Chestertown Equity Advisory Committee
Monthly Business Meeting
Tuesday, October 12, 2021
7:00 PM
Call to Order –
Due to technical difficulties, the meeting was called to order at 7:22 PM.
Approval of Minutes –
Mr. Queen moved that the minutes from the previous meeting be approved, which was seconded by several members. The motion for approval passed unanimously.
1 Year Anniversary of EAC –
In recognition of the one-year anniversary of the formation of the Equity Advisory Committee, members present were asked to give the reflection, good or bad, or the past year. Items discussed included:
The committee had a big, bold vision or dream. Although bureaucracy sometimes bogged down progress, the committee persevered to accomplish much of that dream.
Members were proud to be a part of the group. The biggest success may have been bringing people from the community together that may have never otherwise interacted. The connections made between groups and individuals may end up being the most valuable part of the committee’s work.
The EAC had a vison, mission, and objectives. The committee strived to meet those objectives and implement them. Although the committee may not have accomplished all it had hoped, great strides were made.
Book Club –
The second installment of “On the Courthouse Lawn,” presented by the James Taylor Remembrance Coalition, will take place on October 14th from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. Links to the discussion can be found on the Charles Sumner Hall website as well as the Chestertown Unites website. If anyone is still interested in getting a copy of the book, they should contact Mr. Queen.
Future of EAC –
The 16-month term of the Equity Advisory Committee ends in January 2022, to coincide with the transition with the newly elected town officials. Input was sought from the members about what they believed were successes for the committee. Some of that input included:
The door for dialogue has been opened and more communication is occurring because of the committee than was happening before the committee was formed.
More work needs to be done in order to make Chestertown to a better place for EVERYONE to live.
Inroads have been made to make Chestertown a place where seeds can be planted and grown. Discussions have led different groups within Chestertown to realize that we are not that much different.
The diversity training in coordination with Washington College has been a great success. It has made the College look at itself as part of a larger community and made the college rethink their ways of doing things.
The EAC did more than check boxes. It accomplished things that never would have happened without the committee. The committee and its members continue to “move the needle forward” and continue to move forward with the work to be done.
Many kudos to John Queen and the leadership he brought the committee. Many of the accomplishments made a due to his leadership and hard work.
Work Ahead… –
Looking toward the November meeting, members will be asked what they feel the direction of the EAC should be in the future. Should it keep the same membership? Should the 16-month term be extended? Should the committee be dissolved? What directions should the committee give to the mayor and town council for the future?
Survey –
During the November meeting, the committee will develop a survey for the committee members, the mayor, and the town council to complete. Possible questions for the survey were discussed. Possible questions included:
What community concerns do you see that need to be addressed?
What is the greatest need in order to unite Chestertown?
How does the town and council identify community leaders?
What is the town going to do to pay homage to minority groups; both symbolic and through policy/laws?
Community members can give their input by sending an email to CHESTERTOWNEQUITYADVISORY@GMAIL.COM
Public Comment –
There was no one in attendance for public comment.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:48 PM.
Minutes respectfully submitted by committee member Thomas Hayman