Auburn Human Rights Commission
Minutes from December 4, 2002 meeting
Members: Present (P; Absent, (A); Excused (E)
Karen Sheftic-Burns, Ex.Dir.: P Fred Richardson, Comm.; P
Zan Liebowitz, Sec.; P Judah Rodriguez-Sierra; P
Fr. Stephen Mack; P Loretta Snell; E
Gwendolyn M. Jones; P Valerie Bauhofer; E
Kent Brandstetter; P Anthony DeCaro; p
Members Present: 8 ; Members Absent: 0 ; Members Excused: 2
Meeting called to order at 5:06 p.m. Last month’s Board minutes approved. motion/second by: K. Brandstetter/S. Mack
Monthly Intakes: November monthly intakes (32 total) on various issues including: requests for legal assistance, racial slurs, housing matters, harassment, employment/termination, etc…from individuals contacting the office in-person or via the telephone.
Board Member Comments: Low intake, usually around the holidays. Karen followed up on the racial slur that was painted on the Post Office. Findings: Police report filed, slur to be cleaned.
Juneteenth Day 2003: Contacted Vanessa Johnson for guest booking. Ms. Johnson is interested and HR will confirm with written follow-up
Board Member Comments: Karen will try to get money and students involved from Genesee Elementary and Owasco Elementary schools.
Native American Month (November): Contacted various Native American organizations locally and Syracuse for information on professional presenters. After numerous attempts at contact, the S.H.A.R.E. group (locally) provided no response to date. Syracuse groups provided booking and fee information but were not available until next year. These groups offer important insight into their culture and it’s important for the community to hear their voice.
Board Member’s Comments: St. Marie’s closed because of funding cuts by Onondaga County. One Native American group exists (from Syracuse) but will not commit until next year.
Human Rights Scholarship: Completed layout and design of fundraiser self mailer. Waiting on price quotes from MDI Printing (Syracuse). Jacobs Press (Auburn) quoted the following fees: 8.5”x11” with 2 color, 2 sided, folded, no ink bleeds in the amount of 100=$234, 200=$251, 500=$285. The same with ink bleeds are 100=$236, 200-$256, 500=$297. The double self mailer price quotes are as follows: 250 count=$220, 500 count =$317. This mailer will be used throughout the year.
HR has also communicated our wish to AHS and have the authority in the selection of the HR Scholarship candidate earlier in the Fall. Commission members, at the last meeting, suggested included a one paragraph statement that expresses the student’s views on why the scholarship is important to them. While the commission may announce the scholarship along with the high school, we’ll use their General Form application. The written part can be offered as “optional” to avoid student confusion.
Board Member’s Comments: Fred suggested that we wait until after the Christmas holidays to send the brochures. pre tax time donations are usually appealing.
AHR : AHR Commission Members attended the Association of Local Human Rights Commission of New York State, Inc. reception in Ithaca, NY for the Ambassador to the Republic of Zambia. Members had an opportunity to meet and speak with the Ambassador along with meeting various representatives from other human rights groups. For complete details on the Ambassador’s address, please see the attached commentary.
Board Member’s Comments: Met the Director of Dutchess County Human Rights and Ithaca Human Rights. Karen will continue to communicate with them. Shared good information on programs, budgets and politics.
Kettle Kickoff: HR attended the Salvation Arms “Kettle Kickoff” that begins their season of fundraising for the community needs.
Board Member’s Comments: Karen will call the Salvation Arms to arrange for Human Rights to help with their fundraising.
Homesite: HR attended the Homesite monthly Board Meeting. Discussion of various issues pertaining to housing. Additionally, Tom Fallichio, Director was the Auburn Human Rights presenter at our last meetings Public Forum and Commission Inservice. This was noted at the Homesite meeting and duly thanked for the wealth of information be provided on Section 8 housing.
Board Member’s Comments: Discussion.
Wells College: Contacted Wells College Professor Bill Roberts and offered a Student Internship opportunity for an extended January term. Complete schedule breakdown was also provided. The work would revolve around planning for Woman’s History Month in March. No response to date…
Board Member’s Comments: Re: Black History Month at East Middle: Kent suggested that the Human Rights should participate in some manner of support.
Annual Report: The second mailing of the HR Annual Report was completed this month for informational and promotional purposes.
Board Member’s Comments: Discussion.
New Business:
Monthly Budget: Discussion
Card to former Commission Member: HR will send a card to Rachel Mohammed (former member having health problems).
Old Business: None
Motion/Second to accept the Director’s Report: A. Decaro/K.Brandstetter
Adjournment: Motion/Second: K.Brandstetter/Fr. Mack at 6:20 p.m.
Minutes submitted by: Zan Liebowitz, Human Rights Commission Secretary
THE NEXT HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION BOARD MEETING TO BE ANNOUNCED.
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