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Community group proposes cultural hub and Franklin 250 collaboration
Summary
Teresa Viva of Lassos America Yidita told the Franklin Township Human Relations Commission she is seeking a partner-model space for indigenous and Hispanic cultural programming, education and services and offered to pursue grants and local collaborations rather than new construction.
Teresa Viva, executive director of Lassos America Yidita, told the Franklin Township Human Relations Commission that her organization is proposing a partner-model cultural and civic hub to serve Hispanic and indigenous residents.
"For more than three decades we've been working with cultural preservation, youth leadership, labor rights education and equity resources for Hispanic and indigenous families," Viva said, describing the group's free translation and community services across multiple counties. She said Lassos seeks access to existing space for art exhibitions, dance rehearsals, labor-rights workshops and consular information, and will pursue grants and private partnerships to support programming.
Samina, who introduced Viva to the commission, said members of local indigenous communities already run educational family programs and that the commission's role would be to decide whether to sponsor or help organize events tied to the Franklin 250 celebration. Commissioners discussed drafting a concrete proposal — including dates and a plan for staffing and outreach — to present to the Franklin 250 committee, led in part by Bob McCoy.
Viva emphasized that the group is not asking the commission to fund construction. Instead, she proposed a partnership in which Lassos would use an existing township space and contribute volunteer labor and grant funding. "Everything that Lassos does is free of charge," she said, adding the group has worked with consulates and other partners to provide interpretation in indigenous languages.
Commissioners agreed that if the commission wants the 250 program to include the group's activities, the commission would need to take ownership of organizing specific events and coordinate with the 250 committee and the mayor's office. No formal vote was recorded; commissioners asked Viva and Samina to return with a written proposal and suggested forming a subcommittee to develop details.
The commission noted follow-up steps: designate a point person from the commission to work with Viva, finalize a written proposal, and present any proposed event to the 250 committee for inclusion in the year's program. The commission's next meeting is scheduled for March 25.
