pages: SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard/2008-05-22.pdf, 3
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SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard | 2008-05-22 | 3 | Regular Minutes of the SSHRB, May 22, 2008 Meeting Page 3 Chen - is this something we abide by, each of the articles in the Human Rights statement? Wasko - It is more a guide, a dream or aspiration. Soglin - International law has very little impact in this area. Wasko - Everyone of us comes to this meeting once a month, there has to be something we see as a possibility. I agree with Cathy about baby steps. We've co sponsored the Season for Non Violence, the immigration forum with the League of Women Voters, the forums on racial profiling and cultural history with the College of Alameda. The fact that ATAH exists as well says that we believe rights should be protected; are there ways that we want to shout louder? Franz - Some people you will never reach, and some you will reach when you talk in moderation. I think you lead by example, and that it has to be a conversation. You can raise the bar so much that people in gray area see you as adversaries. Have to be able to maintain the dialogue. Chen - We can address human relations issue. For example, our citywide survey took 1-2 mins in a Council meeting because of connection with sister cities. We could focus on it more. Nielsen - I believe in having a loud voice when an incident arises; other than that I think education and awareness is our role. Franz - A few years ago there was a hate crime in Alameda. Right after this happened, I was part of the group protesting outside City Hall saying there was No Room for Hate in Alameda. But, the group chant changed to down with the police. That's not something I agreed with, but when you are in a crowd it looks like you are part of that idea. When reacting, you must be very careful because the sentiment of the crowd can change fast into something you don't agree with and don't have control over. Soglin - I had a similar experience at a protest in Washington DC, when the media used my photograph and misrepresented what I stood for. Villareal - There was a recent issue in alameda when a gay couple was verbally harassed and didn't think police had investigated the matter sufficiently. If sufficient interest is there, ATAH might take up the issue in an upcoming forum. At what point do we decide it's a significant enough issue to have a town hall meeting? Wasko - We' ve done letters to editors, forums, and have many options available to us. That's the kind of watchfulness that we are called to do. With the China visit, we may have more opportunities for public statement. Soglin - The Mayor or Council may receive questions about why we are talking about international human rights, and I think its important to have a response. Chen - What does sister city think about this? | SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard/2008-05-22.pdf |