Lawrence Alliance Minutes

May 14, 2008
Submitted by Deb Taylor, Chair

Members Present:

 Carlos Otero, Robbie Derritt, Baha Safadi, Lori Tapahonso, Sarah Terwelp, Mike Monroe, Deb Taylor

Members Absent:

Bruce Ney, Peter Luckey, Bob Hubert, Chris Keary, Deb Drummet

Staff Absent:

Toni Wheeler 

Guests Present:

Jennifer Attocknie 

Meeting

Deb Taylor called the meeting to order at approximately 6:00 p.m. in the Heritage Room at Plymouth Congregational Church, 925 Vermont. Minutes of the March 12, 2008 meeting were presented. Robbie made and Baha seconded a motion to accept the Minutes. The minutes were approved on a voice vote. 

The Board discussed the current "community" climate in Lawrence. The Board's feeling is that the economy and current events of the day are making people tense and upset in Lawrence and everywhere. In order to relieve tension and give people a chance to talk about their feelings, the Board suggested sponsoring a series of movies at the Lawrence Library that would encourage people to begin a dialogue. Possible movie ideas are Crash, CSA, and Bunker Hill. Possible locations are the Library (as mentioned) as well as the KU campus. Deb T will ask Santos Nunez about co-sponsoring this event in order to hold it on campus. Members suggested asking Kim Murphree (KLWN 1320 am) and Jeremy Taylor to help us broadcast these events. The Board also mentioned asking Toni W about how we can possibly open a dialogue with groups in downtown Lawrence.

Board members discussed possible reps to invite to the Sept 10 meeting as well as who will invite them:  

Elderly: Deb T will ask Gayle Sigurdson, Kaw Valley Owl (Older Women's League)

Disabled: Sarah will ask Renita

Homeless: Sarah will ask Loring H

Jewish: Sarah will find a rep

Native American: Lori will find a rep

African American: Robbie will ask Donna Bell 

Muslim: Baha will find a rep 

Asian: The Board discussed asking Father Dang as well as possibly someone from the Korean Church in Lawrence

Hispanic: Carlos will find a rep. Deb will ask Lydia to attend as well

Gay/Lesbian: Deb and Bruce will find a rep

Deb will try to speak with Santos Nunez about possible reps as well.

Lori T mentioned that she is resigning from her position at Haskell in order to attend school full-time. She is hoping that she and/or Jennifer Attocknie can attend future meetings more regularly.

The Board discussed future leadership. Robbie mentioned that he would co-Chair the Alliance if Deb stayed on to co-Chair as well.

Sarah T mentioned that she would like for the Alliance to be involved in Take Back the Night on Sept 18.

Adjournment

Sarah T made and Robbie seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at approximately 7:38 p.m. The motion was approved on a voice vote.

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