Human Relations Committee
Regular MeetingLaconia, NH · September 12, 2022
Minutes
Laconia Human Relations Committee
September 12, 2022 - Meeting Minutes
I. CALL TO ORDER
David Stamps welcomed everyone to the meeting of the Laconia Human Relations Committee.
Committee member roll call was taken, a quorum was established, and the meeting was called to
order at 3:45pm.
II. ATTENDANCE
Present – Chair David Stamps, David Osman, Matt Soza, Trish Weatherbee, Janet Simmons, Rev. Judith
Wright, Pat Wood and Carrie Chandler
Present via Zoom – Kate Bruchacova, Carol Pierce
Excused – Mayor Andrew Hosmer, Kay Anderson, Seifu Ragassa
III. NEW BUSINESS
Miriam Kovacs, Franklin business owner, was present to discuss the rise of Fascism in New Hampshire
and her personal story of being bullied/threatened and her business targeted as a direct result of her
involvement with a peaceful protest against white nationalism. An excerpt from a letter she provides
is a call to action for current NH politicians, those running for political office, businesses and
organizations, which reads “we, the people, need you to take a public stand on the rise and presence of
Fascism, White Nationalism and Nazism acts in NH. These groups are mobilizing, showing up, and
creating fear within our state and New England. To look away and deny their presence is pure
ignorance and selfishness against the people in which you choose to serve. Here in the Granite State
we have an opportunity to promote a space of love and acceptance, not elitism and racism, but action
is needed on your behalf and in collaboration with others in order to create the movement.” See
attachment for full letter. Miriam is working to promote community awareness and print media. She
is willing to tell her story publicly to put a face to the issue. In her words, “we need to speak up against
hate.” Miriam showed the committee a sticker she had made for businesses to display to hold
establishments accountable to recognize and denounce hateful acts and groups and to promote a safe
and welcoming space. A motion was made by Carrie Chandler, seconded by Matt Soza, to purchase
100 small signs at $2 each for a total of $200 to disseminate to Laconia businesses; with no further
discussion the motion passed unanimously. The committee thanked Miriam for her presence and for
sharing her experience and perspective. Pat Wood, Matt Soza, David Osman and Janet Simmons
offered to give further thought for how to launch publicity, involve merchants, promote the story
through media and make a public statement.
Kate Bruchacova is taking a new position with the UNH Cooperative Extension but hopes to continue
her work with welcoming and supporting immigrants.
Sept 18th – PBS launches a six part series on the Holocaust.
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OLD BUSINESS
Minutes Approval – A motion was made by Trish Weatherbee, seconded by David Osman, to accept
the minutes of the August 8, 2022 Laconia Human Relations Committee; with no further discussion,
the motion passed unanimously.
A More Perfect Union Article Series
Article #5 – Why is History Important in a Democracy. The article was reworked by sub-
committee – with no further input from the larger committee, Matt Soza made a motion,
seconded by Pat Wood, to release the letter as written to the Daily Sun for publishing; with
no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously.
Multi-Cultural Day – September 10th
Becky Guyer submitted a letter which David Stamps read expressing a need additional support
for next year’s event. Trish Weatherbee and Janet Simmons will reach out to Becky to offer
some ideas of support.
Those committee members who attended and/or worked Multi-Cultural Day thought it was a
tremendous success. People really enjoyed themselves.
Our Laconia Human Relations booth and the history game received much support in thanks to
Trish Weatherbee.
The Humanities cards (property of Humanities Council) were a hit at the booth. With
permission, we may want to incorporate these cards into the Daily Sun periodically. For more
discussion.
IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There was no one present for public comment.
V. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 4:35p by Chair David Stamps.
Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 11, 2022, 3:30p, City Hall Room 200A and via zoom
invite.
Respectfully Submitted,
Carrie Chandler,
Recording Secretary
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Agenda
Laconia Human Relations
Regular Monthly Meeting
September 12, 2022
3:30PM – 5:00
City Hall Rm 200A also via Zoom
Agenda
Welcome and Roll Call
Review and Acceptance of August 8, 2022 Meeting Minutes
Old Business
• Laconia Multicultural Festival – Sept. 10, 2022
o Becky Guyer will attend for an after-action discussion
• Community Engagement Letters
o #5 – see attached
New Business
• Other business
• Next Meeting Room 200A, Monday October 10, 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.
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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.
31TU U 31T
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
31T 31T
Why is History Important to Our Democracy?
Part V of the Series Towards a More Perfect Union
by the Laconia Human Relations Committee
“If you want to understand today... you have to search yesterday” - Pearl S. Buck
History is the foundation to understanding the past and shaping the future of our
families, our communities and our nation.
As individuals, knowing our family history gives us a sense of identity, culture, traditions,
connection, and self-empowerment. For example, knowing your family’s health history is
vitally important for making good personal health choices.
As community members, knowing our community history extends and strengthens the
family-to-family connections. It deepens our sense of belonging, empowerment, and
resiliency within the community. For example, our schools are tasked with educating
students to promote the skills necessary for living and working within a diverse
community.
As citizens of the United States, we recognize our nation is a blend of various cultural
identities which need to be bound together to maintain our democratic society. Knowing
our country’s history is a key to belonging and contributing to a more perfect union. For
example, knowing our nation’s history unifies, connects, empowers, and protects all the
citizens, as it does with family and community.
Indeed, history is an ever-evolving tapestry of facts, interpretations, and understandings
of who we are, where we have been and where we are going. As citizens, knowing the
history of our country enriches our participation in the democratic process which is
essential to our nation’s well-being.
It is most imperative for citizens who value the democratic union of our society to know
our history as well as to recognize the many different, sometimes conflicting
perspectives from which it is told. Hence, we have a moral and civic responsibility to
respect the value of our national history.
The Laconia Human Relations Committee envisions a world where everyone is treated with
dignity, fairness, respect, and kindness.
Who’s at “the table!”
Part IV 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 peacefully 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.
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