Human Rights Commission
Mission
The MHRC’s mission involves work in the areas of housing, employment, education, public accommodation, city services, insurance, banking, credit and health care.
Introduction
The Melrose Human Rights Commission (MHRC) was established in the early 1990s by the Office of the Mayor to provide a mechanism for resolving disputes among Melrose citizens that may involve an element of racial, religious, or ethnic prejudice, and to develop programs for promoting a spirit of diversity and respect for others regardless of their differences. The Commission exists to serve the citizens of Melrose and strongly encourages the participation of the city’s residents in programs supporting the Commission’s basic goals. The MHRC takes a proactive approach towards the support and defense of human rights in the city. Collaborating with various community partners, civic and faith-based organizations, and city agencies, the commission supports such efforts as the annual International Welcome Reception, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service and dinner/program, and the Global Education in Melrose (GEM) program at Melrose High School. MHRC meetings are held monthly, with a public forum period during the first 1/2 hour.
Join Us Every Second Wednesday of the Month
Members of the Melrose community are invited to join the Human Rights Commission at its regular meetings on the second Wednesday of the month. Time: 7:00 p.m. Place: Cassidy Conference Room, City Hall, 2nd Floor. Please note: the Commission does not hold regular business meetings during the months of July and August.
- Shopping for school snacks & food pantry needs
- Making cards for patients and staff of Melrose-Wakefield Hospital
- MLK kid-friendly art activity
- Melting crayons
- Prepping meals for a local food pantry
- Cleaning the Melrose Public Library
- Interviewing a Melrose senior citizen
- Collecting donations for Malden Warming Center, Housing Families, and local food pantries
- IQM2 Meeting Portal to view the Commission’s Minutes
Board Members
Name | Title | Term Expires |
---|---|---|
Bonnie Clapp
| Chair | February 2024 |
Kelsey Lima
| Vice Chair | February 2026 |
Randall Carter
| Clerk | February 2025 |
Linda Apple
| Treasurer | February 2025 |
Joseph Phillips
| DEI Task Force Liaison | February 2026 |
Fatma Ulku Duru
| Commissioner | February 2026 |
Jake Rogers
| Commissioner | February 2026 |
City Council Liaison | ||
Lizbeth DeSelm
| School Committee Liaison | |
Rev. Dr. Susanne Intriligator
| Clergy Liaison |