HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquityDiversity 2012-05-03 AgendaEQUITY AND DIVERSITY COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
May 3, 2012
PRESENT: Joan Hernandez, Brenna Arnesen, Aaron Draganov, Mary Hulvey,
Carolyn Barge, Charlie Penor, Verna Seal, Mellody Matthes
ABSENT: Kathleen Gantz.,
STAFF: Joyce Trantina
GUESTS: Courtney Madsen and Jennifer Malloy - International Rescue Committee
Tukwila Police Explorers (Don Dart/Ted Rutt)
Meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m.
NEW BUSINESS
Courtney and Jennifer provided an overview of the International Rescue Committee, who are one of five
refugee resettlement agencies in King county, and do the majority of resettlement efforts in Tukwila.
IRC Seattle been here since 1976, and is one of 10 agencies nationwide that have cooperative
agreements with the U.S. State Dept. Refugees are screened oversees, apply for status, receive health
and background checks, get a loan for their plane tickets, etc. When they arrive, IRC helps them with
housing, connections with service agencies (getting Social Security cards, medicare, DHSH, applications
to attend schools, etc.) Most refugees leave refugee camps to get away from persecution — not to
escape poverty, as many believe.
Refugees either stay in the first country they go to (some go back to their point of origin) or they can
settle permanently. 75% of permanent resettlement come thru the U.S. versus other countries. A
typical family of four receives about $560 each month (rent, utilities, bus fare, clothing, etc.) Food
stamps are separate fund. The greatest challenge is to find them housing — refugees do not want to
come to the U.S. only to become "homeless. Some have lived in a refugee camp most of their lives.
Many people feel as though the U.S. Govt. invited them here, and they resent the fact that they may
have good educations, but can't earn a living, find a good job, etc. The IRC is funding for 90 days after
they arrive in the US. If they go on public assistance, some help is available for up to 8 years.
In terms of family resettlement, the parents have the most difficult adjusting to their new lives — the
children benefitfrom receiving better health care and can usually make the transition much easier. IRC
has a family mentorship program (matches new refugees with another family). The IRC has helped in
the resettlement of about 125 families in Tukwila, though all have not stayed here. A lot of the Somali
refugees resettled somewhere else in the U.S., but then came to the Tukwila area to live.
The Commissioners asked other follow-up questions about the challenges our refugees face, and
thanked Courtney and Jennifer for the good information they provided.
Police Explorers — Grant Request
Don Dart shared info. about the 25 Tukwila Police Explorers, Post 2999. Several explorers were present
and shared why they joined Explorers. Some of the Explorers do not live in Tukwila, (five do live here)
but all are members of our Post, and while all of the group do not end up being police officers, while in
the Explorers group, they make various contributions in the community by helping at community events
(Tukwila Days, Family 4th, Special Olympic fund raisers, etc.). They also conduct ride-alongs with Police
Officers and help with paperwork and department assignments as needed. The Explorers would like to
participate in the national law enforcement conference in July in Colorado— held every 2years. This will
be an educational experience for the students, visiting some sites in the US on the way there and back.
The cost of the conference is $475 per person. Some of the explorers will not be able to go if they have
to cover the whole cost — each individual will cover $300 each and the proceeds from fund raisers help
with a large portion of the cost. The Explorers are submittinga grant requestto the Equity and Diversity
Commission in the amount of $1,000 to help with some of the costs for the group
At the conference, kids complete police type exercises — the kinds of situations Police are involved in
every day (arrests, investigations, etc. 3,000-4,000 attend the conference from around the country.
Our Explorer group has not gone for two years. Their funds have to be in (registration) by June 1st, so
they would appreciate a decision from the Commission as soon as possible.
The group thanked the Explorers and Officers for their excellent information and sharing.
Discussion continued regarding this grant application and the E/D budget in general. Based on the fact
that the Explorers themselves, represent broad, diverse ethnic backgrounds, their presence in the
community, community service, etc. the Commission felt positive about supporting this request. The
expectation is that they will return to the Commission and share their !earnings from the conference at a
future meeting.
Commissioners voted unanimously to support this grant request in the amount of $1,000.
OLD BUSINESS
Mary Hulvey moved to approve the April Equity and Diversity Commission minutes as written. Charlie
Penorseconded. Unanimous approval.
Magnets
Mary Hulvey shared the latest draft for the magnets. The group provided input and minor adjustments
and she will follow up with some adjustments/wording. We should be ready for interpreters and then
printing soon.
Cinco de Mayo
Carolyn reported that she could not find anything specific about community events, but Mary indicated
that the Rainbow Trailer Haven would have some type of event. Mary will follow up with the group
when she finds out the specific time, etc.
Joyce provided Commission name tags with the group so they can be worn at community events and
meetings. .
Carolyn shared that her condo has been sold and she may be moving out of the area in the future.
Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
NEXT MEETING -JUNE 7, 2012