CommUNITY Alliance

STERLING HEIGHTS CommUNITY Alliance Minutes of Wednesday , September 20 , 2023 Meeting Location: City Hall Members Present: Stacy Bahri, Cindy Bjornson, Sandy DelVillano-Marchi, Tatrika Graphenreed, Connie Maciejewski, Michael Mazur, Rich Rubba Members Absent: Representing the City: Melanie Davis Meeting called to order at 6 :04 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES : Motion to approve the meeting minutes of the June 21, 2023 CommUNITY Alliance made by C.Bjornson; Seconded by T. Graphenreed and voted all in favor. AGENDA ITEMS: A. Group Bonding Exercise – M. Davis ran the group through a bonding exercise – what is the best book you’ve ever read? C. Bjornson offered to bring a group bonding exercise to each meeting moving forward. B. Strategic Plan Review / Update s / Roles for 2023-2025 a. The group reviewed the original strategic plan and reported out on progress against objectives. Then the group began working on development of a plan to carry the group through the next few years. b. Updates to the future plan include:  Hosting a session with the Youth Advisory Board at the Macomb Youth Diversity Summit in February 2024  Creation of a social media content calendar, including an “I Am Sterling Heights” campaign led by M. Mazur that highlights the stories of our fellow residents.   Hosting two re-imagined New Resident Meet and Greet Events each year (every six months).  Continuing and expanding our calendar celebrations for events that touch everyone in our community, including partnering with other groups to amplify their existing events and re-imagining ways to recognize and celebrate groups in an impactful and meaningful way.  Adding additional events or initiatives in conjunction with other groups (e.g. an open mic night). c. The group will continue to review and refresh their 2023-2025 strategic plan at the October meeting. OLD BUSINESS: There was no old business at this time. NEW BUSINESS : M. Davis mentioned the upcoming Diversity Distinction Awards dinner on Sept. 27 and Volunteer Banquet on Oct. 12 and encouraged everyone to attend. ADJOURNMENT : The meeting was adjourned at 7:27 p.m. on a motion from M. Mazur and seconded by R. Rubba.