TASK FORCE INFORMATION:

OUR NEXT MEETING BE HELD IN PERSON, ON MONDAY, MAY 20TH FROM 7:00-9:00PM AT THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, LOCATED ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE POST OFFICE. PARKING IS AVAILABLE IN THE LOT BEHIND THE CHURCH, IN THE POST OFFICE, OR ON LINDEN STREET.  USE THE HANDYCAP ENTRANCE ON LINDEN STREET. THERE WILL BE SOMEONE AT THE DOOR TO DIRECT YOU TO THE MEETING ROOM. 

THE TASK FORCE HAS REACHED A POINT WHERE WE NEED TO HAVE A FRANK DISCUSSION TO REFLECT ON SEVERAL ISSUES FACING THE TASK FORCE AS WE MOVE FORWARD.  WE NEED TO IDENTIFY WHAT PROGRAMS MEMBERS FEEL PASSIONATE ABOUT, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, WHO IS WILLING TO PARTICIPATE IN THOSE PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES.

CHERYL HAS ENGAGED A FACILITATOR TO HELP US STAY FOCUSED DURING THIS DISCUSSION.  ATTACHED BELOW IS A QUESTIONNAIRE TO HELP YOU DEVELOP YOUR OWN THOUGHTS BEFORE THE MEETING.   

THIS MEETING MAY BE THE MOST IMPORTANT SINCE CLARK TAYLOR FORMED THE TASK FORCE ABOUT 20 YEARS AGO.  YOUR IMPUT WILL BE CRITICAL. 

PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ATTEND.

AGENDA:

7:00PM Call to Order

7:05PM Approve Minutes from last meeting, copy attached.  Thank you Bill Okerman for transcribing the Minutes.

7:10PM GERRY:  Remarks about the Meeting, form attached.  Please bring a copy to the meeting

7:15PM Cheryl to explain process for the discussion about the future of the Task Force; Introduce facilitator.

7:25PM Discussion

8:45PM Member concerns

9:00PM Adjourn

I hope to see you on Monday evening.  I will make every endeavor to start the meeting at 7:00PM sharp.  We have a lot to discuss.

Gerry Rovner

Attachments:

  1.  Minutes:

Needham Area Immigration Justice Task Force 

April 8, 2024 Meeting Minutes

Attendees: Bev Freeman, Gerry Rovner, Bill Okerman, Cheryl Aglio-Ghirelli, Val Kistler,

Eleanor Shore, Eryn Ryan Cavalli, Cynthia Ganung, Roland Stern, Susan Sloane, Diego Low 

Meeting begins at 7:30 pm.

Gerry asks about the adoption of our minutes from our prior meeting on March 11. All are in favor of it. 

Gerry asks Bill to give information about the Task Forces finances. Bill presents a finance report for FY2024 through April 8, 2024. Current bank balance is $1,824.11. Bill states that we paid Stellar Story Company $750 for Suitcase Stories Unpacked and that we are awaiting payment of the $400 grant from the Needham Council for Arts and Culture. Cheryl asks that we consider how much the Task Force would be willing to contribute to the Suitcase Stories program. Gerry says donations can be sent to Bill.

Gerry asked Bill to speak about the status of legislation. Bill says the legislation to protect injured workers, which Casa is particularly interested in, has been favorably reported to the House Ways and Means Committee and the Legislature has until July 31—the end of the Legislature’s formal session—to act upon it. The bill will focus on enforcement.  

Gerry asks Cheryl to give an update on the Suitcase Stories program. Cheryl says things are still not settled regarding the venue and mentions numerous possibilities that are being considered. The remaining possible venues are Pollard, Wellesley College, and possibly the Congregational Church. The Suitcase Stories committee will be meeting on April 9 to make a decision about the venue. Cheryl asks that we consider how much the Task Force will contribute to the event. Cheryl says it is still under discussion who will be the cosponsors of the event and what organizations the proceeds from the event will be donated to. There is extensive discussion about the format of the event. The date for the event will be June 20. Tickets will be $25.

Gerry asks Diego to update the meeting on activities at Casa. Diego mentioned possible storytellers from Casa. Cheryl says they would be welcomed and that the committee would be making a decision about storytellers next week.

Gerry speaks about the information he sent out in his April 5 “From the Chair” about the Knights of Columbus Packathon, where they pack dry goods and meals and send them to Haiti. They are seeking volunteers and financial support.

Gerry asks for assistance in redoing the Task Force’s brochure. Current brochure is obsolete.

Gerry raises the issue of nominations for new leadership for the Task Force for the next fiscal year, July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. Gerry will be stepping down as president of the Task Force on June 30, 2024. Gerry says that Bill has also said he will step down as vice president and treasurer on June 30, 2024. There is a discussion about a nominating committee and nominations. Cheryl suggests creating a steering committee for nominations. Diego suggests expanding Task Force’s reach to other communities. Eryn asks about Task Force’s bylaws and says it is important to create a strategic plan and express the Task Force’s public persona in addition to choosing new leadership. Bill will email bylaws to Eryn. Gerry suggests a meeting to discuss all these issues.

Gerry mentions an event that Cynthia had sent him information about called “Community Conversations on Race” on May 2, 6:30 to 8:00 pm, at the Center at the Heights. Gerry will include details in his next “From the Chair” email.

Meeting adjourns at 9:04 pm.

2.  Questionnaire

Other not otherwise listed

Please print legibly!

NAME: _______________________________________________

Email _______________________________________________

Best phone number to reach you: __________________________________

TURN THIS COMPLETED SHEET IN TO GERRY OR CHERYL BEFORE YOU LEAVE TONIGHT