HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquityDiversity 2011-07-07 MinutesPRESENT:
ABSENT:
STAFF:
EQUITY AND DIVERSITY COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
JULY 7, 2011
Joan Hernandez, Brenna Arnesen, Mary Hulvey, Mellody Matthes, Kathleen Gantz
Aaron Draganov, Jonathan Joseph, Carolyn Barge
Joyce Trantina
Meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes from the June 2, 2011 meeting were read and approved. Motion to approve by Joan
Hernandez, seconded by Mellody Matthes.
HERITAGE AND CULTURAL EVENT, AUG. 20, 2011
The group discussed the upcoming Community Cultural Heritage event, scheduled for August 20. Mary
shared the new banner that has been made (no cost to the City) which can be utilized for the August
event, and at other events in the future. The group really appreciated Mary's efforts in developing a
professional looking banner for the Commission that will be used for many years. Joyce will make color
copies of the banneron paper that can be used on the sides of the shuttle van on August 20th. She also
shared the feedback regarding "sign-ups" from the group as shown below:
Kathleen — out of town
Aaron — 2:00 — 4:00
Joan — 11:00 — 3:00
Joyce — 11:00 — 1:00
Mellody — out of town
Brenna — not available
Mary — 11:00 — 3:00
Stacy Hansen —1:00— 3:00
Joyce will offer booth space to other City departments. Brenna also volunteered to get in touch with
TIBACto see if they would like to have information in the booth, or be able to assist in the booth for part
of the event. Mary will get in touch with Tracy Gallaway in Parks and Rec. to determine if there are
other volunteers qualified to help with the shuttle during the event.
Joan provided copies of the announcement that is in the Parks and Recreation newsletterand wondered
what other advertising would take place, and how we would get the word out regarding the shuttle
service. We will need to work with Tracy to determine the best "route" for the bus (Foster High School,
TIB, etc.) and how to get that information publicized. Joyce will follow up with Tracy on this issue.
TUKWILA INTERNATIONAL BOULEVARD ACTION COMMITTEE (TIBAC)
We have not heard back from Sharon Mann regarding the open house at Val Vue Sewer. There was
discussion at last month's meeting about whether or not E/D might want to have a "table" at the
barbeque. Brenna will follow-up with Sharon and get back to the group.
Equity and Diversity Commission Minutes
Page 2
July 7, 2011
BOARD VACANCIES
Joyce reported that the reappointments for Kathleen and Aaron will occur at the July 18, 2011 City
Council meeting. Joan will also be appointed to a resident position (No. 3), which will leave two
vacancies on the Commission. (Nos. 1 and 7).
OTHER/MISC.
Joan shared comments regarding the joint School Board/City Council meeting, and how valuable that
discussion was. She felt it provided many insights into the challenges faced by the District
(homelessness, language issues, finances, etc.)
Kathleen and Mellody provided information about the summer school events underway. The District
has about 168 ESL students (grades 1-4). About 200 students are involved in the programs which
include partnerships with counseling providers, family nights, etc. There are good resources available
to our refugee families duringthe summer, including daycare, free breakfast at Foster/Thorndyke, free
lunch at Cascade Park and TCC. The summer skills program is based on skill assessment (not financial or
other need) and includes 4 hours of school work. The District also has a "Ready for "K" program. Some
of the programs are State funded. Third graders go to the library every week, and learn how to utilize
the tools available to them. She shared that most of the kids have very little (if any) English skills.
Mellody advised the Commission that the Nepali community has had a very difficult month. Bodies of
the Nepali men that had been missingforsome time, were found earlier in the day, and one was a 2011
graduate of Foster High School. A recent suicide at Cascade Park has also been very difficult for the
community. On Tuesday, July 12th, the school is going to provide counselors/translators to help folks
work thru the issues and provide support. There are 89 Nepali students across the Tukwila school
District, nota significant number, but they are feelingvery isolated and most are new to the community.
The group discussed the community garden — and felt it might be useful to have someone from the
group make a presentation to the Commission about the garden (who participates, how it works,
results, challenges, etc.). Someone from the garden might be interested in serving as a volunteer on the
Commission. Kathleen has a contact, and will check into this further.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
None
Meeting adjourned at 6:10 pm.
NO AUGUST MEETING
NEXT MEETING SEPTEMBER 1, 2011