Human Relations Committee

CITY OF LACONIA – HUMAN RELATIONS COMMITTEE December 19, 2017 - Quarterly Meeting City Hall - Conference Room 200A MINUTES I. CALL TO ORDER Leonard Campbell called the meeting to order at 3:02 pm. Len welcomed all attending to the Laconia Human Relations meeting. Introductions of the committee members were made – and a Quorum was established. II. ATTENDANCE Present - Chair Leonard Campbell, Carol Pierce, David Stamps, Kate Bruchacova, Rev. Judith Wright, David Osman, Carrie Chandler Excused - Mayor Ed Engler, Chris Adams, Mary Jane Hoey, Janet Simmon, Ali Hassan III. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES A motion was made by Carol Pierce to accept the September 19, 2017 meeting minutes; it was seconded by David Stamps. Upon discussion, the following changes will be made: • Mary Jane Hoey and Janet Simmon were both excused from the meeting. • Chris Adams and Matt both excused themselves from the meeting during the discussion of ‘New Business.’ A new motion was made by Carol Pierce to accept the minutes of the September 19th, 2017 meeting as corrected; this was seconded by David Stamps. A discussion occurred regarding the submission of ideas/recommendations to the committee by the general public; whereby the decision made is to allow the exchange of information to be presented to the group for discussion before determination of changes. Any discussion will be reflected in future minutes. Any extraneous documents will not be entered into the minutes but will be attached as record. All voted in favor, and with no opposition, the motion passed. 1 IV. Agenda • FINANCE There is a current balance of $1,780 as of December 19, 2017. • LACONIA MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL Meetings will resume in January of 2018. There is a current balance of $3,993.10 as of December 19, 2017. • MARTIN LUTHER KING CELEBRATION The subcommittee met on December 6, 2017 to discuss ideas and planning for the Martin Luther King Celebration. o There was a motion to accept the report with the following corrections:  The Quaker person is Valerie Cunningham  The book is called “Black Portsmouth” by Boggis  Would like the speaker to follow the movie A motion was made by David Stamps to accept the minutes as corrected; and was seconded by Carol Pierce. All voted in favor, and with no opposition, the motion passed. o Further discussion included:  Will be held on January 14th  The Immigration Integration Initiative will absorb the cost of the event  Kate will book the Beane Center from 3-6p  Rev. Judith obtained Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech for $20 to use in sections or show in its entirety at a later time  The subcommittee will meet again in January for final event planning – to include decision about what parts of the video to feature (5-8 minutes), followed by the movie and speaker  The churches will provide refreshments  Kate will ask the Mayor will be asked if he is available to help kick off the celebration  Len will sign the permission form to use the movie  Explore written materials to share/use as centerpiece on the tables  It was suggested that we approve monies to offer in terms of a speaker stipend for gas, etc. A motion was made to allocate $200 to pay the MLK celebration day speaker by Carol Pierce; and was seconded by Rev. Judith Wright. No Discussion. All voted in favor, and with no opposition, the motion passed. 2  • IMMIGRANT INTEGRATION INITIATIVE Kate reported that she went to an inspiring conference in Phoenix with approximately 900 participants. There were speakers and breakout sessions to address the differences between white supremacists and white nationalism - which is on the rise. Utah has some progressive initiatives to assist refugees. Large businesses are looking at this issue. Kate referred to a Letter to the Editor regarding white nationalism. She also noted that a few hate letters were sent in mid-November – to the synagogue and the Immigration Integration Initiative. She asked the committee to consider what our role or response should be. Carol explained there is a group that responds when there is a specific crisis. The police have been involved and the FBI are aware. The police have instructed not to engage. As a committee, we understand the tension and we want it to be known that we stand with them. The mission statement was referred to and under “d” we are to: d – “Proactively resist and publicly condemn any practices or incidents in our community which either result from or might encourage prejudice, intolerance, harassment and discrimination.” It was suggested to ask the Mayor if he would make a proclamation stating that all are welcome as a declaration of human rights for all Laconia citizens. There is a need to let the community know that we exist as a committee – and does the Mayor want us to delegate a group of citizen to respond if needed. Kate agreed to present these thoughts/ideas to the Mayor. She would also ask the Mayor if the City Council would support a statement. There was discussion about if this would be a good time to review the committee by-laws; it was agreed to wait at this time. CIVICS COMMITTEE The committee is not active at this time. Kate stated that the NH League of Women Voters can offer materials and provide education. INTERNATIONAL FILM SERIES Approximately 15-20 people have been attending the series at the library. The next film offered will be Selma on January 8th (typically the films run the first Monday of every month). Suggestions are welcome. V. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business presented. 3 VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Jim Thompson of Laconia – made the following comments: • Following Roberts Rules of Order to include stating how the vote was cast (ie. by voice, raise of hand, etc) and naming the persons who make a motion, second that motion. • Sent a letter out – believes that votes may be cast via email • Would have liked to have seen his objection to funds towards the book “Waking up White” stated. Mr. Steve Earl of Gilford – made the following comment: • Stated that “whatever the committee puts out – that it identify the discrimination.” David Stamps clarified that what he was referring to was a Proclamation on Human Rights. There was discussion about the inclusion of outside comments and how best to proceed. David Stamps made a motion to accept receipt of Mr. Thompson’s prepared comments dated December 5, 2017 (see attached); this was seconded by Carol Pierce. All voted in favor, and with no opposition, the motion passed. VII. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by David Stamps to adjourn the meeting; it was seconded by Rev. Judith. With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 4:40 pm by the Chair. Respectfully Submitted, Carrie Chandler, Recording Secretary 4  LACONIA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMITTEE MISSION To: a) Cultivate a community-wide climate that does not tolerate prejudice of any kind which undermine the dignity of any person. b) Educate ourselves and our children about the presence and dehumanizing impact of any prejudicial attitudes that are currently at work in our community. c) Promote, in as many segments of our community life as is possible, policies and practices which encourage and demand equal opportunity and responsibility for all people. d) Proactively resist and publicly condemn any practices or incidents in our community which either result from or might encourage prejudice, intolerance, harassment and discrimination. 5