HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquityDiversity 2011-10-06 MinutesEQUITY AND DIVERSITY COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
October 6, 2011
PRESENT: Joan Hernandez, Brenna Arnesen, Verna Seal , Mary Hulvey, Aaron Draganov,
Mellody Matthes
ABSENT: Carolyn Barge, Kathleen Gantz,
STAFF: Joyce Trantina
Meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m.
The Commission welcomed Councilmember Verna Seal back to the Commission.
The Minutes of the September 1, 2011 Equity and Diversity Commission Meeting were approved as
submitted.
GRANT REQUEST/BUDGET — 2011/2012
Joyce provided information regarding the current budget, and reported on what's been spent so far
($340.00). Joan provided the group with some background regarding the Access Guide that was
initiated by this Commission, and how useful it has been, both inside the City and to several other
agencies. Unfortunately, the cost of replicating the booklet is cost -prohibitive. Our Human Services
Department is working to update the booklet is several languages, and has asked for a financial grant
from Equity and Diversity to assist with the cost of translation. After discussion, the decision was made
to support a $600 grant for translation (3 languages) of the updated guide. The updates will also be
available on-line.
Motion from Mellody, Verna seconded. Unanimous approval to provide grant to Human Services.
Joyce was asked to email a copy of the tri -fold, Tukwila Resource Information to Kathleen Gantz, Aaron
Dragon, and Mellody Matthes.
Verna reported that Citizenship Day is November 19th, Foster, in the Foster Commons. Volunteers from
various groups help individuals process Citizenship applications, and the number of applications
processed continues to grow. A Tukwila location is deal for bus riders and walkers in the Tukwila area.
The group discussed other issues facing our diverse population, and how the group could provide
assistance, and how budget dollars could be utilized to do the most good. Members were asked to
continue thinking about this over the next couple of months, so that we can develop target areas to
address in 2012.
Equity and Diversity
Meeting Minutes
October 6, 2011
Joyce will ask Stacy about the potential need for continued updates of the Resource Guide in other
languages, and what plans might be in place for further work on this document. The group also
discussed other outreach ideas: emergency contact info. magnets in different languages — Mary has
samples from a previous Code Enf. project, and she will bring them to the Nov. meeting. These might
make an excellent give-away for the Commission.
OTH ER
Mellody mentioned thatthe School District will be conducting some diversity training at Foster, Oct. 12th
and she will send more info. to Joyce so it can be forwarded to the Commission members. We will ask
Kathleen to provide an update at the November 3 meeting.
Early last year, the Society of Hispanic Engineers made a presentation to the Commission regarding
tutoring — and while no funding was ever officially requested, this meeting launched an excellent
connection by the engineers with the school district.
Mellody shared that the school district is experiencing a large influx of homeless people(students). The
shelters are full and many residents are forced to live in campers, cars, on vacant lots. Kathleen is the
Parent Involvement Coordinator, and the Commission would like to hear any ideas she might have, as to
ways the Commission could reach out to these folks and provide some assistance.
Meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
NEXT MEETING - NOVEMBER 3, 2011