
7. Motion: Motion: "Reading's Human Relations Advisory Committee
strongly advises Reading's Select Board to support the Library's
requested budget at the upcoming April town meeting which
includes the new Division of Equity and Social Justice."
• The Select Board was the town body that initiated the process to
investigate more efficient organizational structures to support the
town's needs.There was overwhelming data from current and
past HRAC members who documented the shortcoming of the
current HRAC structure.
• The select board,with input from legal and town manager, led the
work of the ad hoc Human Rights Committee which produced,
after eighteen months,a comprehensive recommendation.A total
five select board members over this time period participated as
co-chairs of the ad hoc committee
• Ultimately,this latest and current select board members on the
committee agreed with the recommendation at the time the
adhoc group was dissolved in Dec'20.
• Racial &social justice is a serious issue impacting all members of
Readings community, and sadly as we've seen in the recent news,
it has life or death consequences. Not addressing it as such is not
fulfilling the board's role as chief elected officials for the town of
Reading.
• Just like with RCASA, it is a fact that a full-time resource is needed
to provide full time, focused, professional leadership&expertise
for an effective and consistent experience across the town.
8. Vote on the motion: Motion passed 4-0
b. Library programming-support for a $10K grant.Ally->S year starting in the fall.
Programing for multicultural and domestic violence topics. 'Reclaiming your
story'. Opportunity to create and shape the program working with these
partners for what works for Reading and what we want to project.
I. Josh-can grant be recurring or sustained thereafter?Can identify new
partners&relationships to continue going forward.
ii. Amy- need help to get people and engaged along with the RPL.
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iii. Josh read motion: "The Human Relations Advisory Committee (HRAC)
supports the Reading Public Library's application for an LSTA Civic Hub
grant.This is a unique opportunity to bring together our community
through programs and services that empower, educate, and engage our
community."
iv. Kyung 2nd the motion
v. Josh read more information about this effort-This grant aligns with and
supports HRAC's mission to promote and encourage respect for the
human and civil rights of all Reading residents, as well as our work to
foster a greater understanding and appreciation for diversity.
As a regular partner and collaborator, HRAC looks forward to working
with the Reading Public Library on programs and initiatives in this grant
which will help keep Reading a welcoming and vibrant community.
vi. Vote: Motion passed 4-0
5. March-Women's History Month RECAP
a. Dani-Seven women profiles. Lots of great engagement. Fun and different.Very
personal and brought it back to the town. Lot os opportunity to replicate for
other areas. Kyung asked if we can others that are still trickling in.
6. HRAC Facebook page-Apr/May Community Calendar
a. 4/2 World autism day
b. 4/17 Day of Silent in support of LBGT
c. May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in the US
7. Pride Awareness-June brainstorming
a. Josh-yes post sign. Let's think about what else we can do.
b. Dani-does the library have anything planned?
c. Amy- RPL is very creative so will come up wtih ideas!! Andrea-Yes June is a good
time to gather safely outside
8. Additional items
a. Library items-
b. Josh mentioned his interview/Chronicle Article with David Maroney that came
out April 8th-Thank you. Kyung-can we put our select board statement on our
FB page and a link to the RPL link
c. How hand over to select board, our motion?
9. Minutes approval-
a. Josh makes motion to approve minutes, Dani 2nds.Approved 4-0
10. Next Meeting-Thursday May 6th 7:00 PM
11. Meeting Adjourn-
a. Josh makes motion to adjourn. Dani 2nds. Motion passes 4-0. Meeting adjourns
at 8:35 PM
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