Human Relations Committee

Laconia Human Relations Regular Monthly Meeting August 8, 2022 3:30PM – 5:00 City Hall Rm 200A also via Zoom Agenda Welcome and Roll Call Review and Acceptance of July 11, 2022 Meeting Minutes Old Business  Laconia Multicultural Festivals – Sept. 10, 2022 o Becky Guyer will attend looking for all manner of volunteers  Community Engagement Letters o #4 – see attached New Business  Other business  Next Meeting Room 200A, Monday September 12, 2022, at 3:30pm also via Zoom Public Comment – The public is invited to offer their opinions. Initially, they will be limited to four minutes until all have had an opportunity to speak. Each person is constrained to their time period or to ask questions of the committee. Everyone is expected to speak respectfully. If on Zoom, the public will be visible but muted until unmuted by the chair. Members of the public wishing to speak will use the “raise hand” option. ------------------------------------------------------ Note: The meeting will also be held online through Zoom and will begin at 3:30pm although people are encouraged check in early. Contact David Stamps, 387-4382 or email at dbstamps@dbstamps.com if you are having trouble connecting. You are invited to a Zoom webinar. Topic: Human Relations Commission Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81922296874?pwd=M0E4a1pES0VGV0Rsa1hmT0ZDU3Bmdz09 Passcode: 793636 Or One tap mobile : US: +16465588656,,81922296874#,,,,*793636# or +13017158592,,81922296874#,,,,*793636# Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 646 558 8656 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 Webinar ID: 819 2229 6874 Passcode: 793636 International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/k661pCha  Who’s at “ the table! ” Part I V of the Series Towards a More Perfect Union by the Laconia Human Relations Committee In a democracy, everyone is welcome at “ the table:” citizens, visitors, immigrants, refugees and asylees! All have inalienable rights, embedded in the U. S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, which cannot lawfully or ethically be removed or ignored . These rights include freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom of the press and freedom to peaceful ly assemble. The phrase, “All are created equal under the law!” is too often limited in practice. It is often misunderstood and not truly acted upon. In some respects, people are not considered equal. We vary in terms of physical condition, intelligence, social status and wealth; and thereby, some may be considered to be superior in their ideas and behavior. These assumptions are backwards. In a democracy, everyone, no matter how inexperienced, how uneducated, how weak, how flawed, has inherent rights which cannot be taken away, no matter the other person or groups’ power, success, wealth, possessions or status. No matter how modest or humble their lives or circumstances, no matter their flaws or failures, they have a right to citizenship and their status as free individuals with the right of conscience, choice and even to their mistakes. In a democracy, there is an equality of place, not intellect or ability. We are all entitled to a place at the national table and its’ benefits, bringing unique backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. There are no limitations such as ethnicity, race, gender, sexuality, spirituality or age to one’s place at “ the table.” The only requirement is awareness, respect and acceptance for our democratic system and values. Abraham Lincoln had a compelling argument against slavery where he advised caution to slave owners - that by merely touting higher intelligence, this did not give the right to enslave others. Lincoln’s concept is key to democracy. Without society’s recognition of inherent rights which apply to all, any individual or group with the most money, the most people, or the most guns could take over and dominate others. However, when the rights of everyone are recognized, even those who are shunned, rejected, ignored, or over-looked, all can genuinely occupy a place at “ the table.” The Laconia Human Relations Committee envisions a world where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness, respect, and kindness.