HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquityDiversity 2013-05-02 MinutesEQUITY AND DIVERSITY MEETING MINUTES
May 2, 2013
Present: Joan Hernandez, Aaron Draganov, Mary Hulvey, Brenna Arnesen, Joan Hernandez, Mary
Hulvey, Nate Robinson, Charlie Penor, Verna Seal, Mellody Matthes
Absent: Kathleen Gantz
Staff: Joyce Trantina
Meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m.
OLD BUSINESS
The minutes from the April 11, 213 meeting were revivewed and approved. Moved by Joan Hernandez,
seconded by Verna Seal.
NEW BUSINESS
Joyce provided the Commissioners with an update of the book drive effort. Collection bins and flyers
have been distributed at the following locations: City Hall, 6300 Building, Tukwila Community center,
Sea -Tac Airport Admin. Building, SW King County Chamber of Commerce offices, School District Admin.
Building, and Rainier Cancer Center office — Joan will also leave a box at the Tukwila cultural and
Heritage Museum. The bins will be in place thru the month of May. The Commission members will
collect the books, attach a sticker (books available thru the E/D sponsored book drive, etc.) and then
books can be delivered to the students. Joyce will work with Kathleen Gantz to determine best location
for drop off, etc. The Tukwila Community Center also has a supply of books that were left after th e Dr.
Seuss event in March, and have offered to provide these books to the school as well.
The school district has a conflict on the night of our June meeting — the Commission may decide to use
the next meeting as a "work party" and prepare the books for distribution. Joyce will solicit feedback
from the group as we get closer to the June meeting date.
The group shared comments and !earnings from the Refugee 101 event, recently held at Foster. Several
members of the Commission, as well as several City staff including the Mayor, City Administrator and
Council members attended and were very interested to hearfrom the students themselves, and to gain
a better understanding of the challenges these students face as they integrate into the U.S. They wear
many "hats"— students, interpreters for their parents, etc.
Verna shared that Katrina Dohn took photographs of products in supermarkets (different kinds of soap,
etc.) and used the photos to illustrate the appropriate use of the products (hand soap versus
dishwashing liquid, versus laundry detergent, etc.) as a way to make it easier for non-English speaking
customers to identify the appropriate products. This might be something for the group to consider as a
project — perhaps working with retailers in a similar way.
Nate shared that "Feed the Children" is sponsoring a series of 3 leadership summit, and one of the
workshops is being held at the Community Center on Saturday. It is free for our youth, and open to the
public.
The group discussed the success of the country's first WE day in Seattle — many of our Tukwila students
had the opportunity to attend.
Aaron advised the group that Tukwila Elementary is hosting "International day" on Friday, June 7th at
9:00 a.m. and everyone is welcome to attend.
Joyce provided an update on implementation of the Strategic Plan — specifically, an Advisory and
Implementation team made up of individuals from various City departments are working together to
pilot 2 community outreach liaisons in an effort to improve/broaden commun ication and understanding
with some of our culturally diverse groups in the City. These teams will meet periodically, develop job
descriptions, recruit and interview potential liaisons, and work with the City to build processes that can
be sustained in future years. Our efforts are being facilitated by Becca Meredith from Forterra, thanks
to a Boeing Company grant, and we are enthusiastic about getting the pilot in place (2 liaisons) and
utilizing them for one of the Comprehensive Plan updates (housing element) in early 2014. As the city
builds its community outreach efforts and abilities, there will likely be a new/different role forthe Equity
and Diversity Commission. It's an exciting time for our City and for this Commission.
Verna advised the group that she had the opportunity to meet the new Executive Director for One
America, Rich Stolz, and that it might be interesting to have him, or perhaps Councilman Quinn, attend
an upcoming meeting and provide the Commission with some background information regarding One
America. They do a lot of good work in various areas, and she shared that there is a current focus on
transportation needs and issues. One American also has a liaison working at Foster High School. She
will get more information and get back to the members.
Mary Hulvey provided information regarding food trucks in the City — currently there are Incensed
trucks in the area. Some provide gourmet type food, and while there is some controversy around the
trucks (some brick and mortar establishments do not think they should be allowed in the City) they
seem to do a good business, provide a wide variety of food, and share ethnically diverse foods to our
residents and business folks.
OLD BUSINESS
Mary shared information about her work at Dr. Seuss night at TCC — she met with a lot of kids and
parents and was able to share many of the magnets provided by Equity and Diversity. She felt the
interaction was good, and looks forward to greater participation by the Commission at next year's event.
Joan thanked Nate Robinson for the excellent presentation by Teens for Tukwila at a recent Council
meeting. Nate shared that many in the group also went to Olympia recently, to meet with legislators.
The Legislative Youth Advisory Council (teens from around the State) as well as legislators, heard the
presentation by Tukwila teens and were very impressed.
MISC
The group discussed the East African business workshop that was held recently — a joint meeting with
the City of SeaTac and the City of Tukwila, to share information and understand more about some of the
small businesses, many located along Tukwila International Boulevard.
Nate shared that ReWa is holding a Somali Services coalition open house on May 15t, the focus will be on
classes and activities, and targets the refugee and immigrant community.
Joan asked that any upcoming Cinco de Mayo events be communicated to the entire group.
Meeting adjoured at 6:30 p.m.
NEXT MEETING JUNE 6, 2013, 2013