Community Relations Committee for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion should use this.
Councilor Parad stated that if the Community Relations Committee for Diversity,
Equity, & Inclusion was going to do something like a Joint Statement Message that
they would have to see what went well with the State’s House Leaders Joint
Statement; and what did not go well, and what they might not want to repeat.
Councilor Brunelle stated because they were looking to put out a message for
Ledyard, that Community Relations Committee for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
would not have to necessarily piggyback on someone else’s Joint Statement. She
stated that it was the Communication’s Relations Committee’s job to communicate
with the town. She stated that the Joint Statement Message needed to be simple so
they could put it out in a digital form, and they could put it out in print as well. She
stated that they could put printed posters of their Joint Statement Message around
town at places such as the Senior Center, Parks & Recreation facility, Town Hall, and
perhaps in business. She stated that they would be basically sharing a message for
“Less Hate”, and “To Be Neighbors First”. Councilor Barnes questioned whether it
was necessary to use the word “Hate” in the Joint Statement Message. Councilor
Brunelle and Councilor Parad replied stating “No”. Councilor Brunelle stated the
sample digital flyer she provided was just an example and that the Joint Statement
Message could be changed. Councilor Barnes noted that “Community First” was all
true, however, he stated he was uncomfortable with using the word “Hate” in the
Joint Statement Message. He explained that he believed it was like the expectant
theory, noting that if they describe Hate then they might get Hate.
· Photograph -Graphics- Councilor Barnes questioned whether the Community
Relations Committee for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion had any photographs from
any of the events they did this year, noting that the graphic could be photo of an event
where they were a community. Councilor Brunelle stated that they had photographs
from the Town Council’s March 12, 2025 meeting when they announced the winners
of the Black History Month Contest. Councilor Barnes stated the photographs of the
Black History Month Contest were awesome, however, he stated the photographs
would only have the three winners of the contest, noting that he thought a photograph
where they could show everyone who was there would show “Community”.
Councilor Parad questioned whether they had any photographs of all those who came
out to discuss the Pickleball Courts on November 7, 2024. Councilor Brunelle
suggested they use a photograph of the Farmers Market and she stated that she would
contact Farmers Market Committee Chairman Pam Ball to see if they could use a
photograph on the Community Relations Committee for Diversity, Equity &
Inclusion’s Joint Statement Message. Councilor Barnes suggesting a photograph from
the Memorial Day Parade. He stated the Ledyard Congregational Church did a lot
with the Ledyard Fair; and he noted it was a significant loss when the Ledyard Fair
went away. However, he stated that the Ledyard Farmers’ Market is held in the
community every week throughout the summer months, noting that he liked the idea
of using a photograph of the Farmers Market to show their community. Councilor
Brunelle stated the Ledyard Farmers Market was the Top Rated Farmers Market in
the State by Connecticut Magazine.
