MSBA Committee

Next Meeting: October 20, 2008

2007-08 Meeting Minutes
Minutes from prior fiscal years

9/15/08

10/15/07 | 11/19/07 | 12/17/07 | 1/28/08 | 2/25/08 | 3/17/08 | 4/21/08

Human Rights Committee
September 15, 2008
Meeting Summary

The meeting was chaired by Peter Mikhail.

Members Present: Valerie Bowen, Justin Cummins, R. Mark Frey, Sonja Peterson, Valerie Tremelat, Hon. Lloyd Zimmerman, and Tram Nguyen (MSBA staff).

Peter welcomed everyone to the first meeting of the 2008-09 bar year; followed by brief introductions.

Draft Report and Recommendations of the Task Force on Foreign Language Translations:
Peter reported that at the last Task Force meeting, Task Force members voted to recommend that a Pilot Project be created with respect to the Real Property Lease. However, upon reviewing the Task Force's charter, it is the Chair's belief that such a recommendation is outside the scope of what the task force was asked. Therefore, the Task Force put together a report to specifically address the Task Force's convening questions (copies of the report are available by contacting Tram Nguyen at tnguyen@mnbar.org or 612.278.6316). After some discussions, it was the consensus of the Human Rights Committee that the pilot project is a good idea. Peter will write to the Chair of the Task Force stating the Committee’s position and encouraging the Task force to expand the scope of the task force and do the pilot project. If not, the Committee will dissent from the report because it feels the report does not accomplish anything.

Brainstorming for the year:
The Committee reviewed the list of brainstorming items for the year and noted a few items of interest including: issues relating to Darfur, use and misuse of law enforcement as it relates to the Constitution; have meaningful participation in the Human Rights Day Conference (contacting the Minnesota Department of Human Rights early on to get details on planning, etc); immigration issues/detention, amend the Human Rights Act to include jury trials and addressing punitive damages; CLEs on torture, civil liberties, nuts and bolts on immigration and employment law.

Other business:
The committee commended Chair Peter Mikhail and thanked him for taking on the leadership role.

Next meeting:
The Committee will meet next on Monday, October 20 at Noon at the MSBA offices. The Committee will invite Dr. Ellen Kennedy of the University of Minnesota Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies to talk about the genocide occurring in the Darfur region of Sudan, Africa, based on its resident’s race, religion and national origin.

Meeting adjourned.

Human Rights Committee
Meeting Summary
April 21, 2008 - MSBA Offices

The meeting was chaired by Judge Lloyd Zimmerman and Kristen Gast.

Members present: Kevin Finnerty, Nicole Haaning (New Lawyers Section Liaison), Lee McGrath, Sonja Peterson, and Tram Nguyen (MSBA staff liaison).

The March minutes were approved.

Report on meeting with ISAIAH
No update. Judge Zimmerman and Sonja Peterson will schedule a meeting with ISAIAH and will report back at the next meeting.

Update on the Corrections Ombudsman Working Group's Report and Recommendations

Recommendation
That the MSBA Human Rights Committee supports the recommendations of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights Ombudsman for Corrections Working Group, as set forth in the January 2008 report submitted to the Minnesota State Legislature, specifically the recommendation to recreate the Office of Ombudsman for Corrections. While the report suggests that the office should have a focus on juvenile detentions, the Human Rights Committee recommends that the recreated office focus on services to all offender populations in the state. This recommendation represents the views of the MSBA's Human Rights Committee and it does not represent the views of the entire MSBA.

Republican National Conference
Update on the National Lawyers Guild's May 16, 2008 CLE Program:
Nicole Haaning from the New Lawyers Section volunteered to email the flyer to her section members. Information is posted on the Committee's website at http://www.nlgminnesota.org/files/516%20CLE%20Flyer.pdf

Discuss proposal to develop a CLE program for local government and media:
The Committee decided not to go forward with this program as there are enough existing efforts out there.

Update on website revamp
This item was tabled.

Other Business
Committee Chair/Co-Chairs for 2008-09: Judge Zimmerman announced that he will not be continuing in his role as Co-Chair next year. If anyone is interested in being considered, please let Tram Nguyen know at tnguyen@mnbar.org. All appointments are made by incoming President Michael Ford.

Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Human Rights Committee will be held on May 19, 2008 at Noon at the MSBA offices. Part of this meeting will be used to brainstorm for 2008-09 and committee members are encouraged to attend.

Meeting adjourned.

Human Rights Committee
Meeting Summary
March 17, 2008 - MSBA Offices

The meeting was chaired by Judge Lloyd Zimmerman and Kristen Gast.

Members present: Roger Branigin, Kevin Finnerty, Peter Mikhail, Caroline Palmer, Sonja Peterson, Artika Tyner, and Tram Nguyen (MSBA staff liaison).

Present by invitation: Jay Schmitt, co-director of ISAIAH.

The February minutes were approved.

Presentation and information from Jay Schmitt
Jay Schmitt, co-director of ISAIAH, provided the Committee with information on his organization and ideas for collaborations between ISAIAH and the Human Rights Committee. ISAIAH is a collection of congregations that focus on immigration and other human rights issues. Judge Zimmerman, Sonja Peterson, and Artika Tyner will meet with ISAIAH representatives to further discuss possible opportunities for co-sponsorships.

Discuss results of Committee's vote and any additional information regarding the Corrections Ombudsman Working Group's Report and Recommendations

The Committee unanimously voted via an online survey on February 27, 2008 to adopt this resolution. A letter under the Co-chairs signatures will be sent to Commissioner Korbel indicating the Committee's position (Caroline Palmer will draft the letter). Caroline Palmer attended the Public Finance Committee hearing on February 28, 2008 and reported that the Public Finance Committee was welcoming of the idea of starting an Ombudsman office again but due to the financial situation, it might not happen this year. The Human Rights Committee plans to ask for full MSBA support and put it on the MSBA lobbying list for 2009 if necessary.

Discuss issues related to the Republican National Conference
Results of Committee's vote to co-sponsor the National Lawyers Guild's May 16, 2008 CLE program:

Recommendation
That the MSBA Human Rights Committee agrees to join with MN Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers as a co-sponsor of the National Lawyers Guild CLE tentatively titled "Defending Dissent: Representing Activists and Protesters at the Republic National Convention" to be held Friday, May 16, 2008, at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. It is understood that co-sponsoring does not entail a financial obligation.

The Committee voted unanimously (with one abstention) via an online survey on February 27, 2008 to adopt the resolution. For more information or to register for the CLE program, please visit: http://www.nlgminnesota.org/files/516%20CLE%20Flyer.pdf. It will also be posted on the Human Rights Committee's webpage.

Discuss proposal to develop a CLE program for local government and media:
There was no update as Burt Johnson was not present at the meeting. At the February meeting, Mr. Johnson suggested the Committee explore interest or the need for a seminar for local government agencies regarding local government's response to protest activity during the Republican National Convention. It may be beneficial for local government agencies and perhaps the media to be educated about protester's rights. Mr. Johnson agreed to prepare an outline for a CLE program: organizations or sections that could be asked to co-sponsor the CLE, possible speakers, and content and present the information at the March meeting. Peter Mikhail agreed to connect with Mr. Johnson and work with him on this program.

Update on website revamp
This item was tabled.

Other Business
Peter Mikhail attended the first meeting of the MSBA's Foreign Language Translation Task Force on February 20, 2008. Agenda items include technical questions on implementation as well as items with policy implications. Minutes of this meeting are available at http://www2.mnbar.org/committees/TranslationTF/Minutes.html.

Artika Tyner reported that the Hennepin County Bar Association New Lawyers Section is sponsoring a book drive during the month of March for Books for Africa (BFA). Books for Africa is a non-profit organization that collects, sorts, ships and distributes books throughout Africa. A collection box is located at the HCBA office during the month of March. NLS will also volunteer at the BFA warehouse located at 775 East Minnehaha Avenue, St. Paul on Saturday, April 5, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Volunteers will sort and box books for shipment. The Committee voted unanimously to co-sponsor the BFA book drive. Additional information on Books for Africa is available at www.booksforafrica.org.

Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Human Rights Committee will be held on April 21, 2008 at Noon at the MSBA offices.

Meeting adjourned.

Human Rights Committee
Meeting Summary
February 25, 2008 - MSBA Offices

The meeting was chaired by Judge Lloyd Zimmerman.

Members present: Justin Cummins, Burt Johnson, Caroline Palmer, and Amy Slusser. Denise Plachecki, Interim Staff Liaison.

Present by invitation: Frances Buckley (an attorney from Ireland attending at Judge Zimmerman's invitation).

The January meeting summary was approved.

Recommendation to Support Minnesota Department of Human Rights Corrections Ombudsman Working Group's Report

Background
Caroline Palmer provided a brief summary about the Corrections Ombudsman Office and the Working Group's recommendation. Caroline noted that attached to the final report are comments from other organizations indicating support for the Working Group's recommendations as well as comments from a few organizations that indicated they could not comment on the recommendations until they had more time to review the report.

Additional background information can be found in the November 19 Committee minutes; and at the MN Department of Human Rights website (http://www.humanrights.state.mn.us/).

The Public Safety Finance Committee will hold a hearing on Thursday, February 28th; Caroline Palmer plans to attend the hearing as an observer and will provide the Human Rights Committee with updated information during its March meeting.

During the January Committee meeting Caroline Palmer was asked to draft for the Committee's review a recommendation in support of the Working Group's recommendation. The draft recommendation was amended slightly. Members of the Human Rights Committee will be asked to vote (online) on the following amended recommendation:

If the recommendation is approved by the Human Rights Committee, the Human Rights Committee will seek approval from the MSBA before presenting its recommendation to the Legislature.

Recommendation to Co-Sponsor National Lawyers Guild CLE Seminar

During the January Committee meeting, Caroline Palmer was asked to draft a recommendation in support of co-sponsoring an upcoming National Lawyers Guild's CLE seminar.

Caroline mentioned that the CLE seminar will be held on Friday, May 16, at the University of St. Thomas Law School. The MN Assn of Criminal Defense Lawyers is also a co-sponsor and there may be others; co-sponsorship does not include a financial obligation. The CLE will run from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and the cost is $85 general/$60 for public defender, non-profit, limited income. There will also be a student rate. At this point the agenda includes a session on criminal defense for beginners, a session on the types of charges that are likely to come up when defending protesters, lessons from the NYC RNC 2004 presented by Gideon Oliver, a NYC attorney, possibly a judge's viewpoint of the planning and processing of so many defendants, a presentation by Washington D.C. attorney Marya Verheyden-Hilliard talking about the interaction between law enforcement and activities (including potential illegal activities by law enforcement) and finally a panel of local activists and protesters talking about what they need from attorney-client relationship.

The draft recommendation was amended slightly. Members of the Human Rights Committee will be asked to vote (online) on the following amended recommendation:

The Committee also talked about having a judge from Hennepin County and Ramsey County speak to the Committee about their county's plans during the Republican National Convention. Judge Lucy Wieland may be asked to speak to the Committee.

Civic and Human Rights Education for Immigrants

The Committee is still very interested in obtaining information from the immigrant community about the type of education they need. The Committee encourages Sonja Peterson to continue to try to obtain information from ISAIAH and have someone from the organization speak at an upcoming Committee meeting. Judge Zimmerman will ask Kathy Fennelly to speak at the March 17th meeting. Ms. Fennelly is a professor at the Humphrey Institute, some of her areas of expertise include immigration, cross cultural relations, and diversity.

Website

This item was tabled.

Other Business

Burt Johnson suggested the Committee explore interest or the need for a seminar for local government agencies regarding local government's response to protest activity during the Republican National Convention. It may be beneficial for local government agencies and perhaps the media to be educated about protester's rights. Mr. Johnson agreed to prepare an outline for a CLE program: organizations or sections that could be asked to co-sponsor the CLE, possible speakers, and content. He will try to present this information to the Committee during its March meeting.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Human Rights Committee will be held on March 17th at Noon at the MSBA offices.

Meeting adjourned.

Human Rights Committee
Meeting Summary
January 28, 2008 - MSBA Offices

The meeting was chaired by Judge Lloyd Zimmerman and Kristen Gast.

Members present: Justin Cummins, Peter Mikhail, Caroline Palmer, Sonja Dunnwald Peterson, Artika Tyner, and Lynn Wartchow. Denise Plachecki, Interim Staff Liaison.

Present by invitation: Colleen Beebe, The Advocates for Human Rights, Frances Buckley (an attorney from Ireland attending at Judge Zimmerman's invitation), and Bruce Nestor, National Lawyers Guild

The minutes from the November and December meetings were approved.

Update on Minnesota Department of Human Rights Corrections Ombudsman Working Group:
Caroline Palmer served on the working group and provided the Committee with an update.

Background:
Caroline Palmer provided some background information about the corrections ombudsman office and the working group's charge. Additional background information can be found in the November 19 Committee minutes; and Caroline encouraged Committee members to visit the MN Department of Human Rights website (http://www.humanrights.state.mn.us/) for additional information. The January 2002 Ombudsman for Corrections Report to the MN Legislature can be reviewed at http://archive.leg.state.mn.us/docs/pre2003/mandated/020127.pdf

Update:
Caroline Palmer indicated that the working group completed their report and submitted it to the Legislature. Although it was a challenging task because of all of the viewpoints, the working group did come to a consensus. The working group recommends that the Ombudsman for Corrections office be reopened. The working group's preliminary report was discussed at a hearing on January 17; Caroline Palmer and Kristen Gast were present at the hearing. The working group's report can be reviewed at http://www.humanrights.state.mn.us/resources_ombud_pubdoc.html.

At the direction of the Committee, Caroline Palmer was asked to present a draft resolution to the Committee at its February meeting. The Committee may present the resolution to the Legislature speaking in favor of the working group's report and recommendations.

Presentation from the National Lawyers Guild (NLG):
Bruce Nestor provided information about the National Lawyers Guild.

Bruce Nestor mentioned that it is the National Lawyers Guild's 70th anniversary; it is the first interracial bar association in the United States. The NLG's primary purpose is to defend peoples' right to protest and the right for space to protest.

Because of the National Lawyers Guild's observations during other political events across the United States, they would like to proactively take steps to prepare for the Republican National Convention in hopes that protestors at that event have a different experience than those in other parts of the country. The Republican Convention will be held in the Twin Cities September 1 - 4, 2008.

The National Lawyers Guild is currently working with different agencies. They want to obtain permits, free speech zones, and provide trained legal observers who document interaction between law enforcement and protestors and assist in defense and civil litigation if violations occur. They anticipate having 300 legal observers at the Republican National Convention.

The National Lawyers Guild is planning a May CLE primarily for the criminal defense bar; the seminar will focus on issues related to arrest and representing a political defendant. Attorneys from New York who have experience representing protestors will be the key speakers. The NLG asked the Committee to consider being co-sponsors of the CLE. The NLG will present a more specific request for co-sponsoring the CLE to the Committee at its February meeting. The Committee, with Peter Mikhail abstaining from the vote, asked Caroline Palmer to draft a resolution for the Committee's consideration at its February meeting that would indicate the Committee's approval as a cosponsor of the CLE.

The Committee discussed ways it could be an advocate for citizen engagement. The Committee would like a broad spectrum of points of view presented at the National Lawyers Guild's CLE to help promote the Constitution. If this is not possible, the Committee may explore other ways this can be accomplished.

The Committee asked Bruce Nestor if there were other things it could do. In addition to promoting the CLE event, he indicated that the Committee could promote the need for legal observers. No action was taken on this item.

Discussion of Civic and Human Rights Education for Immigrants:
Colleen Beebe from The Advocates for Human Rights, which is the organization's new name, provided information to the Committee about the organization including volunteer opportunities as well as the scope of the organization's work. For more information, please visit their website: http://www.mnadvocates.org/.

The Committee asked Colleen to keep it informed of how it could help the organization.

Refugees and Immigrants Education:
Sonja Peterson will continue to try to obtain information from ISAIAH. Sonja will ask if a person from the organization can speak at the February meeting. The Committee remains interested in learning from the immigrant community what type of education they feel would be helpful to them.

Update on Website Revamp:
Because of the presentations and discussions, there was not time to discuss this item. It was tabled until the February meeting.

Next Meeting:
The Committee will meet on February 25, 2008, at Noon at the MSBA Offices. Please note that February 21 is the Presidents Day Holiday and the MSBA is closed.

Meeting adjourned.

Human Rights Committee
Meeting Summary
December 17, 2007 - MSBA Offices

The meeting was chaired by Judge Lloyd Zimmerman and Kristen Gast.

Members present: Justin Cummins, Margaret Erickson (by phone); Warren Ortland, Sonja Peterson, Artika Tyner, Lynn Warthchow, and Tram Nguyen (MSBA Staff Liaison).

The approval of the minutes from the November meeting was deferred to the January meeting so that everyone could have a chance to review them.

Pakistan Resolution:
Judge Zimmerman drafted the resolution that was circulated to the Committee for vote via email on December 7. A quorum was met on December 10 all in support of the resolution. Kristen Gast presented the resolution to the MSBA General Policy Committee for approval on December 12 and the resolution was approved with some minor edits. The amended resolution was presented at the MSBA Assembly meeting on December 14 by Judge Zimmerman and Kristen Gast and it was passed unanimously, with one abstention. The MSBA-approved resolution reads as follows:

RECOMMENDATON

That the MSBA pass the following resolution:
That the MSBA joins the actions of the ABA and other bar associations around the country, condemning the actions against judges and lawyers in Pakistan, and supporting the rule of law;

That the MSBA calls for the release of lawyers and judges who have been arrested, imprisoned, or removed from office because of their support for the rule of law in Pakistan; and

That the MSBA calls on the United States government to use its influence to restore the rule of law in Pakistan, and to secure the release of lawyers, judges, and others who have been imprisoned or detained because of their support for the rule of law.

A motion was made by Judge Zimmerman to give thanks to the MSBA staff for their help with the resolution. The Committee approved and motion was carried.

Refugees and Immigrants Education:
The Committee discussed the importance of soliciting feedback from the immigrant communities to determine what kind of education they need/want before proceeding. Representatives from ISAIAH and Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights will be invited to speak at the January meeting for a brainstorming session (Sonja Peterson will contact ISAIAH; Kristen Gast will contact Minnesota Advocates).

New Business

Republican Convention 2008: Warren Ortland mentioned that different groups, including the National Lawyers Guild, are planning things to do to ensure civil, human, and first amendment rights are protected during the convention and suggested that the Human Rights Committee get involved. The Committee will invite a representative from the Guild to speak at the February meeting (Warren will contact Caroline Palmer, who is a member of the Board).

University of Minnesota Human Rights Center: Judge Zimmerman indicated that it would be great for the Committee to work with this organization on future projects. The Committee will invite a representative from this organization to speak at one of our meetings

Committee's webpage: Kristen Gast will take lead in the revamping of the committee's webpage (as was discussed at the October meeting) and hopes to have a mock-up of the new and improved content at a future meeting. If anyone has ideas for what they want to include on the webpage, please contact Kristen at kgast@faegre.com.

Next Meeting:
The Committee will meet on January 28, 2007 at Noon at the MSBA offices. Please note that January 21 is Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday and the MSBA offices will be closed.

Meeting adjourned.

Human Rights Committee
Meeting Summary
November 19, 2007 - MSBA Offices

The meeting was chaired by Judge Lloyd Zimmerman. Co-chair Kristen Gast could not make it to the meeting and sent her apologies.

Members present: David Ahlvers, Katherine Belzowski, Roger Branigin, Margaret Erickson (by phone), Kevin Finnerty, Burt Johnson, Lee McGrath, Peter Mikhail, Sonja Peterson, and Tram Nguyen (MSBA Staff Liaison).

Present by invitation: Caroline Palmer, MSBA Pro Bono Development Director and Elizabeth Anderson (1L from St. Thomas, observing).

The minutes from the October meeting were approved.

Minnesota Department of Human Rights Corrections Ombudsman Working Group:
Caroline Palmer serves as the MSBA staff liaison to this working group and was present at the meeting to provide the Committee with some updates and obtain feedback.

Background: The legislature tasked the Minnesota Department of Human Rights with this undertaking and the group is charged with determining whether the corrections ombudsman office should be reinstated in Minnesota. It was dissolved in 2003 after operating for a little over 20 years as part of the executive branch. Here is a link to some of the background materials gathered from the legislative library: http://www.leg.state.mn.us/webcontent/lrl/pdf/ombudsman.pdf

Many complaints from inmates and their families now go to individual legislators.
The work group is comprised of corrections representatives, community advocates, legislative representatives, and others. There has been growing pushback from the corrections representatives regarding the reinstatement of an ombudsman, culminating in some strong opinions being voiced in response to reports given by three former ombudsmen. Many of the corrections folks feel an ombudsman is necessary because they have a grievance process in place.

Update: The working group is working toward "something" and would like to obtain feedback on whether or not the Committee thinks there should be an ombudsman office or something similar to that; and if not, what should be in its place. A report is due at the legislature on January 15. Any feedback and comments should be directed to Caroline at cpalmer@mnbar.org or 612/278-6308.

Refugees and Immigrants Education Resources:
Roger Branigin provided an overview of various resources that may be used as or adapted to a program aimed at educating refugees and immigrants on human and civil rights. The materials reviewed can be broken down into four categories:

1. Human rights lesson plans and seminars, many of which were prepared for elementary and/or secondary school students;

2. Literacy initiatives with a special focus on informing refugees and immigrants of their civil rights;

3. Information on various mentoring programs designed to provide practical, one-on-one assistance to refugees and immigrants as they navigate various aspects of the immigration law system and/or American judicial system, e.g., ICE detention, spousal abuse;

4. Brochures and other materials on human rights to be broadly disseminated to various immigrant and refugee population groups.

Given the different focus for each of the categories, the first thing that the Committee needs to decide is where we want to take our initiative. What audience do we want to target? The consensus from the Committee is that many immigrant communities would appreciate and welcome this type of education. The Committee thanked Roger for his hard work and will further discuss this at the December meeting.

Proposed Resolution from the MSBA Diversity Committee for MSBA Task Force on Rights of Same-Sex Couples:
Dave Ahlvers presented the Committee with the following resolution and requested support from the Committee to jump on board with the Diversity Committee and other organizations that will be impacted by the changes:

RESOLVED: That, in light of the disparity between legal rights and protections available to same-sex couples as compared to different-sex couples, the President of the Minnesota State Bar Association create a task force to review the current state of Minnesota law and to make recommendations as to desirable changes, if any, in the law to address this disparity. The President is encouraged to invite broad participation by MSBA members from relevant sections and committees with a goal of producing a report to be considered by the MSBA Assembly no later than its June, 2009 meeting.

The Committee voted to support the resolution.

Pakistan Resolution:
The Committee would like to adopt a resolution in response to the Pakistan situation. It will be a 2-part resolution: 1) supports the plight of the rule of law in Pakistan; and 2) praises MSBA President Brian Melendez for the MSBA's quick action at the November 14 rally. Judge Zimmerman will draft the resolution to be circulated via email to the Committee for approval.

Next Meeting:
December 17, 2007 at Noon at the MSBA offices.

Meeting adjourned.

Human Rights Committee
Meeting Summary
October 15, 2007 - MSBA Offices

The meeting was chaired by Kristen Gast. Co-Chair Judge Zimmerman could not make it to the meeting and sent his abject apologies.

Members present: Roger Branigin, Kevin Finnerty, Peter Mikhail, Sonja Peterson, Amy Slusser, Artika Tyner, and Tram Nguyen (MSBA Staff Liaison).

Co-Chair Kristen Gast welcomed and thanked everyone for coming to the Committee's first meeting of the 2007/08 bar year. Introductions were made.

Sponsored Event: Human Rights, Civil Rights, and Treaty Rights CLE - September 29, 2007
The Committee co-sponsored this CLE with the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions on September 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Mille Lacs Casino in Onamia, MN. The conference focused on American Indian human rights issues in Minnesota. Morris Dees of the Southern Poverty Law Center was the key note speaker. It was well attended with over 300 attendees. 4 CLE credits were approved.

Committee Representative to the MSBA task force on translating MSBA legal forms
Peter Mikhail volunteered to serve as the Committee Liaison to this Task Force.

Committee Representative to Corrections Ombudsman Working Group
Thanks to Caroline Palmer, MSBA Pro Bono Development Director, for continuing to serve as the Liaison to this working group. Caroline will keep the Committee updated; however, if anyone wants to be more involved in this working group or get more information, please contact Caroline at cpalmer@mnbar.org.

Brainstorm: Projects for 2007-08
1) Community outreach efforts in regards to immigration issues.
a) Possible joint efforts with the Civic Education Committee (Kevin Finnerty will follow up), Immigration Law Section (Kristen Gast will follow up), and other existing initiatives (Robert Branigin and Sonja Peterson will follow up).
2) Land use
a) Kristen Gast will follow up with Minnesota Environmental Advocates to see if there is anything going on in this area.
3) Rule of law
a) Make connections with the local organizations to see what is happening in this area. Richard Branigin will follow up with Minnesota Advocates
4) Asylum issues/ education/training
a) Possible joint efforts with New Lawyers Section (Amy Slusser will follow up) and Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights (Kristen Gast will follow up).
5) Legislative
a) The committee will continue to monitor legislation affecting human rights and will take action when necessary.
6) Updating website
a) Kristen Gast will be developing additions to the website and will bring the list to the November meeting for the Committee to review. If anyone has ideas, please feel free to forward them to Kristen at kgast@faegre.com

Next meeting:
Monday, November 19 at noon at the MSBA offices.

- Last Updated 111/8/07-