Laserfiche WebLink
April 13, 2010 <br />• Item 4.a <br />Karen Community Dialogue <br />1) Date- May 8 from 9:00- 11:30am <br />2) Location- Roseville Lutheran Church has agreed to host in their Social Hall <br />3) Program Outline <br />1) Welcome- Human Rights Commission Chair -David Singleton <br />2) Speakers- Acting Chief Mathwig and Acting Chief O'Neill, Detective Chau, Inspector <br />Johnson, and members from the Karen community (Nay Htoo and Saw Morrison); <br />3) Panel Q & A- Speakers, HRC rep, Karen community member; closing remarks and <br />acknowledgements; <br />4) Squad car and fire truck tours <br />4) Topics- general fire safety and medical information, talk about officer role in community and <br />enforcing laws, dangers of gangs (wearing certain clothing could attract danger, etc) and curfew <br />• laws ,when to call 911, general traffic stop and driving tips (include laws on driving without <br />insurance and license), domestic violence. <br />The gang issue is their main concern right now. The males have been getting into fights with <br />gang members at school and at the apartment buildings. They are starting to copy some of their <br />dress. They feel that they are being pushed around and will fight back and are on the verge of <br />forming their own gangs. <br />The Karen are a very open, trusting and friendly community. There are 5,000 in MN right now <br />and I am told we are expecting 15,000 more to arrive this year. Most will live in our area. <br />There could be anywhere from one to two hundred attendees (100 from Brittney/Marion and <br />possibly another 100 from Mississippi Apts in Maplewood). The kids will be in another room <br />being cared for by volunteers while the teens and parents are engaged in the program. <br />Thanks so much for being a part of this endeavor- I think it will be really positive! <br />Sarah Mahmud <br />• <br />