Cultural Connections Committee

Nashua Ethnic Awareness Committee Meeting Minutes June 21, 2012 – 3:30 – 5:00 PM City Hall – Room 208 Present: Scott Jacquith, Sharon Dalton, Nima Muchuma, Claudia Mahar, Ann Ackerman, Karen Emis-Williams, Andrew Smith, Tom Woodward. Absent: Paul Bergeron, Tom Lopez, Carlos Camacho, Jennifer Hinderer, Mary Ann Melizzi-Golja, Kathryn Vitale, Carmen Nuñez, Bruce Bradshaw, Patricia Howson, Ronni Karlsberg, Mary Bradshaw, Jon Speara-Savant. 1. Meeting commenced at 3:30PM with introductions. 2. May minutes reviewed and need to make spelling corrections. Motion to accept the minutes with corrections. 8 yeas, no further discussion and no nays. 3. Purpose: Review and discuss May 2008 Vision and Mission Statement. VISION STATEMENT: (current version) We envision a city in which diversity is recognized and celebrated as a contributing factor to community enrichment. -Andrew – there has been a lot of changes since that time and should start new. -Nima – discussed at the last meeting that the vision and mission statement was going to be reviewed and updated. -Scott – need to know how the Mayor views this meeting in conjunction with the by-laws. -Claudia – will meet with the Mayor to discuss EAC. -Tom – a mission statement unifies the group -Scott - need to know what does Nashua do well and where are the groups?  -Tom – revising the vision statement “We envision Nashua as a community in which diversity is recognized and celebrated”. -Ann – need to set new goals and can have yearly activities -Tom –also need new actions Motion to accept the proposed vision statement. 8 yeas, no further discussion and no nays. -Ann – ask the Mayor to come to a meeting. -Nima – moves to accept the Mission statement. Discussion “NRO 2- 94”can’t be removed from the statement. 4. Report of Committees - Gate City Initiative update - Karen provided the group with a written update on the last meeting on 5/23/12. DMC –Andrew – there’s a training being offered for police officers to deal with teens. There’s also training for effective youth interaction with police officers. The next meeting is Wed. 7/25/12 from 1-2PM at Elm Street Middle School. Andrew can no longer serve as secretary and chair of the DMC so he needs to get the committee going. Goal of DMC to minimize juvenile contact with the justice system. There’s a study that confirms NH population of youth between 10-17 yr old is growing. Discussion to have a meeting on 7/12 or 7/19. Motion to adjourn. Motion accepted