HomeMy WebLinkAbout19.08.12 - Minutes, Diversity & InclusionWashington County Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Meeting Minutes
August 12, 2019
Opening
The regular meeting of the Washington County Diversity and Inclusion Committee was called to order on
time on August 12, 2019 in 100 West Washington Street by Committee Chairperson Mr. Arthur Hicks at
5:35pm.
Present
Arthur Hicks, Zsun-nee Matema-Miller, Carlos Reyes, Maria Wentzel, Melissa Williams, Emily Keller, and
Carlos Mellott. Members of the Public in attendance: Mr. Wentzel, Mr. Tereance Moore, Mr. Reggie
Turner, and Ms. Tekesha Martinez. Commissioner Keefer participated in the meeting via telephone.
Old Business:
The meeting was called to order at approximately 5:35pm at 100 W. Washington Street in Hagerstown.
Chairperson Hicks and the group revisited the Committee Member formation of Subcommittee
responsibilities pursuant to By -lays (Article III). Members discussed the progress of the formation of
their subcommittees.
New Business:
Ms. Matema Miller informed the group about the Race and Real Talk Event in Keedysville, MD.
Mr. Mellott presented the ideas regarding the listening tour, outreach to the community, and the
finalization of a press release to be shared at the next County Commissioner Meeting on August 27th
with the intent of announcing public meeting dates for the listening tour as well as sharing that we have
been invited to several community group meetings such as the Rotary Club, Sunrise Club, etc.
Discussion occurred around whether to invite all municipalities.
The group also discussed making a request to amplify the definition of diversity in the bylaws and charge
set forth by the County Commissioners.
Mr. Mellott made a motion to approve the idea of the listening tour and to approve the building of a
specific tab on the Commissioner Website for the use of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee to share
information with the public. This was seconded by Mr. Reyes and a vote in favor was unanimous. Mr.
Mellott also made a motion to agree to review electronically the Press Release. This motion also passed
unanimously.
Ms. Matema Miller presented discussion about developing a cultural presentation to raise awareness in
the community.
Requests went to Mrs. Williams about specific data that the Committee could find useful in committee
wo rk.
Action Items:
Out reach to Community Groups- Ms. Keller has a list of community organizations.
Finalize dates/times for listening tour at Hancock Public Library and the Hagerstown Library.
Finalize press release electronically in preparation for the 27tH
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Mr. Turner commented that any outreach efforts must include Bethel Gardens, Jonathan Street
Community, Barbershops, Salons, and Churches. Mr. Turner also suggested certain data points that
could be helpful such as: population vs minority owned businesses, population growth vs minority police
hiring, and finally employment data specific to race and ethinic background.
Mr. Moore spoke about the need for a mission statement and shared that the United Way already has a
lot of the data we are looking for (to not reinvent the wheel). Mr. Moore also suggested using Volunteer
Geenie and to publicize meeting times.
Ms. Martinez suggested using Mediation First in order to facilitate the listening tour sessions.
The meeting was adjourned by Chairperson Arthur Hicks at approximately 7:10 pm. The next general
meeting will tentatively occur on _September 9,_at 5:30.
Minutes submitted by:
Carlos Mellott, Secretary
Approved by: X/
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Arthur Hicks, Committee Chair