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Discussion of Community Connection and Bringing People Together for Reasonable Discourse
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To: Honorable President Scott Means and Members of the Social Service Human Relations Board
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At the October 26, 2023 meeting Social Service Human Relations Board (SSHRB) members agreed to begin a discussion of community connections and bringing people together for reasonable discourse. A broader community discussion may be included into the City's Season for Nonviolence activities.
BACKGROUND
At the October 26, 2023 SSHRB meeting, under Board Discussions, Non-Agenda items, Board Member Bryant shared concerns in the community about an increase in racial, antisemitic and offensive comments being posted on local social media platforms. In particular many local residents are feeling distressed and agitated by the recent war and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
SSHRB has a history taking an active role in fostering "mutual understanding, respect, equality and goodwill among community groups" as specified in the Alameda Municipal Code (AMC 2-9.4b). For example in March 2016, during a time of heightened national Islamophobia and anti-immigrant rhetoric, SSHRB and the Alameda Unified School District jointly hosted a forum on "Muslim Students in America" (see Exhibit 1: "Muslim Students in America" press release). SSHRB also co-sponsors the annual Season of Nonviolence Student Speech Contest to promote Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s vision of a "beloved community."
DISCUSSION
This item is for Board discussion on this topic. SSHRB may consider implementing its ideas during the City's Season for Nonviolence between January 30 and April 4. Some ideas may include hosting:
* An author or featured speaker event followed by a moderated discussion, which may be jointly hosted with the Alameda Free Library.
* A community workshop on de-escalation training that may provide practical techniques for diffusing a heated situation or for approac...
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