Salem Human Rights Coalition

No Place for Hate Committee Meeting Minutes November 10, 2015 5:30 PM 120 Washington Street, 3rd Floor Members Present: Chair Jeff Cohen, Treasurer Lucy Corchado, Alison Miller, Shawn Newton, Fara Wolfson Guests Present: Jim Bostick, Elaine Milo (City Councillor) The Chair called the meeting to order at 5:35 and began introductions. Public Comment: A comment was made regarding several preachers broadcasting homophobic messages on Essex Street on October 30th with a community member wanting to know what we are able to do legally, recognizing the right to speak but wanting to create a safer, more positive environment. How to address this warrants further discussion. Tabernacle Church’s Friendship Fair The event was held on November 14th with 100% of proceeds going to other charities in Salem. Mayor Driscoll’s Shoebox Initiative (Iniciativa de Caja de Zapatas): Flyers were distributed and the project, which is being spearheaded by Laura Assade, was discussed with a request for committee members to bring toiletries and shoeboxes to the next meeting (12/1/15). Donations will be accepted at schools and at the Parent Information Center through December 4th. December 1st is World AIDS Day: This year’s commemoration coincides with our next meeting. Gigi/Gary Gill Event begins at First Church in Salem at 6:30 continuing with a tree lighting at Lappin Park. Three local churches will be represented at this event led by Gigi and Mayor Driscoll. Salem Awards Foundation: A taskforce is forming with a local chapter of Black Lives Matter from the Unitarian Universalist Church in Marblehead. Rebecca and Laura will represent NP4H and meet with Shelby Heights. Officer Reports Review minutes from September 1st meeting: Revisions will be emailed to Laura. Shawn made a motion to accept minutes with proposed revisions, Alison seconded the motion. Treasurer reviewed current financials Lucy shared that from the $2524.58 balance, expenses of $1991.85 were paid, which leaves a balance of $532.73. Costs of the promotional materials were included. Chair reported on February Fundraiser Jeff discussed the February 2nd meeting date for a fundraiser at the Adriatic. This comes full circle as the NP4H rock is at that site. This event is open to the public and includes a raffle and a speaker. Suggestion by Alison to secure a snow date. Suggestion by Fara regarding the speaker and the focus of the speech considering that the event coincides with the beginning of Black History Month. Update on Promotional Items The committee discussed the cost of shirts ($25 or $20) and potentially a discounted cost for committee members. The purpose of the shirts is to both raise money and raise awareness. It was decided that we will vote on the cost later. Composition of Committee Membership We will review bylaws at our next meeting, which is also when Dave Eppley will introduce himself. Elaine Milo said she will support the committee in any capacity, especially in honor of City Councilor O’Keefe and the ways in which he supported diversity and inclusion. She acknowledged that his absence creates a huge void nobody can replace. Lucy thanked her for always being supportive and attending events. Jeff added that Jean Rockett, an original member and a champion for people with disabilities and for the elderly, has temporarily withdrawn but if she chooses would be reinstated. December elections will include nominations for Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Clerk. Up for discussion is also adding liaisons from the religious and the school communities. Bylaws can be changed if they remain consistent with state bylaws. Discussion of August Strategic Planning Meeting This meeting helped chart the course for next year, with a discussion of a specific focus or theme to provide a road map for the year ahead. MLK Convocation Donation On the table is the proposal to provide copies of the book Between the World and Me (Ta-Nehisi Coates) for essay contest winners. Committee members discussed reading book. Alison suggested NP4H Tshirts as prizes too. Jim Bostick (guest) suggested that we purchase books from independent bookstore in Salem. Rebecca will share details regarding convocation at next meeting. Hate Crime Diversion Program Update tabled until next meeting. Next Meeting: Tuesday, December 1st at 5:30 PM Meeting was adjourned.