Unity Form 7-30-18

Meeting Notes

Overview:

Members of the community gathered at the Edwardsville Public Library for a second time to discuss the state of unity in Edwarsdville and what steps we can take, as individuals and as a group, to increase unity in our family, our neighborhoods and our entire town. The major takeaway was to develop a public event. Invite other groups and individuals to the next Unity Forum meeting August 20 to further plan the fall event.

 

  • What is the current state of unity?
    • Attendees don’t see much public issues but always room for improvement
    • Vandalism of the cemetery proves there’s a racist element
    • University students increase the diversity of the town
    • Questions
      • What are the documented nationalities represented in Edwardsville?
      • Are they aware of the community services available to them?
    • There are various groups for people of different backgrounds but not many pulling them all together
    • Music can be a unifying force
      • Edwardsville Muny Band, Edwardsville Community Symphony
  • What challenges do we face?
    • The community tends to self segregate
    • People are generally unaware of the community services, cultures and service opportunities
    • The Edwardsville City Race Unity Committee was shut down
    • People don’t come to events, try going to where they are instead
  • What can we do as individuals?
    • Step out of our comfort zones
      • Takes courage to attend other groups’ events or meet new people
    • Get to know your neighbors
      • Have pot luck dinners
    • Create family unity
  • What can we do as a group?
    • Hold a public event involving many different groups and invite a diverse audience
      • Invite community leaders to help share the word
      • Invite student groups
      • Invite churches
      • Showcase various organizations
      • Volunteer opportunities
      • Ask people/groups to participate, not just attend
    • Consistency is good for participation
      • Continue the market and library events
    • Collect a public calendar of unity events
      • Help spread the word for other like-minded groups
    • Ask the city for support