HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquityDiversity 2015-01-08 MinutesAbsent: Kathy Hougardy
Staff: Joyce Trantina
Meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m.
Commissioners discussed the role of Chair and Vice Chair, and were asked to consider
volunteering for both roles for 2015. After discussion, a motion was made by Melissa Hart that
Nate Robinson continue in the role of Chair— seconded by Kathleen Gantz.
UNANIMOUS APPROVAL
Joan Hernandez nominated Aaron Draganov to serve as Vice Chair and Melissa Hart seconded.
UNANIMOUS APPROVAL.
OLD BUSINESS
Jenny McCoy thanked the Commissioners for their generous grant ($1,200) for the Snack Pack
Program and provided a brief report. She also shared that the new thrift shop on 144th will be
opening in February. Volunteer training for the Snack Pack Program will be conducted next
week, and the group will finalize plans for food storage, etc. The students may utilize an "opt
out" process as needed. They have had 2 food drives so far, the biggest need is for food. The
group anticipates using cloth food bags versus backpacks. Jenny has committed to attend E/D
Commission meetings for several months to provide updates and learn more about the work
the Commissioners are doing.
Minutes from the December 4, 2014 meeting were reviewed and it was suggested that we
show the amount of the Human Services grant in the minutes. Melissa Hart made a motion
that the minutes (as amended) be approved — seconded by Aaron Draganov.
UNANIMOUS APPROVAL
NEW BUSINESS
Commissioners held a discussion regarding 20156/2016 Program Goals, participation at
community events and budget considerations. The events throughout the year (Wildlife
Festival, Touch a Truck, July 41h, Taste of Tukwila, etc.) all provide excellent opportunities to
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January 8, 2015
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share information about the Commission, and provide resources that would be valuable to our
diverse community.
The events throughout the year (Wildlife Festival, Touch a Truck, July 4t", Taste of Tukwila, etc.)
all provide excellent opportunities to share information about the Commission, and provide
resources that would be valuable to our diverse community. This work also supports the goals
of the Commission: supporting efforts to continue outreach through attendance at community
and regional forums; promote education and cultural programs; proactively foster partnership
among groups.
The group discussed several ideas — handing out bi- lingual dictionaries to families — holding
another book drive. As we learn more about other cultures and invite visitors to share their
stories, we might be "stewards" of that information and make it available at events.
The group also shared ideas regarding possible uses of the $3,200 and the importance of having
a strategy for how funds are utilized. It's important to remember that the primary use of our
budget is to assist the Commission (training, educational opportunities, materials, etc.) versus
grant funding. It was suggested that the Commissioners consider earmarking a portion of the
budget for this purpose and then utilize any remaining funds, spread throughout the year, for
other uses. We may want to consider a more formalized, targeted "mini grant" program. It is
hoped that we will learn more about the specific needs in the community (which vary greatly
depending on the group).
The Commissioners also talked about putting together emergency kits for students /families.
It's possible many of these supplies already exist in other areas (emergency management). The
SAFE group at Foster might be able to provide insights as to what would be useful for families
to have. Kathleen will talk with folks at the District to learn more about this. This will be
discussed further at the February meeting.
2015 Meeting Schedule
Due to school and personal vacation time, it was suggested that the July meeting be cancelled
(this has been the case in previous years).
Kathleen shared several flyers about upcoming events in the District. She also indicated that
currently, there are about 280 -290 homeless students (up from about 230 last year).
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She shared a list of the current top 11 languages spoken in the school district (over 80 total, not
including English). More and more languages from India and the Middle East are in the District
than in previous years.
Joyce shared that the newly enacted Open Government Training Act requires that members of
boards and commissions receive training in the Open Public Meetings Act. Commissioners are
encouraged to attend a training on Monday evening, but added that follow -up training will be
available for those unable to attend.
Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
NEXT MEETING — FEBRUARY 5, 2015