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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquityDiversity 2011-05-05 MinutesEQUITY AND DIVERSTIY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MAY 5, 2011 PRESENT: Joan Hernandez,Carolyn Barge, Aaron Draganov, Mellody Matthes ABSENT: Mary Hulvey, Brenna Arnesen, Kathleen Gantz STAFF: Joyce Trantina Meeting was called to order at 5:20 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes from the April 7 and May 3, 2011 meetings were read and approved. Motion to approve by Joan Hernandez, seconded by Aaron Draganov. DISCUSSION The group discussed the Somali Community Services Coalition grant request. Joyce inquired about "in- kind" donations, versus cash, based on a previous Commission meeting and a sense that school supplies or gas cards might be just as beneficial to the group. The Commission is dealing with a very limited budget. Carolyn shared that World Vision has a warehouse of school supplies that is made available to groups at no cost. She will look into this further. She also shared that she has taken groups of kids to World Vision as a service project, and will also ask about that. Perhaps some of the students at SCSC would be willing to provide a few hours of service time, in exchange for school supplies. A lot of organizations donate books for school age kids. Katrina Dohn is very knowledgeable about donations to school kids, clothing bank etc., and it was suggested that someone from the Commission get in touch with Katrina to see what opportunities there might be to help the SCSC kids. TUKWILA INTERNATIONAL BOULEVARD ACTION COMMITTEE (TIBAC) After Don Lincoln's presentation a few months ago and the presentation from representatives of the Somali Community, the group talked about potential ways we could fulfill our role of promoting understanding of other cultures by providing information through an educational forum or program . Considering how small of a group we are, we might want to explore the possibility of co -sponsoring a combination "event" by partnering with TIBAC. The Commission will ask Brenna to take the lead on this. TIBAC meets once a month. Their members have a more focused area - Tukwila International Boulevard — than the Commission. They clean up garbage, pick up litter, etc. and try to encourage Page 2 business participation from businesses along the highway to get involved. They work across a very diverse population, so it makes sense to see if they would be interested in exploring an opportunity to partner with us if we move forward with a community "forum" type event. The Commission will ask Brenna to explore an executive committee meeting with E/D and TIBAC chairs in the next few months. It would also be a good idea to tap into the Somali folks who have been very successful , to act as mentors for others. Carolyn shared some info. about a new business getting started near the Bartells Drug Store, and that there is a new Solmali restaurant (painted yellow) on Highway 99, and suggested the group considered having a dinner meeting there sometime. HERITAGE AND CULTURAL COMMUNITY EVENT (August 20) Mary found a "donation" for the Equity/Diversity Commission banner - the Commission members like the artwork on the inside of the brochure (the small flags) as well as the artwork on the outside of the E/D brochure. The banner will be "generic" to the Commission, and can be used at future events. Joyce will find out if we need to pay for a table at the event. The members believe the brochure does not require any updates, and we have an adequate supply for the Cultural Fair. A shuttle van could be free from the Community Center, with the E/D Commission paying for the gas. We could invite othergroups to putthings on our table (from other cultural groups). Joyce will talk with Tracy about advertising this event (Tukwila Reporter). Aaron shared that the school district has flags (on a handout)that represents all of the different countries of students in the district, which could also be a handout on the table. Carolyn will contact someone from the Somali Community to see if there is something specific they would like to have on the table. It might also be good to have the School District calendar, advertising for upcoming meetings and events that might be of interest to residents. Aaron said parking would be available at the school, no problem. Aaron also shared information about International Day—June 10th, 9:00— 11:30, and the need for volunteers. It was hoped that a few members from the Commission might be able to help with the school children at the rehearsals prior to the event, and at the actual event. The flag ceremony includes students and flags from over 50 different countries. They need help organizing the students by the various flags, on the day of the event, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. The coordinator for the event is Robert House, but volunteers can get in touch with Aaron directly. The first rehearsal is June 2, starting at 3:15 (Tukwila Elementary Gym), also on June 7th, 3:10 to 4:10, and June 9th, 2:30. Volunteers can get in touch with Aaron directly or Robert House at Tukwila Elementary. Joyce will also let Tracy know about this so she can consider having brochures about the Cultural Event, available at International Day. The District will take pictures, and may want to get in touch with the Tukwila Reporter. Handouts were given (copies of articles from the Tukwila Reporter about the E/D Com mission, the Color of Cuts (handed out at the last meeting). Joan — Mayor was invited to the Buddhist New Year Celebration — very hospitable and welcoming. Perhaps the group should consider attending one of their events. Joyce will send out contact info. to the group. Mellody and Aaron shared information regarding testing and evaluations that are currently underway in the district. CITIZEN COMMENTS None ANNOUNCEMENTS None Meeting adjourned at 6:10. NEXT MEETING — JUNE 2, 2011