HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-10-11 Human Relations Advisory Commitee Minutes,V t.. iE i i l l
HUMAN RELATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING ' MASS.
October 11, 2001
Reading Police Station Community Room 4-
7:30 p.m.
Present: Terri Jones, Paul Kelley, Phil Maher, Emily Maughan, Carol Roberts, Bob Silva, Sumi
Sinnatamby, Margaret Soli, Edward Toland. Guests: Ron Boucher for PFLAG, Reading; Martha
Moore, Reading Memorial High School faculty member; Linda Snow Dockser, Reading resident and
liaison for Pillars of Character at Killam; Charlie McDonald, Bullying Prevention Program; and George
Hines, Selectman.
1. Meeting called to order by Margaret S.
2. ADL and the Ma. Municipal Asso. will talk to committee about hate-free communities if invited.
Barnes & Noble has booklet available for free entitled "101 Ways to Combat Prejudice."
3. Charlie MacDonald made presentation on the Bullying Project. Video will be shown on Channels 5
and 9 the last week in November. Committee voted to co-sponsor the videos with DASC (Diversity
Awareness Steering Committee) in the credits. Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation is producing
a Violence Prevention Kit. 12 kits will be available by the end of October.
4. Ron Boucher gave presentation on the Reading Chapter of PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of
Lesbians and Gays). PFLAG meets the 2°d Monday of every month at 7:30 p.m. in the Old South
Church. Emphasized the importance and need for support for gay and lesbian individuals, that
PFLAG is a resource for people, has a website. Focus on educating people, advocating for change in
laws and attitudes. Stated that 1 in 4 families is affected in some way by homosexuality; fear and
heterosexism is prevalent. Distributed flyer on PFLAG (attached) and booklet "Answers to Questions
About Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality" published by the American Psychological Asso.
(attached).
5. Martha Moore spoke about her involvement with the Safe Schools State Program and the RMHS
Gay/Straight Alliance. Alliance puts on a week of tolerance activities, speakers, coffeehouses, etc.
RMHS faculty has Professional Development training in diversity.
6. Several committee members and guests respectfully disagreed with comments from Phil M. at the last
meeting and quoted in the Reading Chronicle. Stressed the importance of using non-violent not
abusive language, treating everyone with respect and tolerance. Must educate to change attitudes.
Committee not promoting any issue, promoting right for individuals to live without fear or
harassment. Discussion took place.
7. Other: October 29"' in Reading Public Library at 7:30 p.m. "Understanding Islam" speaker from the
Islamic Center of Burlington. Organized by DASC. Parker Middle School is looking for people who
speak Greek, Korean, Polish, or Portuguese to help newcomers learn about American life, language,
etc. Also wanted are volunteers to meet and talk with those people trying to learn English.
Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Next meeting November 8"' at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Maughan, Secretary