Salem Human Rights Coalition

Meeting Minutes | May 2, 2023 Present Members • Alphonse Wright | Chair • Shimon Avish | Treasurer • Pamela Geiser | Clerk • Katelyn Adams | Liason, Salem State University • Julio Mota | Liason, City of Salem, Mayor’s Office • Kerry Neenan | Liaison, Commission on Disabilities • Captain John Burke | Liaison, Salem Police Department • Veronica Miranda | Member • Elise Towle Snow | Member Present Guests Chris Fuccione, Salem Democratic Committee Coordinator Alan Hanscom, SATV Laura Assade Chloe Pan (new Salem resident) Meeting called to order, recording initiated. Welcome and Introductions. Opportunity for Public Comment. • None Governor’s Statement, read by Chair. Reports from Coalition [A] Chair Subcommittees and Annual Focus – Chair of Race Equity Commission has invited us to a social gathering on May 27th – more details to come. Negro Election Day Celebration July 15 th – Salem United offering free-of-charge tabling. More info to come. [B] Clerk Minutes were emailed to the Coalition on April 5th – unanimously approved and accepted into Public Record. [C] Treasurer Balance $225.29; No changes since last meeting. Low on swag; only have sanctuary buttons in English/Spanish. [D] Subcommittee Reports New Arrivals Discussed issue of new arrivals who show up in Salem and make their way to the police station, new to US overall, no connections and can’t just stay with family or friends. Happens a couple times a month or not at all; sporadic. Looking for a solution. Nothing right https://www.salemma.gov/salem-human-rights-coalition Page 1 of 3  Meeting Minutes | May 2, 2023 there and then; need to learn immigrant families are not walking the streets so something is happening, need to learn the process. May have someone come speak about local immigrant networks in Salem. Chelsea Collaborative involved, meeting incoming. Laura Assada: Consider collaborating schools, enrollment in public schools; family resource center in Shetland Park if anyone needs support. Schools can contribute through newcomer committee. SHRC should begin these talks. Motion made that SHRC begins Newcomer Committee, which is seconded and carried. Laura will be in next New Arrivals subcommittee to continue these discussions. Universal Basic Income Speak to state representatives regarding H3598. Representative Cruz asked to meet and have not heard back. Need to temperature check. 3-year pilot with 100 families too long, not enough. Want to speak to Manny first; if it doesn’t seem like support is in the House/Sentate, bring it locally to our City representatives to see where they stand. Coalition role would be research and advocacy - mainly Mayors for Guaranteed Income - get aligned via Mayoral involvement. Outreach/Engagement Need to determine what we want to represent and how to get our mission out there. New Arrivals are a good starting point, per Kerry, and Julio mentioned Welcome Immigrant Network City of Salem $12,000 Grant for immigrant inclusion. Don’t have to be immigrants, can be interested individuals who are part of the work. Consider fundraiser resources and what partnerships currently exist between us and our community stakeholders. Develop a framework and make connections that make sense for our current focuses. Elise Suggested staffing SHRC table at Salem Arts Festival on June 2nd, June 3rd, and June 4th 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. commitment. Someone needs a 10x10 tent/table and can share the space with Kerry at CPAC. Free spot. Enrichment style. Maybe make buttons? Bubbles and smiles? Motion made to do only one day, motion seconded and carried. Button tops/backs need to be purchased. Donation jar for fundraising! Shimon There is room for us to tackle both UBI and New Arrivals. Motion to move forward with both. Seconded and carried. [E] Liaison Reports Kerry – Kate Fox and Stacia Cooper from Destination Salem are discussing a potential Wheelchair Loaner Program re: insurance and will follow-up to see minutes from that discussion. Kate - Graduation approaching! VP of Inclusive Excellence being hired at SSU. https://www.salemma.gov/salem-human-rights-coalition Page 2 of 3  Meeting Minutes | May 2, 2023 Burke - Graffiti of an anti LGBTQIA+ under investigation; will follow-up next month. Bylaws Revisions Denise Suggestion - add date in bylaws for elections as a regular occurrence. Pam Suggestion - Arial or Calibri font for accessibility. Shimon Suggestion – Why committee versus coalition – no reason; will amend. Three focuses could be too many. Define Quorum within the document. Section 5 Removal based on 6 missed meetings instead of 8 before asked to resign. Members to email updates to Alphonse. Upcoming Events Julio - May 20th Noon AAPI Month Flag Raising; 6/6 Pride Month. New mayor – go vote! Veronica - May 19th 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Rainbow Terrace election for resident organization if anyone is interested in helping flyer Rainbow Terrace. 5/20 10:00 a.m. to Noon meet at corner of Loring and Rainbow Terrace. Next Scheduled Meeting June 6, 2023 at 5:30 PM Adjournment https://www.salemma.gov/salem-human-rights-coalition Page 3 of 3