HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquityDiversity 2011-09-01 MinutesEQUITY AND DIVERSITY COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 1, 2011
PRESENT: Joan Hernandez, Brenna Arnesen, Vern Seal
ABSENT: Aaron Draganov, Carolyn Barge, Mellody Mathes, Kathleen Gantz, Mary Hulvey
STAFF: Joyce Trantina
GUESTS: Jo Anderson Cavinta, King County Library; Stacy Hansen, Human Services Coordinator
Meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m.
KING COUNTY LIBRARY
Jo Cavinta presented the attendees with several handouts which outline the various programs King
County Library offers, (all are free) including:
For Kids:
Fiestas — a program designed for pre-school children, renews every quarter (in Spanish)
Ready —Set -Read — designed for elementary school age children — based on the amount of reading a
child does, they can select a free book.
Study Zone— provides free tutoring for families in a range of subjects, offered at Library branches
SAT/MSP/HSPE Online Help — provides support from the library or home computer for the new WASL
tests.
Teens Read 3— Teenagers who read three books and write a review, can get a free book
For Adults:
Ya tengo la mia, y tu? — program that helps adults apply for a library card
Talk— Offers free ESL, Talk Time and Citizenship Classes. The Library partners with contractors and
other agencies and the program includes reading and writing. Run by volunteers, offered in the summer
only.
Guide to Naturalization, Citizenship Info. — available in various languages.
Various Adult Programs — in 2012, job seeker info. will be added in multiple languages.
Verna shared that One America is working on the naturalization process at Showalter Middle School —
they need to find a location (Showalter is perfect) but determine what the rental cost will be, etc. The
lawyers who work for One America volunteer their time to help people through the process. It was
suggested that the Library consider having a table at the event.
Joan — E/D used to sponsor citizenship but hasn't in a while. Free books to kids was something
Commissioners talked about earlier in the year, but it's apparent the Library already has these programs
in place.
Jo shared that her role with the Library system is a new position (she's been there two years), and added
that she would be happy to visit the Commission anytime to talk about KC library programs, etc. The
members thanked Jo for taking the time to share this information with them. It was extremely
informative and useful.
RESOURCE MANUAL
Stacy Hansen presented information regarding the updates to the Resource Manual that was printed
about 10 years ago. Joan Hernandez brought the concept forward to members of the Equity and
Diversity Commission, and along with other sponsors, the guide which included seven different
languages, was printed and shared throughout the Community. Unfortunately, the cost of the "book"
version was over $10K then, and would simply be too costly to reprint in its current form. Stacy has
been working to update the information, which can be utilized not only by residents but by service
providers, who can go to the City's website and print the information they need, in the appropriate
language. Because there is such a high incidence of illiteracy among our refugee population, the printed
version may not always be useful, but the service providers can use the information to communicate
verbally to the folks who need it. The revision can be printed on regular paper, allowing for easier and
more timely updates and distribution.
Stacy has been able to find a contact to translate the updated information into three languages;
Spanish, Soamli and Vietnamese, ata cost of $200/per language. The Refugee Women's Alliance will be
doing the Somali and Vietnamese updates. Stacy is asking the Commission to consider a grant in the
amount of $600, which would cover the translation costs for the above noted languages.
The Commissioners thanked Stacyfor her presentation, and for all of the work she has done in updating
the Resource Guide, which has proven to be a very useful tool to our resource providers and refugees.
OTHER
The Minutes of the July 7, 2011 Equity and Diversity Commission Meeting were approved as submitted.
The group discussed the Cultural and Heritage event held on August 20, 2011. It was estimated about
200 people attended, and Joyce thanked the members of the Commission for their participation and
willingness to participate at the booth. The members believe further consideration should be given to
providing free transportation to/from the event, and Joyce will share this feedback with the appropriate
Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. NEXT MEETING - OCTOBER 6, 2011