Human Relations Committee

Laconia Human Relations Committee TM-CEI Agenda September 12th, 2024 – Thursday 3:00pm – 4:30pm Laconia Housing (32 Canal St, Laconia, NH 03246)- Conference Room & Zoom Agenda Welcome and Roll Call Note Laconia Human Relations Committee which is entity of Laconia Government is the official recipient of grant so all meetings of committees, etc. must comply with RSA 91-A TM-CEI Goal: “To build greater resident connections and trust building across difference s by organizing intentional social interaction type events. ”- Endowment for Health. Old Business: Minutes of August 8, 2024, meeting Use of grant funds for MLK Events in January 2025 “Sharing Benches/Human Library” New Business: Purpose of the grant ideas from Carrie Chandler Next meeting date: 2nd Thursday of the month Thursday, October 12th, 3:00 PM, Location: Laconia Housing Authority Conference Room 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. Join Zoom Meeting https://lrmhc- org.zoom.us/j/89954664707?pwd=9W06bPEBzzaAS9EyAz0gSQjaT9sqj0.1 Meeting ID: 899 5466 4707 Passcode: 726160 --- One tap mobile +13052241968,,89954664707# US +13092053325,,89954664707# US Find your local number: https://lrmhc-org.zoom.us/u/kbpVcZQ5j9  Laconia Human Relations Committee TM-CEI Thursday, August 8th, 2024 3:00pm – 4:30pm Laconia Housing (32 Canal St, Laconia, NH 03246) Meeting Notes Present: Beth Vachon, Heather Stanley, Pat Wood, Carol Pierce, Carol Stone, Wendy Chase, Matt Soza TM-CEI Goal: “To build greater resident connections and trust building across difference by organizing intentional social interaction type events. ”- Endowment for Health.  Subcommittee meeting location- Laconia Housing Authority is available, accessible, good acoustics. Meetings are open to the public.  “Human Library” discussion: members are in favor. Next steps: reach out to the director of Laconia Public Library to meet and discuss idea. Once meeting is scheduled, other members of the committee will be notified and can attend. Scope and details of project dependent on library approval, approval of trustees. Discussed having an interest sign up sheet at Multicultural Festival at community agency tables. Too early to promote the full idea at the event.  Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration: Sun. Jan 19th, 2025- Colonial Theater  Request for funding from TM-CEI grant- discussed concerns about supporting event from grant funds, questions about the agreement between the Colonial Theater for City events, and whether the request for funding would be more appropriate to ask of the City. Pat will place on agenda for upcoming HRC meeting.  Other: building tensions regarding homelessness; negativity and lack of understanding for individuals with disabilities, as evidenced in letters to the editor in the Laconia Daily Sun.  Next meeting date: Thursday, September 12th, 3:00 PM, Laconia Housing Authority. Grant Amount: $20,000 Balance: $19,500 Purpose of the Grant: Create an opportunity to increase understanding, trust and acceptance within the Laconia Community. To make Laconia a more welcoming, inclusive place to live and visit. To respect, value and celebrate the uniqueness of every Laconia citizen. What areas do we feel better communication and trust building is needed?  Stigma around mental health – impedes individual treatment and……. o Where are we now? o Sensitivity training o A Day in the Life o What is there to fear? o How to address fear/concern o Where do we want to be?  “The homeless/unhoused are Laconia citizens too” o Where are we now? o Sensitivity training o A Day in the Life o What is there to fear? o How to address fear/concern o Where do we want to be?  Bridging the Political divide o Where are we now? o How to listen to opposing viewpoints for better understanding o What is there to fear? o Sensitivity training – diversity o Does support for a group – diminish another group? o Where do we want to be? What is a cross section of Laconia we wish to engage?  Old  Youth  Middle aged  Republicans  Democrats  Clergy  City Officials How do we engage those who see others as “less than?” How do we discern “change for the better?” Submit a proposal or strategic plan for: 1. Specific Goal 2. Outline Process 3. Budget Amount 4. Measure Success