CommUNITY Alliance

STERLING HEIGHTS CommUNITY Alliance Minutes of Wednesday, July 28, 2021 Meeting Location: Sterling Heights City Hall Conference Room 020 Members Present: Stacy Bahri, Tim Doppel, Ricardo Harris, Lea Mitchell, Nakia Powell-Thomas, Rich Rubba Members Absent: Sara Itoh Representing the City: Dawn Schultz Meeting called to order at 6 :06 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES : Motion to approve the meeting minutes of the June 16, 2021 CommUNITY Alliance made by T. Doppel; Seconded by: N. Powell-Thomas Ayes: all Nays: none AGENDA ITEMS: A. Strategic Plan Discussion (T. Doppel)  T. Doppel gave some background on his career, stating that he was a business consultant and has done many strategic plans over the years. A good strategic plan will answer these six questions: who, what, where, why, when and how. T. Doppel wrote out in what order we need to answer these questions: 1. WHO? – CommUNITY Alliance 2. WHY? – our vision that leads into our mission 3. WHAT? – strategic plan, which is our long term plan 4. HOW? – goals and objectives 5. WHERE? & WHEN? – our activities  T. Doppel asks everyone to grab a pen and paper and to take the next five minutes answer the following question: “As it relates to diversity and inclusiveness, in a perfect word what would Sterling Heights look like to you, today?” Each members went around the room and shared what they wrote. The group took the next 30 minutes of discussion and took bits and pieces of each of their statements to come up with one collaborative statement that defines their vision for the city of Sterling  Heights. The vision statement created is: “We will build a culture within Sterling Heights that intentionally honors and celebrates all people”. Next, the group’s mission statement was created from that same dialog. The mission statement is as follows: “To create an inclusive environment that is intentional about celebrating acceptance of all people through education, exposure, and events to make Sterling Heights a destination for all.”  R. Harris pointed out that there is already a mission and vision that was given to everyone when the alliance was created. He wanted to make sure that the group would be able to change each of these and would not have to keep the mission and vision that was created by the city. L. Mitchell says we will move forward with changing both.  T. Doppel suggested that we stop here and at our next meeting discuss our “why”. He added that our why is our long term plan. L. Mitchell asked T. Doppel what he needs from everyone before our next meeting. T. Doppel says to think about long-term goals. These are going to be big and broad statements. For example; leadership, media issues, cultural or celebrations. Next month, the group will narrow it down to 4-5 words.  R. Harris had an idea that at some point in time, we as the alliance put together a night with all the other commissions to bring everyone together. L. Mitchell added that at the Cultural Exchange they had a table next to the African American Coalition, and the Ethnic Community Committee hosted the event. A lot of people were very confused at what the difference is between all three groups. N. Powell-Thomas added that this would be a great opportunity for all commissions to get out their vision and mission because they are in existence and not everyone knows about them. B. Diversity Distinction Awards  L. Mitchell shared information about the Diversity Distinction Awards Dinner held on Tuesday, September 30 at Century Banquet Center hosted by the Ethnic Community Committee. She stated that they are seeking nominations of individuals and businesses that champion diversity. She asked the group if everyone would be interested in getting a table at this event and the cost is $30 per person and everyone agreed.  S. Bahri has been at the event in the past and explained that there is a dinner, cultural performance/dance, a short program and words from the mayor, a guest speaker and the awards. D. Schultz added that this year’s guest speaker will be Larry Spruill of WDIV. C. Preliminary Oktoberfest Ideas Motion to table this agenda item to our next meeting made by L. Mitchell; Seconded by R. Rubba Ayes: all Nays: none OLD BUSINESS:  There was no old business at this time. NEW BUSINESS :  L. Mitchell shared that she got a decent amount of volunteers that signed up at the cultural exchange event. Everyone seemed very eager to help in the future. She added that she spoke to the rotary club and they would like to work together down the road. She also spoke to the new program coordinator from the Library and she was very excited to hear about the alliance and wants to assist us in away way possible including bringing a diverse author in, having a panel discussion and using space at the library.  L. Mitchell will not be able to attend the next meeting because she will be on a family vacation. ADJOURNMENT : On a motion from R. Harris and a second from S. Bahri, the meeting was adjourned at 7:17 p.m.