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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquityDiversity 2011-03-03 MinutesEQUITY AND DIVERSITY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES March 3, 2011 PRESENT: Commissioners: Joan Hernandez, Mary Hulvey, Aaron Draganov, Carolyn Barge, Kathleen Gantz Brenna Arnesen Staff: Joyce Trantina Guests: Don Lincoln and Dave Haynes, Tukwila Police Dept.,Mohamad Hassan and Subeida Mukhtar, representing the Somali Community, Stacy Hansen, Human Services, Steve Hunter and Charles Cortez (Tukwila Reporter) ABSENT: Jonathan Joseph, Mellody Matthes Meeting was called to order at 5:20 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes from the February 3, 2011 meeting were read and approved. Motion was made by Mary Hulvey and seconded by Joan Hernandez. PRESENTATION Don Lincoln provided an overview regarding meetings that have been held with representatives of the Somali Community, Tukwila Police, and SeaTac Police departments, in an effort to develop a better understanding and build relationships. Mohamed Hassan has been the Coordinator for the Somali Community Services Coalition since 2000, and shared some of his background with the group. In an effort to explain some of the issues facing Somali immigrants to the United States, Mohamed shared some historical information and referred to a map he provided, outlining the geographic issues near and around Somalia. After coming to the US and acclimating, he provided translation services for people in the Seattle school district, so that staff could work with Somali students who were coming into the schools. He explained that the Somali Community Services Coalition was started because of all the immigrants who were in need of services in the area. Many found employment at or near the airport, and he opened the SCSC offices on Tukwila International Boulevard, in an effort to be close to the residents needing help. The goal of the SCSC is to make sure that the students and their families become successful so they can become part of the American culture. He shared with the group, that even immigrants who have lived in the area for 10+ years, are still considered "new" to the area, and miss a lot of services and assistance, due to the cultural and language barriers and challenges. Equity and Diversity Minutes March 3, 2011 Page 2 His main task is to help newcomers acclimate to the area and make referrals to community college/universities, so they can learn English and understand the cultures and customs here. Without a GED, it is very difficult to get funding assistance or grants from the Government for starting businesses, etc. Most Somali immigrants have families, pay rent and live in a household, and only receive assistance for the Government forfive years. They need the language and education skills in order to be able to support themselves beyond the five years. Mohamed shared the concerns by families about the kids who struggle in school, drop out, and then have nothing to do. These kids often get into trouble — too much time and too little to do. Don has been working with the Somali community and has provided information about the Block Watch program, and Mohamed shared that some neighborhoods are implementing this type of program. Subeida Mukhtar from the Refugee Women's Alliance provided information and feedback from the many families she works with on a daily basis. When asked what people were lacking, they responded as follows: • Education - mothers needing more support with after school programs • ESL program is good but the ration of students to teachers is too high, and students are placed into schools based on their age, versus their ability to understand/comprehend, etc. More and more families are relocating from the Seattle area to SeaTac and Tukwila because there is more affordable housing. The group talked about after school tutoring programs, but perhaps these programs should be incorporated into the curriculum for newly arriving refugees — perhaps it should be mandatory. • She has also talked with mental health staff who have shared concerns regarding how difficult it is for refugee families to be brought into the country with no language skills, no idea of how to navigate or understand the culture, etc. Isn't there a more lenient way to integrate these people into the culture — slower, more forgiving. • There was some discussion about a perception regarding police brutality. Teenagers complain they are being profiled, especially around TIB, and believe Police officers are more forceful than necessary. Discussion followed regarding the need for more mentorship. There are some programs available, but many are mandated by the State. The resettlement agency would be a good point of contact to determine who is best suited to help with mentoring for new families. IAC does do some of this work, but resettlement agencies only follow people for six months, which is not long enough, and due to the economic climate, resources for additional services in this area are in short supply. Equity and Diversity Minutes March 3, 2011 Page 3 Carolyn Barge shared her experience in going on a ride -along with Officer Lincoln, and the group talked about the businesses on TIB, and how the Somali business people have figured out how to survive/thrive in the community. Brenna shared information regarding an interest-free lending program for businesses, currently happening in the Fremont area. One common misconception is that the Somali people all work together. In fact, the civil strife continues, and there are "potholes" of different groups in the area. The civil strife that continues, makes it very difficult for some Somali folks to get along with others — there are potholes of different groups (Seattle, other communities). The country of Somali is made up of 4 major "clans" — and people within the same "clan" may work together (share business space, etc.) but people within their own clan tend to support those businesses, versus a business from another clan. This explains why there may be 3 hamal meat markets so close together—they are selling the same wares, but customers will only shop at their "own" market. Discussion continued regarding the importance of having parents involved with their kids' education. Like all mothers, Somali women want the most for their kids — better than what they had, and they seem to either push education (if the kids don't succeed, they drop out), or they push religion (similar to the way theywere raised). An alumni program of some type might be very beneficial — having kids who have succeeded, come back and demonstrate to students the results of hard work and the importance of learning English and the American culture. The School District has one Somali Liaison, and it was suggested that more parent involvement (volunteering in the schools, meeting with teachers, etc.) would go a long way in helping the students. Visitors were given copies of the Equity and Diversity Commission brochures. When asked what the Equity and Diversity Commission could do to help — guests responded that the biggest need is to support the programs that are currently in place (child care, home care, training programs, youth programs) for the Somali residents who live in our City. Meeting adjourned 6:50 p.m.