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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquityDiversity 2012-04-05 MinutesEQUITY AND DIVERSITY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES April 5, 2012 PRESENT: Joan Hernandez, Brenna Arnesen, Mary Hulvey, Carolyn Barge ABSENT: Aaron Draganov, Verna Seal, Kathleen Gantz, Mellody Matthes, Charlie Penor STAFF: Joyce Trantina GUESTS: Tracy Gallaway and Nate Robinson, Parks and Recreation Dept. Meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m. Approval of the Minutes of the March 1, 2012 meeting was deferred to the May meeting. NEW BUSINESS Tracy Gallaway presented information about the Parks and Rec. Dept. Cultural Fair coming in September. This is the City's second year in hosting a cultural based event, and the work group would like to consider some different types of events that would encourage more audience participation. The event is scheduled for the Foster Commons and the Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Sept. 22, and the group discussed possible times of day that might be best. She encouraged Commission members to check out a U-tube video called (World Dance Party), which illustrates how such an event could work. People from different cultures share and teach the audience dances from their own culture, and the event could also include a "potluck" type meal, sharing food from various cultures and ethnicity. Parks and Rec. staff are going to need a planning group of people to help pull the event together, and they are hoping folks from the Commission will be able to participate. Nate shared that he will also utilize his contacts thru the programs he is involved with. He shared that the Multi -Culture Action Committee (Jennifer Youngblood, CSC) held at Foster High School, had a good way to bring in entertainment and dancing, food, etc. Nate felt the kids really planned it (with help from a facilitator). Tracy also has some connections (Sister City, Japanese Culture Club), etc. Kathleen will also be an excellent resource for connections through the school district. Brenna felt that owners of restaurants may also want to be involved. Mary believes that our Police Explorers have done something similar. Tracy would like to get a planning committee started after the Wildlife event in May, and will extend an invitation to E/D members, once things get going. Carolyn suggested having a voter registration booth at the event. Based on our discussion, the group felt the book drive might be a better fit next fall. It could be developed as a way to support the holiday gift drive for needy families, or incorporated into the Dr. Seuss night. The Commission will discuss this further at follow up meetings, but for now, we will put the book drive "on hold". Strategic Planning Joyce shared information regarding the City's Strategic Planning efforts that will be underway very soon. Berk Consulting has been selected to help the City develop a roadmap for the future. A Strategic Plan will include a great deal of community outreach — to residents, businesses and employees, in an effort to help build a vision for the future. It's our hope and expectation, that the relationships that develop, especially in our ethnically diverse communities, as a result of this work, will establish better understanding and lead to better communication throughout the community. Updates on Magnets Mary advised the group that she had a lot of feedback from departments regarding suggested info. for the magnets. Unfortunately, it's going to be difficult to decide what to include. The magnets that were done in the past were primarily police/code enf. related — who to contact for violations etc. The group needs to think about what the purpose is (besides being a useful giveaway at events). Human Services has a very comprehensive and detailed brochure that lists agencies and phone numbers (housing assistance, food bank, etc.). After further discussion, the group asked Mary to send the members the lists she had received, and the group will try to prioritize the info. Grant Requests Group talked about grant requests, and the opportunities there might be to utilize budget dollars to make the most impact, across a broad group. Since Cinco De Mayo is coming up in May, there may be an opportunity for the Equity and Diversity Commission to be part of a celebration. Carolyn will get in touch with someone at the school district to see if there's a role for the Commission. Nate suggested working with some of the agencies, like REWA, since they serve ALL refugee groups. Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.