Attendance: Kathy Fredericks, Scott Peeples, Lisa Wanke, Dani Chaussee, Gayle Hardt, Dave Tyrrell, Minister Monica Williams, Pastor G. Manns, Barbara Chambers, Jane LaChappelle McCarty, Mitu Kudaka, Tony Awofeso, Kamlesh Varma, Badri Varma, Henry Golde, Mai Dia Thao and Jeff Kuepper.

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Treasurer's report from Ram Shet: Check book balance $4,575.75 (as of March 30)

Paid memberships: 98

The Rev. Tom Bowman: Kathy and Scott reported on recent their meeting with Rev. Bowman, minister of Fox Valley Christian Church (formerly the Church of Israel) in Stockbridge. Rev. Bowman at first denied he ever believed in any separatist views; after Kathy did follow-up research (including talking with admitted white separatist Rev. Dan Gayman) and then called to confront him, he admitted to believing that people of different races should not interact with one another. Now he says he is in the process of waking up to a reality closer to that of Toward Community and is considering leaving his ministry. Time will tell on this, but we will continue to monitor the church to make sure whatever views are preached there they not hurting the ethic of welcoming diversity in the community.

Other anti-diversity activity: Henry Golde, in Merrill, Wis. recently to do a presentation , learned about a skinhead group at a high school in Tomahawk. In the news, a man convicted of harassing an interracial couple in Little Chute has been sentenced to wear a "sandwich board" sign that says "I was convicted of committing a hate crime." Toward Community will take a photo of this man when he wears the sign at two locations in Appleton. In another case, the man accused of running an Asian couple run off the road in Bonduel will go on trial in August.
July 14 Child Care diversity conference: Toward Community has been asked to facilitate a session at Fox Valley Technical College. Scott and Mai Dia will work on this and will also call Carla Manns of B.A.B.E.S. to help. (This is also Pastor Mann's birthday weekend!)

Harmony Cafe: The youth diversity center is looking to open in September or October. Organizers are working on grants and programs, including a Youth Drama Troupe. The big news is that Kathy has been hired to be program director.

Celebrate Diversity picnic: Set for Saturday, July 28 at Erb Park. Jane is looking for someone to co-chair the event. A sign up sheet was sent around. Henry noted that we need to intentionally invite people of diverse backgrounds to the picnic. Dave Tyrrell mentioned he has a friend with a hot air balloon.

Peace camp: 40 delegates will be selected for the Youth Institute for Peace and Nonviolence, June 18-23 at Camp Helen Brachman. Toward Community is sending 10 young people. See Kathy for forms if you know of an interested youth, ages 15-18. Kathy is also serving as a camp counselor.

Healthy Kids Day: May 5th at the YMCA. We still need volunteers for our diversity booth. (This is also Henry's birthday!) The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact Scott to sign up for a shift.

Foods of All Nations: Ram Shet and Joe Laux agreed to co-chair again. Will be at Menasha High School on Saturday, Sept. 22. Thanks to Jeff Kuepper and Debra Glasheen at UW-Fox Valley for trying very hard to accommodate the event. Ram said we're looking for someone to put together a program booklet to help defer costs of the event. Almost 600 people attended last October.

Speaker's Bureau: Stacy Otteson has agreed to coordinate this. A number of people have now agreed to give speeches on Toward Community and/or diversity in the Valley. An informational session will be held soon for all interested.

Circle dinners: Three excellent dinners were held in the homes of Katarina Llanas, Kamlesh and Badri Varma and Jake and Cindy Czarnik-Neimeyer. Thanks to the hosts and everyone who participated.

Appleton City Council prayer issue: Kathy wrote a letter to Mayor Hanna asking that the council reconsider having Christian prayers before every meeting. Mayor Hanna did not give the letter to all the aldermen and alderwomen. However, he agreed to start making sure that prayers reflect the religious diversity of the Fox Valley. We will hold him to this.

ANNOUNCEMENTS -- Appleton Area Hispanic Scholarship banquet is April 27 . . . B.A.B.E.S. recently translated its brochure into Spanish and has started a "Just for Dads" support group. . .African Heritage hosts its heath fair on April 21 . . The YARC Walkabout fund-raiser is Sunday, May 6. Contact Scott if you'd like to make a donation . . . Diversity Initiative workshop for non-profit groups on the Hispanic population is set for June 7 at UW-Fox Valley.

Notes recorded by Scott Peeples