HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquityDiversity 2016-06-02 MinutesEQUITY AND DIVERSITY MEETING MINUTES
June 2, 2016
Present: Joan Hernandez, Nate Robinson, Kathy Hougardy, Melissa Hart
Absent: Aaron Draganov, Crystal Sweet, Thong Ung
Staff: Joyce Trantina
Guest: Dat Tran
Meeting was called to order at 5:10 p.m.
Dr. Coogan was unable to attend the meeting and make a presentation regarding a Tukwila
Global Learning Hub. (per the agenda).
OLD BUSINESS
Minutes from the May 5, 2016 meeting were approved with minor edits. Moved to approve by
Melissa Hart, seconded by Kathy Hougardy.
UNANIMOUS APPROVAL
Snack Pack Program
Melissa provided an update on the collection of food donations and cash for the Snack Pack
Program during May. A small article was included in the "Grapevine" (City Employee
newsletter), thanking employees for their generosity. Commissioners discussed the program
and what steps might be useful, if a similar drive was held in the future. It was suggested that a
brainstorming session be held on how to motivate greater participation /contributions. Perhaps
City employees could host a "challenge" with local businesses, or departments could challenge
each other. It might be good to broaden this further across the community— i.e. a "community
Snack Pack drive" versus City employee drive.
The group agreed that more planning time would probably yield greater participation.
Jenny McCoy has indicated that she hopes to expand the program to include Tukwila
Elementary, which means even more donations will be needed to serve more families.
A Board is now in place to provide direction and support for the program (Still Waters). She
hopes to expand the program even further, perhaps to a larger, multi- service organization. As a
5013C organization grant opportunities should also be more readily accessible.
Equity & Diversity, June 2, 2016
Page 2
Melissa suggested that the Commissioners consider suggesting a grant application from the
Snack Pack Program if there are funds left in the Equity and Diversity budget at the end of this
yea r.
A special thanks was voiced for Andrew Hougardy, who was kind enough to pick up the
collection bins and any remaining food articles, and get them back to Jenny McCoy.
NEW BUSINESS
Nate shared information regarding the Summer Kick Off Festival at Foster High School,
scheduled for 11:30 — 4:30 at Foster High School. There have not been as many sign -ups for
table hosts this year, but more could be coming in the weeks ahead. Rather than host a table,
the Commissioners suggested providing our bracelets for the students, and asking if they can be
part of the Parks and Rec. table. We still have a large supply.
Joyce shared that Cheryl Thompson is leading an effort to review the various Board and
Commissions and met with staff support for the various groups this week, to identify ways to
increase efficiency and bring more consistency to the various groups (terms, application
process /review, etc.) More information will be shared with the Commission as this work
continues.
OTHER
Dat Tran shared some background — he currently works for St. Joseph Medical Center in
Tacoma, managing the orthopedics lab and working on his doctoral degree in health care
administration. Dat and his family live in the Allentown area and he is looking for opportunities
to become more involved in the community. Mayor Ekberg suggested he learn more about the
Equity and Diversity Commission, and Commissioners provided some background and historical
information. Mr. Tran was encouraged to fill out a Board and Commission application for any
positions he was interested in.
Joyce informed the group that this would be her last meeting, since she is retiring this summer.
She also indicated that staff support would continue when meetings resume in September. She
shared with the group that it has been a wonderful experience, working with the Commission
and taking whatever steps we could, to help our community.
Meeting adjourned 6:15 p.m.
NEXT MEETING — SEPTEMBER 1, 2016