Lawrence Alliance Minutes

September 10, 2008
Submitted by Deb Taylor, Chair

Members Present:

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

Members Absent:

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

Staff Present:

Toni Wheeler

Meeting

Deb Taylor called the meeting to order at approximately 6:10 p.m. in the auditorium at Plymouth Congregational Church, 925 Vermont. She welcomed all guests to our Diversity Roundtable discussion. Minutes of the July 9, 2008 meeting were approved on a voice vote.  

The following guests attended the Board meeting:

Adrian Marquez and Daniel Dorado (invited by Carlos); Jenney and Arthur Burgess, representing OWL; Renita Wilkes, Independence Inc (invited by Sarah); Asra Haq, Nagabat Abbasi, Abdulkhaliq Abdulsalam, Abdulbaki Agbas (invited by Baha).

Board members provided beverages and a meal. Out of respect for guests and Board members who were observing Ramadan, the meal was enjoyed at the end of the discussion. Guests were briefed on the Lawrence Alliance's community purpose as well as the programs we hold (Police Dept Cultural Awareness, Community Educational Awareness, etc).

Guests shared their thoughts on Lawrence and how their communities fit in it. Renita works to educate people on the importance of judging people by their abilities and not their disability. Janney mentioned that the elderly's needs are to be able to hear, having money through retirement, and not being dependent on others. Adrian and Daniel mentioned that members of the hispanic/latino communities are more empowered when they know English and that more would like to learn the language but they work long hours. Asra, Salam, Baki, and Nagabat noted that the Muslim community is made up of people from countries all over the world and they have always felt comfortable and free to practice their faith in Lawrence.

Adjournment

A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting portion of the evening at approximately 7:30 p.m. The motion was approved on a voice vote. Guests and Board members enjoyed a delicious meal prepared largely by Baha and friends.

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