Lawrence Alliance Minutes

November 14, 2007
Submitted by Deb Taylor, Chair

Members Present:

Sarah Terwelp, Anne Burgess, Mike Monroe,  Carlos Otero, Robbie Derritt, Bob Hubert, Deb Taylor

Members Absent:

Lori Tapahonso, Peter Luckey, Chris Keary, Baha Safadi, Bruce Ney

Staff Present:

Toni Wheeler 

Guests Present:

Lydia Leon, Craig Butler, three KU Journalism students 

Meeting

Deb Taylor called the meeting to order at approximately 6:00 p.m. in the Heritage Room at Plymouth Congregational Church, 925 Vermont. She welcomed Lydia Leon of Centro Hispano as well as the three KU Journalism students who came to observe the meeting for a class assignment. Everyone introduced themselves to Toni Wheeler since this was her first meeting as City Liaison. Minutes of the September 12, 2007 meeting were read. Sarah made and Bob seconded a motion to accept them. The minutes were approved on a voice vote. 

Lydia Leon of Centro Hispano announced that the Hispanic Community Educational Awareness event on Nov 11 at St John's was a success. Board members Sarah, Carlos, Robbie, Baha, and Deb attended the event. Deb acknowledged that Mike prepared the informational handouts on law enforcement and that Carlos' wife made a lot of the food. Carlos and Lydia were responsible for getting the word out to the Hispanic community. Over 100 people attended the event. Suggestions from Board members for next year included providing daycare, preparing more food, and bringing more beverages. The Police officer who addressed the group was extremely well-received by the audience, but the Board felt that he was not able to answer some of the questions as well as a senior officer could have. The Board suggested including more officers at the event next year, and extend invitations to the Douglas County Sheriff's Dept as well as other law enforcement groups. The event also featured a speaker from the Mexican Consulate as well as an immigration attorney. Since the audience wanted to spend more time asking the Police officer questions, the Board suggested that next year's event include only officers (split the events). Deb announced that Baha expressed interest in holding this type of event with the Muslim community.

Bob attended the Chamber-sponsored "Get Downtown" event on Sept 4. He noted that it was extremely crowded. He later mentioned to Mike Amyx that the Alliance would like to be a part of Get Downtown. Mike stated that the organizers expressed interest in making the event larger next year so they might like to hear from us. Deb mentioned that she will contact Cathy Lewis.

Craig Butler told us about the role of the Lawrence School Equity Council, of which he is Chair and Robbie is a Board member. The Council reports to the School Board. It evaluates equity in the Lawrence school district and works with the school system to find solutions to problem areas. Currently, the Council is looking at the following issues: recruiting minority teachers and administrators; recommending a tax increase in order to increase teacher salaries; creating a school curriculum that reflects the role of minorities from a historical perspective; finding a way to assist Spanish-speaking students; understanding why minority males are not achieving in Lawrence schools; and creating alternatives for students who might not be college-bound. The Council meets every third Wed at the LHS Library. Bob Hubert noted that the Council has a positive presence at LHS, where he teaches.

Sarah mentioned that the Douglas County Housing Authority is raising its housing rates because of its decrease in funding. Tenants will be charged flat rates beginning in January 2008 as opposed to rates based on income. Sarah noted that this is already impacting people with whom she has contact (women who are leaving domestic violence situations and are trying to live on their own with limited funds). She fears that some of these people will end up homeless. Sarah stated that she will forward more information to the Board as it becomes available so that we can discuss formulating a response.

Deb thanked Anne for her two-year commitment as a Board member. She expressed that she enjoyed being a part of this organization.  

Adjournment

Sarah made and Anne seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at approximately 7:30 p.m. The motion was approved on a voice vote.

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