Lakeland Area Community Meetings

·         There were 13people at the meeting this evening. 
 
·         The meeting began with introductions around the circle. 
 
·         Updates:
o    On October 23^rd, there will be a training for coalitions in Marshfield.  The first training will be on starting a coalition.  Coalitions who attend with at least 3 members will receive $500.  Bob Kovar is hoping that some of the coalitions could combine funds to host a legislative breakfast or some type of collaborative effort.
o    Waswaagoning DVD:  At the last meeting Charlotte was able to give Jim Bouche a copy of the DVD.  He gave the DVD to the Native American focus group at the high school.  This is a group of teachers who meet each month.  They viewed the DVD in September and will be discussing it at their next meeting at the end of this month.
 
·         Bridging the Gap presentation by Cam Martin:
o    Cam shared that she has wanted to present to this group to see if it is something that could be used in our community.
o    She started by sharing her story of how she came to be involved with developing this curriculum.  Then she shared with us an example of a lesson from the Diversity Learning Lab.  She took us through an example lesson, explaining the expectations that they set before each group for showing respect and listening.  There were several posters that illustrated or defined the concepts or words that went with the lesson.  One poster illustrated a wall with different ways to tear it down.  Cam explained the questions they ask the students about tearing down walls, and what works best.
o    After sharing an example lesson with us, Cam showed a segment of the video from a classroom where a teacher taught her 3^rd grade students about discrimination.  On one day, the students with blue eyes were the best students and received the best treatment, while the brown eyed students were denied playing on the playground, drinking straight from the fountain, and playing with their blue eyed friends.  The second day, the roles were reversed.
o    Thanks to Cam for sharing this presentation with us.  She is willing to share with any interested group.
 
·         Comments from Discussion after the presentation
o    As we go into the community and share teachings, we need to make sure that we are including everyone by paying attention to the words we use and the way we say them.  We can inadvertently leave people out with our words.
o    Peace is important, one person shared the ways he daily seeks peace.  We each have a part we can play in improving our community which includes all of the small actions we take.
o    Charlotte Hockings and Cam Martin both shared their personal perspectives from their experiences at the same boat landing back in the late 1980’s-it was very powerful testimony. There are many things we should be considering as curricular supplements to what we are teaching our children in our communities. This group has identified four core issues with racism being one of those issues. We need to be talking about our local history in order to heal our community so move can move forward. We believe this can be a positive experience if done in the right way.
 
NEXT MEETING will be Wednesday November 12 at the Lac du Flambeau Wellness Center from 5:30-8:00pm.  Located on Hwy 47,just past the Lac du Flambeau Grade School on the left.