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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/12/2007 - Minutes � � CITY OF RENTQN ADVISORY COMMISSION ON DIVERSITY DECEMBER 12, 2007 MINUTES JAN 1 4 2008 � GITY CLERK S OFFICE Committee: Serena Aquino Antonio P. Cube, Sr. Audrey Godwin Raymond Lam Vern Nichols Charles Thomas Absent: Sandel Demastus Erica Rehberg Lari White Staff: Gloria Gamba Bonnie Rerecich Jerry Rerecich CALL TO ORDER: Since Sandel was not in attendance, the meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m. by Charles, Vice Chair. ;� APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Antonio made a motion to approve the December 12, 2007, agenda as written. Second by Audrey. Motion carried. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Antonio made a motion to approve the November 13, 2007, minutes as submitted. Second by Audrey. Motion carried. INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUEST: Jerry Rerecich, Recreation Director, attended the meeting and shared his 30 years of working experience with the City of Renton. CORRESPONDENCE: The December packets included the Winter& Spring 2008 What's Happening Brochure; the Community Services December Status Report; and, as requested by the Commission at the November meeting, copies of minutes from all Community Services Boards and Commissions. It was noted that the two Sister Cities Advisory Committees do not record minutes but may do so in the future. Also included was an interesting article from the Renton Magazine titled, "The Holiday Spirit Lives in Many Cultures". OLD BUSINESS: Only two Commissioners submitted suggested goals for the 2008 Work Plan. The remaining Commissioners are encouraged to submit goals to assist the facilitator in preparing for her presentation at the February 2, 2007, retreat. �, A Call for Celebrations is now featured in the What's Happening Brochure. In the future it will be in RentonNOW and on the City's home page. A revised ESL Classes/f".ctivities for Greater Renton was distrib�uted. As requested, Bonnie surveyed outlying cities to determine if they have Diversity Commissions. Auburn and Burien do not; Everett is just starting one; Kent has an ,,� inactive Commission(Mayor's Advisory Council) that may be disbanding; Tukwila has not responded; and Federal Way meets on the second Wednesday of each month as does Renton. It was suggested that perhaps one of our Commissioners and one from Federal Way could each visit the other's Commission since their meetings are on the same night. Bellevue does not have a Diversity Commission, however, they have a Cultural Diversity Program in their Parks & Recreation Division with a paid staff of two. Audrey would like to invite Kevin Henry of Bellevue to speak to the Commission. Bonnie will work with Lari since she is the Speaker Committee lead. The Mayor has reappointed Sandel, Raymond, and Charles to the Commission. NEW BUSINESS: Bonnie announced that Jerry Rerecich will be the staff liaison to the Advisory Commission on Diversity. She has been reassigned to new, additional duties. The Commissioners were encouraged to remove all 2007 information from their binders to prepare for 2008. Gloria has all the information on file if needed. COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: Antonio attended the Renton Museum Christmas party and represented the Advisory Commission on Diversity. Liz Stewart, Museum Director, has spoken to the Commission in the past. The Commissioners would like to invite her again to speak on strides made on the history of diversity in Renton. OTHER COMMUNICATIONS: The City of Renton Human Services Advisory � Committee has a vacancy and is recruiting a member representing the diversity of the City, including ethnicity, geography, gender, age or those with English as a second language. The Committee acts in an advisory capacity to the City in the disposition of human services and allocation of funds to specific programs and projects. They also assist in developing policies related to human services affecting Renton residents. The application deadline is December 15, 2007, but may be extended. An overview of the Benson Hill annexation was also distributed. Prior to the annexation, all City departments submitted parallel budgets—one without annexation and one with annexation. The voters approved the annexation to become effective in March 2008. ADJOURNMENT: Audrey made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:19 p.m. Second by Vern. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned. Minutes were taken by Gloria Gamba. !/ � ��*�_ Charles Thomas, Vice Chair � �` - �� . .yers�ty . o� �� , issl°n lvity o�m f �,�t . r C r o .�l�o y �,a y �,d s,�m n��l �n � r� N': �k" � f r,`�', � xz �'- i'&' � � ,a .� � �,� � s �. ,� � •; ,. � ' � ' «�: R � � � �� � . ra ��� ��� � w �* � ��� `, � ` ���* �� .,• �' ,$E �� �� 4��I � � 1�:: . �.� � a � � `�,*�' �� '�r..r�3 �� �� �� ,�. . s .: � ' � , � . � ' � � �� ��h� f� �;�: � � � � � • ���., ���, �' r k* � � i�8, �� � ����' 4 � y., � � ��, . �peparti�e�t un'ty �e���425•�3�'�'6�4 Rent°'' C�mm City °f�,a�ov rent°� � � • � ' • � • • • • • � ' The City of Renton Advisory Commission on Diversity is a volunteer body of nine members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council, charged with the responsibility of promoting tolerance and goodwill toward all people. Mission The Advisory Commission on Diversity recognizes the value of diversity within the City of Renton and is dedicated to: • Promoting understanding by including our diverse community in the process of City government. • Promoting an atmosphere for diverse participation in civic and other activities. • Working with local organizations to identify and remove obstacles that may prevent participation. • Providing opportunities to celebrate diversity, and learn about significant and emerging issues. • Advising and providing information to the Mayor, Council, staff, Commissions, and Boards to foster a commitment to diversity. Organization Sandel Demastus Chair (2000-2008) Antonio Cube, Sr. Vern Nichols Lari White Member Member Member (1996-2008) (1992-2008) (2001-2008) Charles Thomas Raymond Lam Vacant Member (2007-2009) Erica Rehberg Member (1995-2009) (2007-resigned Jan 2008) Audrey Godwin Serena Aquino Member Youth Member �200�-2009� �200�-2009� The Advisory Commission on Diversity meets the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm 5th Floor, Room 511, Renton City Hall, 1055 South Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057 Stat�Lzaisons: Bonnie Rerecich,Community Resources and Funding Manager Gloria Gamba,Community ServiCes Depsrtment 11 • ' - • ' • • • • � � ' l Retreat � 2007 began with the encumbered six members of the Advisory Commission on Diversity participating in a half-day retreat, focusing on transition, education, and goals to establish a work plan for the year. Transition: The Commissioners were originally members of the Human Rights Commission. As members of the Advisory Commission on Diversity, their roles were expanded to be more pro-active. In addition to reviewing issues brought before them, the Commissioners also provided opportunities for education and celebration of Renton's diverse community. Education: Commissioners familiarized themselves with the demographics and statistics of the City of Renton, including an area profile, property tax rates, principal employers, population by age, percent of non-English speakers, students by school who receive free or reduced lunches, and more. Commissioners reviewed the 2006 "Board Composition Self-Assessment" tool and, using a City neighborhood map, Commissioners were able to identify gaps in Commission representation. Goals: Three goals were established for the 2007 Work Plan. . Conduct a survey to identify needs • Fill vacancies • Visibility and community outreach ti'tY O � ♦ j y♦ ���5 � i • ' - • � • • • • • � � S u rvey � A subcommittee was formed to identify the target audience, choose a survey tool or method to be used, and outline the desired outcome and timeline. Outcome: Department Administrators were asked to participate in an informal survey to assist with the identification of real or perceived obstacles and opportunities that directly affect City staff's ability to provide services. • Three questions were posed: � How do you define diversity? The goal was to identify a general understanding of the community, and commonality in definitions. � What is the greatest challenge your department faces in providing services to a diverse population? The goal was to identify possible obstacles that departments face or have in common that may be unique in working with a community rich with diversity. � Where do they see the greatest opportunities? The desired outcome was to identify areas where the department could benefit, areas that may guide the future efforts of the Advisory Commission on Diversity, and ways the community could benefit. A summary of the results have been included in the appendixes. The information gathered was intended to assist the Advisory Commission on Diversity and Department Administrators in moving forward with a common understanding of concerns and opportunities. ���Y et� � � "��,N'C�'� � � • � ' � � • • • • • � � Board Vacancies � Filling the three open positions on the Advisory Commission on Diversity was a priority for 2007. Using information they gained through the assessment tool, a subcommittee worked to generate a pool of applicants and develop a testing tool before proceeding to the interview phase. Outcome: A call for applications was done through a series of articles about volunteering, and was also posted on rentonwa.gov. Additional information was sent to the high schoots in Renton requesting applications for the open youth position. Six community members were invited to interview in May 2007, and the board used a series of questions to guide their recommendations. Kelly Roberts resigned his position on the Commission in June. The Commission chose to include a fourth candidate from the May interviews in the recommendation to the Mayor for appointments. . New Commissioners : � Serena Aquino, Youth Commission Member Serena Aquino is attending college in the area, has an interest in the community and is a graduate of Renton High School. � Audrey Godwin, Commission Member Audrey Gadwin holds a Master's Degree, is a CPA, a member of the Renton Chamber of Commerce, and Washington State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and volunteers in the Renton +community. � R�ymond L�r�,C�tn�t�ssiQn N�ember � m�i� ��h uate from the Univ,arsi of VU►ashin ti, � " ��� ;� .� � 9t�n; �r�d h�s � ��v�d with d �.�' �+e�� Cfiine����letic Association, Interrt���'� fxamin��; �` �� a ; m, . �. �. and the Japanese American Citizen League. „ � E�c� Rehberg, Commission Member � z��``�"° F. . Er�a Rehberg is eaming her degree in Business Management, has an interest in community ou�ach, and is working locally as a Hur�an Resources Manager. t(�e� p�sY �, ♦ � • ���$ � � • � ' • � • � • • • � ' � Community Outreach and Visibility � In 2007 an effort was made to become more visible in the community. The Advisory Commission discussed three areas that could assist in meeting this goal. Marketing: Establish a positive message on the diversity of Renton, communicate how the City is addressing issues of diversity, introduce the Commission, and identify resources. Involvement: Get involved in community events, activities, or other programs that will provide op- portunities to advance the mission of the Commission. Education: Identify opportunities to educate staff/community members on diversity issues that will assist them in providing services. Outcome: A web page was developed as a tool to introduce the community to the Advisory Commission on Diversity, in addition to other informational pieces. The Advisory Commission on Diversity had a presence at community events and supported cultuc�f performances at Renton River Days. Communication was established with the Rentort�c�tool District liaison to the District's Diversity Committee. This opened new learning opportunities that were extended to staff and Commissioners. • Marketing: � The new Advisory Commission on Diversity web page includes an introduction to the ordinance establishing the Commission, and identifies the mission of the group and members. Links to services and related information are also available. � A ftamed poster was designed to travel to City activities or events (when appropriate) providing general information and contact information about the Commission. � ��dvisory Commission on Diversity informational flyer was updated to include new Co' sioners and was redistributed in areas throughout the City. � A call munity activities and celebrations of diversity was announced in the Dec/Jan RentonN %` and the Community Services "What's Happening" brochure, with an email address established: www.celebratediversitv.ci.renton.wa.us. � A��t Connected and Celebrate" calendar was created for posting on the website in 2008 to assist in connecting the citizens with events and also provide information about the community. �Y ��> A � �� � � � • ' - • � • • • • • 1 - �Community Outreach and Visibility • Involvement: � Members of the Advisory Commission took advantage of opportunities to attend community events and lend support, including the dedication of artwork representing the Duwamish Tribe at the Henry Moses Aquatic Center; dedication of the bench in memory of the Barfield Family at Heritage Park; the Grand Opening dedication of Heritage Park; the Renton History Museum Open House; and other community activities. � Commission members participated in IKEA Renton River Days Community Services Booth, taking shifts throughout the weekend, distributing flyers, and answering questions. � The Commission supported the culturally rich stage performances through sponsorship at the 2007 IKEA Renton River Days Community celebration. � Through the Advisory Commission on Diversity website, the Commission assisted with the marketing and outreach efforts of programs needing volunteers to provide English as a Second Language programs t�:;;�,,�mmunity. ,}, • Education: . � The Advisory Commission on DFversity work with the Renton School District's Diversity Committee liaiso�t and provided access �or 'ty employees to attend an all-day workshop on addressing the n of youc�g peop�'�nc�di ity in the schools. � The following s . ddres��e � "on in 2007: Kath " ,��,ey, Execut�" r of Secondary Education for the Renton Sch`� ict, addre •role of the school district's committee on diversity. Elizab Stewart, Director of the Re istory Museum, outlined the goals of the Renton Museum to build their collection o reflect Renton's diverse and rich history. Deborah Needham, City of Renton Emergency Management Director, gave a briefing on the Map Your Neighborhood Program. The Renton Emergency Management Team is also reaching out to diverse ethnic populations to assist in disaster preparedness. ti�Y � ♦ � ♦ �N�� Su rvey ' • • - • ' Advisory Commission on Diversity 2007"Results of the Survey"on Diversity to Department Administrators 1. How do you define diversity? • We live in a very diverse community and the workforce should mirror the community it serves. Diversity includes differences in ethnicity, gender, color, sexual orientation, or even some ADA issues where appropriate accommo- dations can be made. • Diversity means the inclusion into an organization of a wide array of people with different ethnic and cultural back- grounds. • Diversity is what makes, people, places, or concepts, "not the same". • It is generally perceived to be a mixture of various races/cultures. However, people's mindsets are affected by a variety of influences (race, culture, affluence/poverty, intellecUacademic ability). t think diversity refers to the nu- merous ways in which we are unique yet interact as part of a society. • Engaging the entire community(both sexes, all races and disabilities or physical challenges, people of different incomes, and those with physical challenges and people of all sexual orientations. • Diversity in a community is the collective variety of people, beliefs, ages, cultures, educational levels, languages, and lifestyles that exists everywhere in the world, but is represented a certain way in one place. Some communities have more and wider variety; some communities have less variety. • For City purposes, people providing a range in age, race, religion, color, culture, national origin, sexual orientation and physical, mental, and emotional challenges. ti'�Y O V�> a � ��'N�Z S u rvey Overall Challenges 2. What is the greatest challenge your department faces in providing services to a diverse population? � Communication I ` � � Cultural Awareness I � � /\ /\ � Language Barrier I � Reaching the Citizens � Customs&Cultural Continue the growth � Differences of a diverse workforce English as a second Not knowing the language — needs or who isn't � Impacts of actions � being served The ability to be proactive instead of — reactive Translations of Interpretations of City information More information laws and policies — needs to be easier to access Lack of opportunities for What are their incorporating new ideas How should — expectations of City information and government? — services be delivered? Opportunities 3. Where do they see the greatest opportunities? IOutreach � Celebrating � Workforce � Trainings I / \ � � Way � I What � � Cultural diversity � Incentives for — In-service on bilingual employees cultural issues to Find out what the assistin a greater _ Have board understanding of meetings out in population values Involvement in the cultural impacts the community* — about the City's Black History Continue the of actions government Month, Cinco de — growth of a diverse _ Mayo and other workforce Create a dialogue ethnic celebrations* How do they want with minority r�mmunications Share demographic — owned businesses* _ and services information delivered? Provide alternative forms _ of communication � _ ,. U .. � � .� � . , i i. . . . , , . - i'