Dual State Civil Rights Committee

Massachusetts & Rhode Island
Thursday, February 2, 2006
Massachusetts State Office
Amherst, Massachusetts

Present: Cecil Currin, STC: Mark Zinan, SAO: Bill Taylor, BEPM; Karen Regish, Member; Melissa Boak, Advisor; Massachusetts; Roylene Rides at the Door, STC; Michelle Moore, FWPM; Rena Shaw, Member

The meeting opened at 10:05.

Roylene informed everyone that Connecticut is branching off on their own and dropped out of the Tri-State Civil Rights Committee. She would like to see Massachusetts and Rhode Island continue to work together as a 2-state committee. All agreed to this.

Roylene also remarked that Rena Shaw will be filling Jades a member position on the Civil Rights Team. Jeannie Comerford will be the new Asian American/Pacific Islander SEPM.

Mark was appointed acting chair for the committee.

Cecil suggested that we hold the committee meeting someplace ½ way between the two states. Michelle Moore will investigate a state park meeting location for the next meeting (Purgatory Chasm). All agreed.

Civil Rights Compliance Checks- Roylene would like to have the committee’s input on the checks as Rhode Island is coming up for the National Review. She would like a Civil Rights staff person to tour field offices to do office reviews.

Training Course-There is a 2 ½ day training course available called Civil Rights Compliance in Program Delivery. MA had the course in 2000 and it was held New England wide in March 2003. Perhaps FY 07 would be another opportunity.


Diversity Day-Members agree to hold off on this year’s Diversity Day and reschedule it for some time in spring 2007.

Mark will be revising the By-laws recruitment plan to reflect Connecticut’s removal from the committee. A revision to the by-laws would be to add a rule #9, adding Outreach and Delivery to underserved clients. Any additional comments should be sent to Mark.

Members agreed to keep 6 SEPMs, 2 State Conservationists, 2 advisors and 2 members on the duel state team. A suggestion was made that the SEPM positions be split equally between members in the two states.

Mark stated that we will need to advertise for a New Disabilities SEPM and a Civil Rights Chairperson.

A reminder was made that March is the month for nominations for the National Civil Rights Committee Award. Roylene asked if as a group, we should think about nominating someone for this award.

The next Committee meeting will be held on May 17th. A midpoint meeting area will be announced.

Meeting adjourned at 11:40.


/Recorder/
Karen Regish
Member

/Approver/
LOUISE LEGOUIS
Chairperson Page Content

Last Modified: 04/16/2007

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