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MINUTES OF THE

TNG-CWA Human Rights and Equity Committee

July 18, 2009

Present: Carl Younger, Natalie Hill, Yoko Kuramoto-Eidsmoe, Matthew Olson, Vernon Clark, Sheila Lindsay, Tiffany Heath, Vincent Proteau (Ka Yan Ng was absent)
Melissa Nelson, Bernie Lunzer, Carol Rothman, Arnold Amber

Melissa Nelson opened the discussion by reminding the committee that it needed to elect a new chair because of former chair Michael D’Souza’s departure.

Natalie Hill nominated Carl Younger and Yoko Kuramoto-Eidsmoe seconded. With no other nominations, Younger was elected by acclamation.

Younger opened a discussion on what the committee might do next by proposing some sort of program based on CWA’s Minority Leadership Institute, but tailored more toward TNG activists.

Lunzer mentioned that TNG can nominate someone for this year’s session.

Younger talked about his ideas of doing an analysis of jobs and offices within TNG leadership to find out what skills and training are necessary in order for newer activists to move into those roles. He also discussed the possibility of committee members choosing different areas to study so that they can teach sessions on the topics.

Kuramoto-Eidsmoe asked whether a separate program is something we can afford, and whether it might not be a better idea to get TNG activists more plugged in to CWA structure. Younger agreed that budget issues would be a concern. Clark also thought using CWA’s existing program sounded like a good idea.

Younger said that while the MLI is a good program, most of what would be applicable to actual leadership programs was not in the sessions but in the reading list at the end. Kuramoto-Eidsmoe wondered whether the committee might be able to provide some of that information and expertise in online form. Lindsay said this sounded more cost-effective as well.

Younger wondered what the cost of an online program would be. Lunzer said that Kevin Celata of CWA would know more about costs and needs for that. Rothman said that the committee should come up with an outline of what it has in mind to present to Celata. She also reminded the committee that tying in to already-scheduled meetings such as district councils and Canadian rep councils is a good way to keep costs low.

Lindsay said that online/distance training is something that subcommittees of the Executive Council also are exploring.

Younger asked for volunteers to do some research on this project. Lindsay said she would be liaison with the EC;s subcommittees and get more information on what’s already in the works. Rothman will check with Kevin Celata about what he needs to know in order to help us.

Younger asked if there were further topics for discussion. Lunzer told the group that he has been invited to a discussion with minority-journalist organizations and news-industry managers about diversity, seniority and layoffs. He said he would ask the organizers of that meeting if Younger also can attend.

Kuramoto-Eidsmoe suggested that the group start thinking about topics for its project and exchange ideas via e-mail so that they have more to discuss and work on by the next call.

Lunzer told the group that the international is working on a list of organizations and scholarships that people can donate to in order to help

Younger discussed putting together a new contact list. Nelson said she has a list that she’s assembled, and said she’d send that out to everyone.

The next meeting will be at 10 a.m. Pacific / 1 p.m Eastern on Saturday, Aug. 8.

The meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m.

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