Cultural Connections Committee

Ethnic Awareness Committee Minutes Tuesday August 20, 2013 Nashua City Hall, 2nd floor conference room Members Present: Thomas Lopez (Chair), Paul Bergeron Sharon Dalton, Christine Villeneuve, Janeth Orozco Sanchez, Claudie Mahar, Scott Jacquith. Guests: Shaun Nelson Meeting called to order at 3:40 I. Introductions/ Statement of Purpose A. We are meeting to discuss event planning and community engagement activities to increase awareness and appreciation of diversity in Nashua and facilitate communication between minority populations and the city. Chair clarified that bylaws permit recess during the months of July and August, but that in order to provide continuity of meetings, and to focus on specific action items, meetings were being held if Quorum was present, that are non-mandatory to committee members. Chair has limited discussion and Agenda to reflect this but will resume longer discussion periods and more open agenda in upcoming meetings. This will include subcommittee reporting. B. Introductions/ organizational affiliation/ board status, see attendance C. Approval of Agenda and minutes. Minutes approved with correction to Marianne's name. Agenda approved without objection. II. Open Item updates A. Publicity Update: Brochures were created by Tom and Paul using information already on website. They were printed in time for Latino festival. More copies will be made for committee members. There is also a resource guide created by DMC Scott J. requested copies for schools, Chair requested copies to bring to GNCOC. Paul B, can have them printed. B. Event participation- Latino Festival, Sharon Tom and Janeth attended, Sharon represented Ethnic Awareness Committee at table with brochures. Janeth was available for translation. National Night Out was attended by several committee members, including Scott, Sharon Tom and appointees Janeth and Jared. National night out used to be less education focused and more of a neighborhood safety awareness. In the past there was a procession from old Nashua PAL site on french hill to site on Ash st. Now event is a resource fair that more focuses on education. After discussion, Chair appointed Jared to contact organizers to see if committee could take on stronger supportive role next year in organizing to promote neighborhood awareness, and possibly revive the walking/travelling aspect of event. C. Chair report-meeting with Mayor. Chair presented several projects that were being discussed. Chair is working on strengthening the identities of subcommittees as they relate to the Committee, and trying to build closer associations, by encouraging committee member participation in subcommittees dealing with specific topics at those meetings, and outreaching subcommittee volunteers for participation in other Committee activities.. 1. Budget for monthly Socials was presented. Mayor requested a more specific proposal which Chair has drafted, and was seeking volunteers to review. The initial concept is to create a monthly social event that is accessible to people who may be working during the day, and is a more casual atmosphere in which committee members may engage members of the community, and issues may be brought to committee members. A promotional budget will be included in request as well to support advertising expenses. Chair will put social media discussion on next agenda after checking with City Clerk and Mayor's Liaison regarding social media policies. 2. Leadership project was presented to mayor, and Chair is looking for volunteers to expand on a rough draft of a program design for project. Scott pointed out that there were a number of youth programs already doing similar programs and it would be helpful to identify these to avoid duplicating programs. Chair agreed, and pointed out that though program draft includes a number of local programs, it would be a good idea to engage additional stakeholders. PAL and BGCN had already expressed interest in participating. Chair will forward draft to Janeth, Jared and Scott for review and suggestions 3. Gate City initiative- Chair reported communication from current initiative regarding chairing GCI. Mayor will attend next GCI meeting with Committee Chair to discuss strengthening association and identifying new chair. D. Block Party Updates Chair attended block party meetings for Tree St. neighborhood as he lives equi-distant to French hill and tree streets. Janeth and Jared were appointed to attend meetings to support organizational efforts on behalf of EAC for Tree St Block party at Ash St. Chair will focus on French hill block party at Atherton Park with Library representative. Bernadette will connect with Kathy Vitale who is organizing Nashua High North block party. Mayor's Liaison is organizing block party at Kirkpatrick Park, Andrew Smith agreed in previous meeting to support that project meaning there is participation by EAC members in all four. Chair encouraged other committee members to volunteer at parties near their area to represent the committee. III. Action items: Tom L.  Review social media policy in advance of next month discussion with Scott B and Mary.  Follow up on brochure printing. Anne M.  Attend French Hill Block party organization meeting with Jennifer H.  Bernadette P. contact Kathy Vitale regarding Nashua North block party.  Review monthly social proposal and give feedback.  Jared B. Contact National Night Out organizers.  Coordinate with Ash St. block party.  Review Leadership project proposal.  Janeth O. Review Leadership project proposal and give feedback.  Coordinate Ash St. Block Party.  Scott J. review leadership project proposal and give feedback. Scott J.  Requested discussion on voting process upcoming election. City Clerk discussed voter eligibility and use of affidavits if ID not available. Supporting voter registration is a potential activity for Ethnic Awareness Committee, Chair will put on next month's agenda, IV. Meeting adjourned 4:35 Meeting Minutes taken by Tom Lopez