Salem Human Rights Coalition

Meeting Minutes | December 5, 2023 Present Members • Alphonse Wright | Chair • Shimon Avish | Treasurer • Veronica Miranda | Member • Captain John Burke | Liaison, Salem Police Department • Kerry Neenan | Liaison, Commission on Disabilities • Laura Assade | Liaison, Salem Public Schools • Katelyn Adams | Liaison, Salem State University • Lucy Corchado | Liaison, Salem State University • Julio Mota | Liaison, City of Salem, Mayor’s Office Present Guests Alan Hanscom, SATV 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 Fundraiser earned $300 from pizza sales. $170 in T-Shirt sales and donations. Winners have been notified, and will follow up on claims by the end of the year. [B] Clerk October minutes emailed. Approved and accepted into Public Record. No November minutes due to our Fundraiser. [C] Treasurer Balance is $1,605.29 – includes Lifebridge donation and Fundraiser. Low on swag; only have sanctuary buttons in English/Spanish. [D] Subcommittee Reports New Arrivals Will be an ongoing need until the City of Salem takes in on like UBI. Poverty trap presentation by Veronica planted the seed and it’s growing. We hope our next initiative will be as successful. Elsabel looped in for support and insight. Will host a meeting in Chelsea with Salem PD (Burke & Wright) – need to set a date. We do have some wiggle room for housing at the moment. https://www.salemma.gov/salem-human-rights-coalition Page 1 of 3  Meeting Minutes | December 5, 2023 Universal Basic Income WE DID THIS. Lori, neighborhood stability coordinator, is starting this program. Now in the hands of the City of Salem; off the table – hooray! Outreach/Engagement We need to determine which community events, SSU events, and events with the City we want to partner on in 2024 so we can develop a SHRC events calendar. Postcards go to renters and homeowners in Salem – we should make one to add! [E] Liaison Reports Burke – Continuing work to monitor, gather, and assess situations, work with veterans, elderly, neighborhood groups, substance abuse, houseless, etc. Work is stressful but rewarding at SPD. No bias related crimes last month. Lucy: “Has there been a rise in Antisemetic activity since October 7th heard about graffiti of a “star of david” and “one run” in North Salem?” Believe it may be gang related or a copycast. Symbols five vs. six pointed stars, crowns, etc. are typically gang related. SPD is part of related protests as a neutral party. Julio – Mobile espacio day. FAQ on encampment issued; people are moving our but it has not been posted. Cleaning out Room 2 ‘No Place for Hate’ banner in there if anyone wants it; otherwise in storage. Jeff Cohen might want it? Kerry – A few things the Disabilities Commission has done in the past year: - Moved forward the idea of having loaner wheelchairs for city visitors. The funding has been approved and Destination Salem is currently working through the logistical process for signing them out. - We established a connection and were able to provide funding for the high schools Unified Sports Team and will continue to consider funding requests from them. - We’ve assisted in paying for the maintenance to the elevator at the little league field at Forest River. - We had a successful Beep Baseball exhibition game in September that showcased adaptive sports. We’re hoping this can be an annual event. - Starting in 2024, the commission will be part of the review process for the outdoor dining permits. It’s a new process and all restaurants will have to attend a meeting of ours and discuss any accessibility concerns. - we were able to get an accessibility option added to see click fix to prioritize accessibility issues. Kate/Lucy – MLK Essay Contest for Elementary, Middle, and High School students on January 24, 2024. $192.50 to sponsor award again. Three (3) $50 Cash prizes and five (5) books $42.50. Motion carried. Centerboard agency research and opportunities, educational outreach, becoming an Minority Serving Institution. https://www.salemma.gov/salem-human-rights-coalition Page 2 of 3  Meeting Minutes | December 5, 2023 Salem Film Fest Long-standing tradition to sponsor a specific film. $300 Vote on your film to sponsor. It is first come, first served to sponsor so be prompt. We get our name and logo featured in the program and during previews, and sponsor lists online, and on screen plus two free tickets. Poster 1/22 notify of choice. 1/30 program. Good exposure. Motion carries. New Business for Next Meeting Next two meetings we need to amend bylaws to dovetail Mayor’s liaison with Treasurer or Liaisons becoming a coalition officer i.e. Treasurer. As it is now, they cannot be officers. Or appoint a non-liaison as Treasurer. 2024 focuses? Kerry: Housing is such an omnipresent issue… Julio: Rent control? Combating disinformation, coordinated responses… Pam: Environmental Justice. Shimon: Authoritarianism and the election. Upcoming Events None. New Business None. Next Scheduled Meeting is January 2, 2024 at 5:30 PM. Adjournment. https://www.salemma.gov/salem-human-rights-coalition Page 3 of 3