Community Relations Commission

Community Relations Commission Meeting Wednesday, May 5, 2021 7:00 – 8:30 pm Virtual Meeting I. Call to Order 7:02 pm. II. Welcome everyone. III. Roll Call – Present: Colleen Attwell, Katie Sivak, Erica Nelson, Larniecia Smith, Jennifer Sever, Rachel Bautista, Kay Frederick, Krista Selvey, Laura Peccarelli, Tony Asta, and Saleha Jawaid. IV. Approval of Minutes – Tony made a motion to approve April 2021 minutes. Laura seconded the motion. All members approved the motion. V. Old Business o Committee Updates –  Good Citizens Awards (Krista) – All votes were tallied and 13 winners were selected. Five adults, six students and two groups. Winners will also be announced publicly at City Council meeting on May 17. Winners will be notified via email and letter from the City and gift boxes with Wheaton items/awards, along with yard signs will be delivered the weekend of May 14th.  Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month (Rachel) – Activities include page on City’s website, partnership with Wheaton Public Library including book discussion and adult/youth programs, and webinar with Asian American Christian Collaborative on the topic of Stereotypes that Harm the Asian American Community. Rachel proposed a payment of $150 for speakers’ fees for this project. Tony seconded the motion. All members approved. Tony is also talking to some local churches about a resolution/statement regarding violence against Asian Americans.  Festival of Cultures (Tony) – Some of the cultural groups are interested in an in- person event this year and some are not. Discussion of how to work around this via virtual activities, timed entrances, limited booths, etc.  Make a Difference Day (Larniecia) – Brainstorming session was held with four members of the community. Discussion around expanding Make a Difference Day to a year-round activity via a calendar of volunteer opportunities. VI. New Business – o Annual Report – The 2020 Annual Report is due soon. If you were a lead on a project/event for 2020, please send a brief write-up to Tony by May 14th. o Commission Positions – Slate of Officers for the next year was presented. Tony Asta (Chair), Colleen Attwell (Vice Chair), Krista Selvey (Secretary), Saleha Jawaid (Treasurer), Jen Sever/Rachel Bautista (Communications Leads). Tony made a motion to approve the slate of officers, Erica seconded the motion. All commissioners approved the motion.  We will also add a new sub-committee to work on current activities around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion which includes Black History Month, Women’s History Month, etc.  COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION DRAFT MEETING MINUTES May 5, 2020 VII. Adjournment – 8:03 pm. Tony motioned to adjourn, Krista seconded the motion. All members approved the motion. VIII. Next meeting: Wednesday, June 2, 2021. 2