HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquityDiversity 2012-03-01 MinutesEQUITY AND DIVERSITY COMMISSION
MINUTES
March 1, 2012
PRESENT: Joan Hernandez, Mary Hulvey, Charlie Penor, Verna Seal, Carolyn Barge,
Brenna Arnesen, Mellody Matthes, Aaron Draganov
ABSENT: Kathleen Gantz
Meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes from the February 2, 2012 meeting were read and approved with minor changes.
DISCUSSION
Verna shared information regarding her work with representatives from the Somali Services Coalition
group who had requested consideration of a grant. She talked with them about the need for a specific
budget versus the broad request they submitted to the Commission for consideration. They have
already launched their after school leadership program so there is no real urgency for us to make a
decision. Verna added that she had made connections with the staff at 4Culture and would forward
info. to Joyce so that it can be shared with the other members. We will re -consider the grant request if
we receive a specific, detailed budget showing how the funds would be utilized.
The Commission also made a contribution to the Buthanese community when they lost a young man in
an automobile accident last winter.
OLD BUSINESS
Joyce advised the group that a local area business, Southcenter Engraving, has the capability of
providing the magnets for the September Cultural fair at a very reasonable cost (0.40 — 0.50 ea.) in large
quantities. We will need to work on finding interpreters who can help us get "camera ready" info. into a
format that meets the size, etc. The group decided 3,000 would be a good number (likely 1,000 in 3
different languages), and that should provide enough for the cultural fair, and other community events
throughout the year. Mary will work with other departments to make sure the info. is updated and
accurate (still the right phone numbers and departments, etc.). We should also make sure "Equity and
Diversity Commission" are shown on the magnet (sponsors).
The group discussed other events for the cultural fair (large map — put a pin where you are from...or
perhaps small, individual maps so that people could share their contact info.). It's always a good idea to
have something fun so that kids are attracted into the booth — parents will normally follow. The group
talked about the "fishing pole" game, and ultimately decided it would be worth considering sponsoring a
book fair. Kathleen shared how important books are for all the school kids, since many don't have any
books at home.
Equity and Diversity Minutes
March 1, 2012
Page 2
We could advertise, provide drop locations around the City, and collect a sufficient number of children's
books to give out at the Cultural Fair in Sept. Kathleen shared that DVD's are also utilized by the school
kids and parents. Joyce will talk with Tracy about putting book collection sits in City buildings.
Spring cleaning for early reading!!
Joyce will coordinate within the City and Verna will share with the Council Mon. night.
Charlie will ask if BECU could be a drop off point. Brenna will coordinate with the Chamber of
Commerce.
Joyce will ask Tracy to come to the April meeting to give us more info. about the cultural fair in
September.
Joyce will get in touch with Courtney Madsen from the International Rescue Committee, to have her
come to the May meeting, and share information/statistics about which populations are being resettled
in and around Tukwila.
Meeting adjourned 6:00 p.m.
NEXT MEETING — APRIL 5, 2012