05/14/2019 MASHPEE INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY COMMITTEE Minutes

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re-initiation of the Committee, as well as the contact information. The Chair described the Committee as voluntary and not adjudicatory, and meeting in compliance with the Open Meeting Law. The Chair read the purpose statement and described current projects, including an invitation to share experiences and the good things happening in the community. NEW BUSINESS Diversity in Mashpee-The Chair referenced Mashpee Messaging and Town Meetings and questions that appeared regarding the Safe Community Proposal. Ms. Johnson-Graham stated that the current climate was presenting racism issues and she appreciated the Chair's efforts to communicate and educate others about the issues. The Chair shared her thoughts regarding attendance at a variety of activities. Ms. Waterman suggested that her views be identified as such, rather than opinions by the Committee, because the document would become part of the public record for the MIDC. The Chair responded that someone from the Committee should be present to show that there is interest and an intent to identify the needs of the community. Ms. Wilson stated her appreciation for the Chair to attend such meetings and sharing her personal observations, suggesting that her thoughts could be shared, but should not be part of the public record. Ms. Johnson-Graham expressed her appreciation that someone from the Committee was attending the meetings and that the Chair was sharing her experience, and could identify the report as her point of view. The Chair noted that a 1 'h hour committee meeting was not sufficient to share all of the experiences, and drafting the document was a means to share the information, understanding that not all members had time to attend the variety of events, and inquired about the best way to communicate the information. The Chair suggested that the Committee consisted of volunteers and Town representatives, sometimes creating a challenging balance of caution and taking the initiative. Ms. Nadeau noted the importance of this matter which was reflective of the issue of inclusion and diversity work, with differences of point of view. Ms. Nadeau recognized the challenges of volunteers wanting to get work done and others who had experience sitting on Town committees, offering suggestions before a mistake could be made. Ms. Nadeau stated that there were not two separate groups, but that there were two different understandings. The Chair asked how best to address the matter and Ms. DeBoer recommended that the document be titled"J. Marie Stevenson Comments and Observations about Events Attended-Shared at 5/14/19 MIDC Meeting." Ms. Johnson-Graham stated that others want to know about experiences occurring in Mashpee and the Chair echoed that she would like other Committee members to share their stories and experiences. The Chair inquired how best to convey the information from attending events and Ms. Waterman suggested that handouts received at events be shared with Committee members and a 5-10 minute verbal recap of the meeting be shared during the MIDC meeting. There was discussion regarding the differences of how one community would prefer use of the world "Elder"while another community could prefer the use of"Older." Student Representative for Next Year-The Chair reported that, in speaking with the Principal at the high school, two students had expressed interest in serving as representatives to the MIDC, Cheyenne Hendrickson and William Baker. There was consensus from the Committee to appoint both students. Mr. Gonsalves suggested the possibility that one student could represent the Wampanoag community. June Meeting: Election of Officers and Report to the Board-Committee officers would be elected at the next meeting. It was clarified that a report for the Annual Report would not be needed until January and would reflect a timeline for the fiscal year. Fundraising-The Chair contacted the Town Manager by email regarding fundraising who inquired about the needs of the Committee, indicating that $100 could be available for office supplies. Additional funds would need to be discussed further, but an account could be established through the Accounting Department or a line item established under Human Resources or Human Services, and would need to be submitted by the fall. 3