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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquityDiversity 2010-12-02 MinutesEQUITY AND DIVERSITY COMMISSION MEETING December 2, 2010 Minutes PRESENT: Commissioners: Joan Hernandez, Brenna Arneson, Carolyn Barge, Mary Hulvey, Aaron Draganov Staff: Guests: Joyce Trantina Kathleen Gantz, Ahmed Jama ABSENT: Mellody Matthes, Jonathan Joseph APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes from the November 4, 2010 meeting were read and reviewed. Motion was made (Joan Hernandez) and seconded (Mary Hulvey) to accept the minutes as written. PRESENTATION Ahmed Jama, Executive Director of Somali Community Services coalition thanked the members of the Commission for the grant funding in 2010, which helped support the Summer Adventures Program. Other funders included the Tukwila Jaycees, and the Tukwila School District. Mr. Jama explained that the program runs for six weeks, staffed primarily by volunteers, including high school students as well as school counselors. In 2010, 19 elementary students participated in the summer program. Students spend two hours in the morning, focused on math and reading activities, and two hours in the afternoon on othertypes of activities, including field trips and sports. He explained that the Coalition hopes to continue the program next summer as well, possibly expanding into the middle school population. Students shared refugee stories, which were featured on a CD, "Starting Again: Stories of Refugee Youth", also available on www.schoolsoutwashington.org. He also provided the Commission with a copy of the Summer Adventures, 2010 report. Follow-up is done with the students during the school year, to evaluate the value of the program, and progress the students are making. Specifically, Equity and Diversity funds we re used for non -volunteer instructors. In many cases, museums and othervenues offered "in kind" donations which helped cover the cost of admission for the kids. He explained thatthe Coalition also runs afterschool programs, and receive some financial supportfrom the IRC and Tukwila Schools Collaboration. The group discussed the programs, and learned that participation in both is made up primarily of Tukwila students . The group thanked Mr. Jama for his presentation and the information and contin ued their discussion regarding the importance of after school programs, and the difference it can make for students. It was noted that the Human Services Department budget for 2011/2012 had very little reduction, due to the growing and significant needs in our community. UPDATE ON COMMISSION VACANCIES Joyce will try to locate contact information from Seafood City staff for Joan, and put together a "draft" introductory letterfor members to review. Currently, Position No. 7 (City Rep OR Community member) is vacant. Joyce will also make contact with Jonathan Joseph to determine whether or not he will be able to continue on the Commission. He fills Position No. 3 (Community). OTHER Joyce has made contact with the Tukwila rep. for South King County Library, and will work on having someone from the Library make an informal presentation to the Commission regarding programs that are available to students and parents. King County has expressed interest in the Tukwila Village location as a potential sight for a new library, and members discussed the value of being able to offer adult ELL classes and other activities in the public library. Carolyn shared that she has been trying to contact the counselor at Foster regarding college prep. For high school seniors (providing volunteers/adults to help ELL students in filling out financial aid, application forms, etc.). She indicated that the teachers and counselors at Foster are very supportive of this effort. Kathleen shared that Latino family night is December 7th, 5:30 p.m. at Showalter Buhtanese/Napali Night is December 16, 5:30— 8:00 at Foster. Both programs provide basic information for parents of students. Joan shared that the Refugees of Burma have a garden project this weekend at St. Thomas' Catholic Church (5:30 p.m. on Friday). Aaron shared that Tom at the Doubletree has been working closely with the schools to organize food drives and other projects. Mary suggested the Commission consider a process for nominating someone in the community who makes a real effort in providing assistance to the diverse population in our community. CITIZEN COMMENTS None Next Meeting January 6, 2010 Meeting Adjourned: 6:30 p.m.