HomeMy WebLinkAboutBHRCMinutes_2008_02_22Brookings Human Rights Committee
Minutes of the Meeting of February 22, 2008 at 12:00 P.M.
City Hall, 311 Third Avenue
Present: Kristin Asche, Madeleine Andrawis, Ann Marie Bahr, Steve Bayer, George Hamer,
Sandra Moore (new member), Tricia Wek-Visker and Jay Vargas
Not Present: Geoffrey Grant, Kelly Tilmon, and Shari Thornes-City Clerk
1. Call to Order: 12:04 pm.
2. Welcome new member-Sandra Moore
3. Adoption of the agenda was so moved by Kristin Asche, seconded by Madeleine Andrawis
and approved by voice vote.
4. Approval of January minutes was so moved by George Hamer, seconded by Tricia Wek-
Visker and approved by voice vote.
5. Scheduled next meeting: March 27, 2008 at 5:00 pm.
6. Action to approve 2007 Annual Report. **Tabled to March**
7. Wrap-up on MLK Project. “Best/Wonderful venue for the posters/essays;” maybe as a
possible location for next year. Was suggested that the committee reserve that section of
public library for future MLK projects. Tricia informed committee she will contact the public
library to “lock in” the location for next year. Tricia told committee that additional wall space
was provided by the library giving more room to hang up additional posters/essays at one
time. The banner was a success and a great visual guide for the competitive posters.
Committee was informed that people that visited the public library gave positive comments
about the posters/essays and the MLK banner. It was suggested to give a “Thank You” letter
to the following entities: Sioux Valley Electric, Advance Forward, Outlaw Graphics and the
Public Library, for their generosity towards the MLK Project.
8. Possible fund raising event to donate money to the MLK National Monument in
Washington D.C.: it was suggested to contact local businesses about donating to the
monument. During discussion phase of meeting, possible contact with the Swiftel (they
receive city funds) as a possible venue to hold a concert to raise donations/money. A
possible time frame could be the Fall 2008 semester. It was also suggested to combine our
efforts with events already happening and adding the BHRC as a sponsor. It was
recommended that the committee should get in contact with the UPC and other student
organizations to promote the event. This fulfills the service component for the organization in
the eyes of the university. By combining our events, this will be less stressful and less
strenuous on members. Item was recommended to be added to the **March meeting as a
discussion item. **
9. Discussion on frequency of Diversity Potluck: Old Sanctuary is a good location to host
the event. Committee was informed that the venue has been renovated and looks better than
before. Kristin was asked to get in contact with Old Sanctuary Office of possible reserving
the venue. Kristin accepted the responsibility of being the person-in-charge of making
contact. It was recommended that possible Spring 2008 dates be either April 20 or 27. In
addition, it was suggested that the 1st weekend of October and the 3rd weekend in April be
reserved for the event. Kristin informed committee she will call and book a date and time for
the event. It was suggested also to have a type of communication game between the
attendee’s to get to know each other and get over the shyness that usually comes between
individual’s who do not know each other. Need to finalize menu and products needed as
previous events: soft drinks and paper goods. Tricia informed committee that the Forward
Group will provide the paper goods as a donation to the event. **Item is added to the
March Agenda**
****After the meeting, Kristin sent an email about the time
and dates. **** The email is as follows:
“The Old Sanctuary was booked on April 20th and October 5th. I
made an executive decision and booked us for the April 27th and
October 12th. We are also booked for the 3rd Sunday in April, 2009.
The cost will be whatever it was last year. (Neither Nikki or I could
remember the amount.)”
10. Perceptions of evolution in the classroom (infringement of personal beliefs):
committee needs to determine if it is a human rights issue. Steve informed committee that
item will be discussed in the March meeting. Title of issue needs to be clarified prior to
discussion. **March Agenda Item**
11. Upcoming Events Calendar and Announcements:
February 28, 7:00 pm Performing Arts Center: Nasrine Gross “Women of Afghanistan
after the Taliban—Liberated or Terrified?
12. Future Agenda items:
March: a) Action to approve 2007 Annual Report
b) Possible fund raising event to donate money to the MLK National Monument in
Washington D.C.
c) Discussion on frequency of Diversity Potluck
d) Evolution in the classroom (infringement of personal beliefs)
November: formation of nominating committee (January election of officers)
13. Adjournment was voiced by Steve Bayer at 1:01 pm
Submitted by Jay Vargas, Secretary for the Brookings Human Rights
Committee.
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Thornes, City ADA Coordinator, at 692-6281 at least 3 working days prior to
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