Human Relations Committee

Laconia Human Relations Committee Monthly Meeting February 11, 2025 – 3:15 pm City Hall Rm 200A & Zoom Agenda Welcome and Roll Call Review and Acceptance of January 14 , 2025, Meeting Minutes Work Groups  MLK Event Committee  Banners/flags on City Property Committee  Rally/Sign Committee Old Business  Multicultural Festival  Financial update  Endowment for Health - survey  Mingle Café  Yom HaShoah  Homelessness  Black Heritage Month  Mental Health program New Business  Racism Exercise  Public Input  Next Meeting Room 200A, March 11, 2025, at 3:15 pm 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 to 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  Laconia Human Relations Committee January 14, 2024 Meeting Minutes I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Patrick Wood 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 3:01 pm. II. ATTENDANC E Present – Chair Patrick Wood, Carol Pierce, Matt Soza, Heather Stanley, Richard Littlefield, Scott Ringer, Faith Pakasuk, Rev. Judith Wright, Patricia Okinedo and Carrie Chandler Zoom - David Osman Excused – Mayor Andrew Hosmer, Kay Anderson and Seifu Ragassa Also Present – Kenzo Morris, Joia Hughes (City Hall), Tricia Patten and Daniel Sarch (Daily Sun) III. OLD BUSINESS Minutes Approval – Motion was made by Matt Soza, seconded by Rev. Judith Wright, to accept the minutes of the December 10 th, 2024 Laconia Human Relations Committee meeting (LHRC) with one spelling clarification ( “Ringer ”); with no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously. Sub-Committee Work: Martin Luther King Jr Celebration (Judith reported)  Minutes provided from January 2nd meeting  Promotion includes: flyers, social media, Daily Sun interview, Ad to run on January 16th and 17th  No need to pay for police presence  Endowment Grant plans to film the event  “Lost Boundaries” film discussion at the library (Saturday before and after event) Endowment for Health Grant (Pat reported)  No updates  They want to film the MLK Jr event; Pat was interviewed. Banner Proposal (Patrick reported)  Government Operations Committee will have a meeting soon. Vigil/Signage (Matt reported)  No updates Multicultural Festival (Judith reported)  A meeting was held – two primary areas of focus  o Hiring a Coordinator – ad will run in the paper o Event name change – committee voted to change to “Laconia Multicultural Folk Festival” Mingle Café – David and Carrie met with Mill Executive Director to discuss the Mill hosting. Jill was very interested – has taken the idea to the Board; waiting for a response. The NH Civic Health Report addresses the need for connectivity. This is a perfect use of the grant money. Start drafting a list of potential topics at next meeting. Yom HaShoah – nothing new to report. IV. NEW BUSINESS Black History Month – is February.  Faith, Carol and Patricia are working on something for our next meeting; perhaps take one hour of the meeting to create a safe space to talk about: o what it’s like to be black living in NH o what racism means to each of us o have we witnessed racism in Laconia  Faith will post on Facebook each day stories of black trail blazers – those who have paved the way.  1916 Project – is a historical perspective beginning with the roots of slavery; there is a zoom book study (Pat will share the link). You can also watch the series on Hulu. Mental Health Program – Beth Vachon is working on a proposal for utilizing the Endowment Grant funding to include: how it meets the intention of the grant, ideas and costs. Homelessness – Pat and Richard met with Mr. Kenzo Morris regarding his “god pod” shelter project. Mr. Morris was present and shared the following with the committee:  He is from Laconia and runs a homeless soup kitchen out of Real Life Church in Laconia; they also provide cold weather clothing, sleeping bags, etc.  Working to raise awareness and funds for the homeless; he has slept outside several times during the winter to first-hand experience the cold  There are many reasons for homelessness  God pods is a viable solution – they are bare shelters with no frills (under 200 lbs) o Uses old garage doors (from Laurent) and makes a little house on wheels; he has tested it out. o Total cost is approximately $250 or less o Looking into micro wood stoves, maybe a community garden  Need a location – “we need compassion; this is a chance to be real leaders in the community”  Mr. Morris wants to build a system to be of real help  He would like the LHRC to help get the message across, need business to support the effort – “no one should die of the cold” Committee Discussion followed Mr. Morris’ presentation:  Is Endowment funds appropriate? As the Mayor and City Council to match funds? Is this permissible under city ordinances or require an exception? o Richard will explore the idea further  Tabled until next meeting Downtown Hate Graffiti – suggested that the LHRC write a statement condemning the behavior and praising law enforcement efforts in finding those responsible. A statement was drafted for the newspaper and City Council. V. PUBLIC COMMENTS There was opportunity but no public comments. VI. ADJOURNMENT The Meeting was adjourned by the chair at 4:56 pm. Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 11 th, 2024, room 200A, at 3:15 pm also via Zoom. Respectfully Submitted, Carrie Chandler, Secretary  NEW HAMPSHIRE ENDOWMENT FOR HEALTH The Endowment for Health is dedicated to improving the health of New Hampshire's people, especially those who are vulnerable and underserved. We survey our Community Partners to collect demographic data and to better understand the operating environment of your organization in the field. This survey will be distributed annually, in lieu of adding these questions to application materials. Why are we asking these questions? The aggregated data can give us insights that allow us to better live our values of equity, courage, and partnership. We can assess with greater transparency the perspectives that are represented, and those that are missing. Additionally, we hope that you take this opportunity to review what this data might mean for your organization. Survey answers and participation will be held confidential and will not impact funding decisions. Find the Survey: • The survey is in the “Requirements” tab of the Grantee Portal. Click the top navigation button Requirements and indicate the status (new, in progress or submitted) by selecting the Show dropdown menu. Who Should Complete the Survey? • The lead for the most current project funded by the Endowment received the initial survey invitation. If this is not the best person in the organization to complete the survey, contact ahession@endowmentforhealth.org with the email address of the preferred account. • For Universities: Complete the survey with information for your department only. Surveys will be sent to each department at your university with which the Endowment for Health partners. • For Fiscal Sponsors and Grantees using a Fiscal Sponsor: Complete the survey with information for your organization only. Both the fiscal sponsor and organization conducting project activities will receive a unique link. Survey Questions: • Answer the survey as completely and as accurately as possible as of 12/31/24. • Contact information: o Organization Name o Organization Contact and Email (person completing survey) o Head of Organization Name and Email • Demographic Survey: Suggested Best Practices: o Don’t guess, always ask o Make all parts of the survey voluntary o Include a “Decline to state” option o Treat with sensitivity and confidentiality Race & Ethnicity How many individuals in your organization publicly self-identify as: (Staff and board) Asian/Asian American Black/African American Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx Middle Eastern/North African Native American/American Indian/Alaska Native/Indigenous Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander White/Caucasian/European Multi-Racial or Multi-Ethnic (2 or more races or ethnicities) Add another category(ies) Individual(s) decline to state Unknown* Sexual Orientation How many individuals in your organization publicly self-identify as: (Staff and board) Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual l (or other sexual orientations within the LGBTQIA+ community) Heterosexual or Straight Add another category(ies) Individual(s) decline to state Unknown* Disability How many individuals in your organization publicly self-identify as: (Staff and board) Person with a disability Person without a disability Individual(s) decline to state Unknown* Gender Identity How many individuals in your organization publicly self-identify as: (Staff and board) Female Gender Non-binary/Genderqueer/Gender non-conforming Male Individual(s) decline to state Unknown* How many individuals in your organization publicly self-identify as: (Staff and board) Transgender Not transgender (cisgender) Individual(s) decline to state Unknown* Age How many individuals in your organization publicly self-identify as: (Staff and board) 0-18 19-25 26-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75-84 85+ Individual(s) decline to state Unknown* Operating Environment Were there any unexpected changes, events, or trends in the last 12 months internally that strengthened or presented challenges to your mission? Have these changes, events, or trends led to your organization changing strategies and/or the way it operates? How did your organization adapt? What lessons were learned? What resources are needed to better do this work? Were there any unexpected changes, events, or trends in the last 12 months externally that strengthened or presented challenges to your mission? Have these changes, events, or trends led to your organization changing strategies and/or the way it operates? How did your organization adapt? What lessons were learned? What resources are needed to better do this work? What efforts has your organization made towards DEIB and/or cultural competency? What do you do to make your organization more welcoming for staff and community members served? What supports would better help you do this work? Subject: Mingle Cafe Allow Subject Date: 04:17 PM EST, 02/04/25 From: david osman <davidosman68@gmail.com> Add to Contacts Block Sender Allow Sender To: Patrick Wood <PHWood@usa.net>, Carrie Chandler <foggybottom1050@gmail.com> 1. What are the important building blocks of a good community - and why? 2. Why are friendships important? 3. How has your life been different than you imagined it would be when you first “flew the nest?” 4. What book(s) author(s) have strongly impressed you, and why? 5. What teachers, subjects, activities you had in school have had a lasting impact in your life? I cut and pasted the above suggestions from an earlier email. The topic used in Dover at the St. John’s MIngle Cafe in November was: What are the specific issues people of your generation face? I think these are the types of topic that might make sense as we feel our way through this community based process of face to face human relationships- listening, learning, trusting, fellowship - basic foundational skills. We can use the Belknap Mill for $300/session on 3/29/25, 5/31/25, 8/30.25 and 11/29/25. I think Jill will send you or Carrie or maybe me? a memo or contract memorializing that. Laura LeMein was very receptive to getting publicity to the students, staff and faculty at the Community College and might be willing to use it in the future as a venue. Our Committee will run the initial sessions. Carrie will be in touch with you and correct any errors or omissions and hopefully aid you in figuring out how much time this might take to discuss, etc at the upcoming Tuesday meeting which I think I can’t join but this has its own “legs” now, I think. Fredda and I return to NH on 3/31/25 Carrie - I hope I got this right…. At Laconia Public Library  Yom HaShoah Group participants – Rabbi Jan Katz, Reverend Judith Wright, Reverend Eliza Tweedy, Debbi Finkelstein, Patrick Wood Date of Event: April 24, 2025 Time of Event: 5:30 – 8:00 Location of Event: Congregational Church of Laconia, Church Hall The Event will begin with a soup dinner to be followed by a presentation of the one-act play, ANNE & EMMETT by Janet Langhart Cohen Auditions will be held in the beginning of March; connections are being made with Laconia High School Drama as well as public advertisement for actors.  Presentation Proposal: Laconia Human Relations Committee Session Information: 90-minute session where multiple speakers from Lakes Region Mental Health Center present information related to mental health. Suggested Audience: the public, city officials, community agencies and nonprofits, Key session takeaways include: discussion of mental health as a common, treatable condition; mental health statistics (prevalence, treatment, how mental illnesses vary by sex, age, race, and ethnicity); mental health statistics specific to Laconia and surrounding communities; mental illness as a disability protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act; mental health stigma related to homelessness and housing; Community Mental Health Centers: available services, programs, and resources. Session Title: Building Trust in our Community Mental Health Center: A Guide to Mental Health and Available Services and Resources. Speakers (4): Maggie Pritchard, President and CEO; Senia LaForte, Residential Administrative Coordinator; Beth Vachon, Chief Development and Public Relations Officer; Steven Walker, Acute Services. (Speakers may be substituted due to availability on the presentation day). Program Type: A combination of information presentation and critical conversation through question and answer. Fees: $100 per hour x 20 hours= $2,000 Breakdown:  $100/hr. x 4 staff x 2.5 (30-minute setup, 90-minute presentation, and follow-up after presentation) = $1000  $100/hr. x 10 hours for presentation preparation = $1000 n  LAKES REGION MENTAL HEALTH CENTER Presentation Proposal: Laconia Human Relations Committee Session Information : 90-minute session where multiple speakers from Lakes Region Mental Health Center present information related to mental health. Suggested Audience : the public, city officials, community agencies and nonprofits, Key session takeaways include : discussion of mental health as a common, treatable condition; mental health statistics (prevalence, treatment, how mental illnesses vary by sex, age, race, and ethnicity); mental health statistics specific to Laconia and surrounding communities; mental illness as a disability protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act; mental health stigma related to homelessness and housing; Community Mental Health Centers: available services, programs, and resources. Session Title : Building Trust in our Community Mental Health Center: A Guide to Mental Health and Available Services and Resources. Speakers (4): Maggie Pritchard, President and CEO; Senia LaForte, Residential Administrative Coordinator; Beth Vachon, Chief Development and Public Relations Officer; Steven Walker, Acute Services. (Speakers may be substituted due to availability on the presentation day). Program Type: A combination of information presentation and critical conversation through question and answer. Fees: $100 per hour x 20 hours= $2,000 Breakdown:  $100/hr. x 4 staff x 2.5 (30-minute setup, 90-minute presentation, and follow-up after presentation) = $1000  $100/hr. x 10 hours for presentation preparation = $1000 @ 1pm At Laconia Public Library refreshments & discussions CALL FOR FREE TICKETS