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October 10, 1989 Dear Commissioners: Sorry, I'm unable to once again attend a meeting on the second Tuesday; however, I'm caught up with job requirements and could not secure the time off as planned. It is my hope to be with you next month. Following, some thoughts from "Think Globally--Act Locally"--our annual meeting. I'm enclosing my packet from the League's Annual Meeting. Over- all, the conference was very motivating, well attended, lots of sharing and interaction among the member commissions. Note: Many commissions are now doing the Essay Contest--thanks to our lead--and finding it a good tool in getting some awareness in the communities, also, and most importantly, getting or building a rapport with the schools in their districts. More importantly I'd like to just mention that the speakers were outstanding. commissioner Cooper's speech on Friday night empha- sized the American Dream of a Nation for All. He said: "the genius of America is Inclusion rather than Exclusion. Investing in people is what has made America great--people empowering people because we are not afraid to care." He quoted statistics re the increase in Hate Crimes in our communities that are being committed by our kids (a 75 percent rise). Therefore, he stressed our involvement in the schools at every grade level. In his words: "It is verv important for commissions to be enrolled in the schools. Get active in Schools." Saturday's morning speaker, Professor Leslie R. Green's theme, was really "Freedom is just another word, for there is nothing left to loose." Therefore, we should exercise our freedom and seek to preserve it. He spoke of a very active thought--that is-- forqet about trvinq to chanqe attitudes; work on chanqinq behaviors. The point of interaction is the most important if there is to be preservation of freedom and constructive productive interaction with minimum destructive conflict. Our afternoon speaker, Congressman Gerry Sikorski, was also very motivating. He spoke of "you, yes one person, can make a difference. Iniustice everyWhere is a threat to iustice anv- where. A blow for iustice anvwhere is a blow for iustice everv- where."