City of Salem
No Place For Hate Committee
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 4th, 2007
4:00 pm
In Attendance: Shawn Newton, Clare Ritchie, Larry Keegan, Maggi Smith-Dalton, Mickey Northcutt, Joanne McCrea, Tom Watkins
Introduction and Mission Statement
After an introduction of group members, the group discussed drafting their own mission statement. Tom said he would email out to the group sample mission statements from area No Place for Hate Committees. The group would like to keep in line with the general mission statement used by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), but would also like to have their own statement specific to them.
ADL Controversy
The group next discussed the ongoing controversy at the ADL regarding the stance of the National ADL’s Office on the Armenian Genocide. The group agreed that the entire ordeal was handled poorly by the National ADL Office and applauded the regional office and Andrew Tarsy, the ADL’s New England Regional Director, for their efforts and stance on the issue. The group would like to draft their own mission statement and use that statement as a baseline in writing their response letter to the National Office of the ADL. The group would like to continue the No Place for Hate program in Salem and will write a letter in support of the recent actions taken by the Andrew Tarsy and the Regional Office. Maggi said she will work on a draft letter and have it ready for the next meeting for the group
to review.
International Peace Day
Clair reported to the group that International Peace Day is September 21st. She said that Megan Woodcock is continuing in her efforts of erecting Peace Poles in some of the City’s parks and will be holding ceremony’s for each new pole.
Projects and Ideas for the Coming Year
The group next discussed potential projects/events they would like to organize in the coming year. They are:
· Non-Violence Panel: to be held at a school or after school program (possibly at Larry’s For Kids Only after school day care program.
· Wiccan Community Panel: the group discussed hosting such a panel which would discuss stereotypes and current issues which have plagued the Wiccan community – both at the national and local level. Maggi will contact a couple people she knows who may be interested in leading such a panel discussion.
· Muslim Issues: The group discussed hosting a panel discussion on Muslim issues and current events. Mickey knew of a similar panel which was held at the Beverly library. Shawn mentioned reaching out to the Muslim Student Association at Salem State College and asking for their participation in the event as well. It was mentioned that either Salem State College, Old Town Hall or the Peabody Essex Museum would be good locations to hold such a penal. Mickey will put Tom in contact with the gentleman who organized the Beverly event.
· Gay/Lesbian Panel: Joanne and Mickey discussed hosting a panel discussion on recent gay and lesbian issues faced at the national, state and local level. It was stated that the month of June would be a good timeframe for such an event since it is the month which recognizes gay/lesbian awareness. Joanne will look into getting a film which may be of help for this initiative.
The next meeting of the No Place for hate Committee is scheduled for Tuesday October 2, 2007 at 4:30 pm and will be held in the 3rd Floor Conference Room at 120 Washington Street.
Meeting adjourned at 5:30 pm.
Minutes recorded by Tom Watkins
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