Cultural Connections Committee

Ethnic Awareness Committee September 20, 2012 3:30 pm Nashua City Hall In attendance were Chair Ann Ackerman, Ronni Karlsberg, Muchuma Niva, Scott Jaquith, , Sharon Dalton, Jennifer Hinderer, Claudia Mahar, Paul Bergeron, Karen Emis-Williams, and Andrew Smith. Absent were Mary Ann Melizzi-Golia, Pat Howson, Carlos Camacho, Carmen Nunez, J. Perez, Tom Woodward, Tom Lopez, Mary and Bruce Bradshaw. The meeting was called to order at 3:35 p.m. by Chair Ann Ackerman. Introductions were made. Our guests, Hugo Gutierrez and Janeth Orozco from Minority Council of Nashua made a presentation on their organization. They explained their purpose is to create links for people to obtain services. Their concerns in the community:  Problems with Immigration  Fear of the police  Lack of knowledge of services available in Nashua  Safety and trust is a concern Muchuma Niva asked the participants to name the two biggest problems, and what could the EAC do to help solve these problems. Mr. Gutierrez stressed that the two biggest problems are problems with immigration and the need for knowledge of services provided in the city. The EAC could help by providing a list of services. EAC members could attend one of their meetings to explain what is available and how to access help within the city. There was also a suggestion by Ms. Orozco that there be a festival of some sort that would be city-wide which would celebrate diversity. Our guest, Esther Muite from “Out of Africa” gave a presentation about her organization. She explained that “Out of Africa” is an organization formed to strengthen, education and empower African women in New England through assisting new African immigrants to intergrate into the American way of life. The organization’s concerns:  Health care  Education  Immigration issues She explained that she came to the EAC to make the members aware of immigration issues and the plight of the children of African refugees. Muchuma Niva asked if the organization was willing to work with any other organizations in the area. Ms. Muite responded that they are open to work with any other group. Chair Ackerman asked if either group has met with The Gate City Initiative. Neither group knew about the Initiative. They were not familiar with it. Chair Ackerman asked if the EAC sponsored a symposium for all the ethnic groups or their leadership in the city would both groups attend. They responded they would. Mr. Smith suggested holding quarterly events that would bring the groups together. Ms. Dalton responded that the Adult Learning Center has a fair of all service providers every November. Mr.Gutierrez responded that people will not go anywhere that they don’t feel safe; they go to churches for any meetings/events. He therefore suggested that resource fairs take place in the churches where the people are comfortable. They will not go anywhere out of their comfort zone. There was more discussion regarding the issue of “safety”. There was a motion and a second to end the meeting at 5 pm and it was approved.