Human Relations Committee
Regular MeetingLaconia, NH · March 21, 2024
Minutes
Laconia Human Relations Committee
Sign Vigil Subcommittee
March 21, 2024, 4:00 pm
Minutes
Present: Subcommittee Chair/Secretary Designate Matt Soza, Pat Wood, Carol Pierce,
Richard Littlefield, Eric Hoffman
Call to Order/Roll Call at 4:00.
Discussion of whether to move forward with rallies featuring signs as a positive
response to recent instances of hate speech. Decision by subcommittee that, given
recent discussion at meeting of full LHRC, & remarks by LHRC members,
subcommittee can move forward with rallies as long as no city money is spent, & as
long as we do not dictate specific sign content but only invite community citizens to
attend carrying their own sign messages expressing general themes. In effect we are
providing & promoting a platform for concerned citizens.
Decision to try for two rallies a month for three months starting in April. That will allow
time to promote the concept. Promotion methods will include a press release, letters to
the editor, & subcommittee members contacting area organizations they are affiliated
with.
Decision to call this campaign 'Rallies for Unity & Tolerance.'
Goal was set to hold rallies on Fridays & Saturdays, usually between 4:00-6:00 in
afternoon, possibly some in morning or at noon time.
First planned rally date set as Friday April 19. Depending on number of participants,
may try for two or three locations in downtown Laconia: on the loop at Main St., on N.
Main between Library & Laconia Clinic, on road by City Hall.
Second planned rally date two weeks later, Friday May 3.
Examples of sign messages will be slogans subcommittee had already developed:
Hate Has No Place in Laconia
Don't Hate--Educate
Inclusion Starts Here
Viva Love
Other suggested messages: United for Democracy, United Against Racism, United
Against Bigotry, United for Tolerance, United Against Fascism, Stronger Together
Decision that anyone can participate as long as their message is consistent with rally
theme. Extreme or objectionable content cannot be part of a rally. No partisan political
messages supporting a particular candidate or party.
Possible future plans include perhaps posters or lawn signs featuring some of these or
similar messages, depending on community response to sign rallies, & recognizing that
any use of city money or direct government speech would involve a lengthier approval
process.
Meeting adjourned at 5:10pm.
Submitted,
Matt Soza
Agenda
Laconia Human Relations Committee
Rally/Sign Subcommittee
March 21, 2024 - Thursday
4:00pm – 5:00pm
City Hall Rm 200A & Zoom
Vigil/Sign Subcommittee Agenda
Call to Order/Introductions as Needed/Roll Call
Designate Acting Secretary
Sign message content
Rally schedule--date/time/how many per month
Rally locations
Finding rally volunteers--overall number goal?
Other responses--lawn signs, posters/flyers
Other business
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.
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
Specific task assignments?/action items/next meeting
Adjournment
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.
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
Topic: Human Relations Commission Sign/Vigil Subcommittee
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
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