HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquityDiversity 2012-02-02 MinutesEQUITY AND DIVERSITY COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
February 2, 2012
PRESENT: Joan Hernandez, Charlie Penor, Verna Seal, Brenna Arnesen, Carolyn Barge
Mary Hulvey,Verna Seal, Kathleen Gantz, Mellody Matthes, Aaron Draganov
ABSENT: Aaron Draganov,
STAFF: Joyce Tra nti na
GUESTS: Barbara McMichael, SoCoCulture
Meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m.
The Minutes of the January 5, 2012 meeting were approved as submitted. (Recommendation
by Joan Hernandez, seconded by Verna Seal).
NEW BUSINESS
Guest Presentation
Barbara McDaniel shared information about SoCoCulture. We learned that she is the
Administrator for Arts/Heritage (about 70 groups throughout South King County). SoCoCulture
was formed in 2004 in an effort to fill a need by a wide range of groups who were struggling to
publicize events. The Commission members provided their email addresses so they can be on
the newsletter mailing list (once a month). The newsletter reminds people to visit the website,
check their calendar, etc. They have a grant opportunities page (call to artists, etc.) and people
need to check it periodically because new funding and other opportunities come along all the
time. If Equity and Diversity members every want to sponsor an exhibit or event, she would
love to add it to the SoCoCulture website. The Equity and Diversity Commission is a supporting
SoCoCulture member ($30/year). Someone in the Commission could provide info. to Barbara
so she could advertise our events on their website. (Cultural/Heritage fair, etc.) Their meetings
occur every other month and are open to the public.
The Commission was very enthusiastic about the work Barbara does. She is working with the
Tukwila Historical Society and shared background information about the Military Road/Civil
War/Sesquincentennial Project and what this project means to many different cities and
groups. Joyce indicated she would check to see if SoCoCulture is linked in any way with the
City's website.
OLD BUSINESS
The Somali Community Services Coalition has submitted a grant request to the Commission,
requesting $2,000 for art supplies and other materials in support of the program. The grant
request is very broad in nature. Verna shared that the group also submitted a grant application
to Tukwila Children's Society. Barbara from SoCoCulture shared that 4Culture has a grant
program that serves under -represented populations. Someone in the group would have to
work with the SCSC and perhaps get an artist involved, in order to develop a thorough grant
application. She added that Doreen Mitchum is the 4 -Culture staff person, and could perhaps
meet with the SCSC staff to help give them some guidance on writing a grant application. Verna
said she would be willing to contact the SCSC folks and give them some feedback about what
they need to do for the SoCoCulture Grant.
The members will defer any decisions regarding the Equity and Diversity grant application until
the grant application can reflect more specifically, in detail, how the funds would be used.
Verna will share this with the SCSC group.
Carolyn felt the Commission needs to make sure the work and support we do reflects support
for all the groups in the community with a broader reach, versus one particular group. She also
mentioned she finished her assignment and could be available to provide some help.
Kathleen Gantz indicated she might be able to provide help with names of artists, etc.
Aaron and Joyce will continue to collect information/prices on magnets for publicity at the
September Equity/Diversity booth (Cultural Fair) .
COMMENTS
This was the first meeting we've had a full commission in a long time, and it was great to have
everyone at the table.
The group would like to have a group photo taken at the March meeting. We should also begin
brainstorming ideas for our booth in September. Joyce suggested we have a door size WORLD
map, and ask people to "put a pin" in the area they are originally from.
Meeting adjourned at 6:30p.m
NEXT MEETING — MARCH 1, 2012