The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About02/13/2008 - Minutes `�rw►' � MINUTES ADVISORY COMMISSION ON DIVERSITY FEBRUARY 13,2008 �r �%iTY f)�REI��'C7RV Commission: Serena Aquino (absent) Antonio P. Cube, Sr. �NAR 1 4 �008 Sandel Demastus RECEIVED Audrey Godwin(absent) Ci"Tl�'CLERK'S OFFICE Raymond Lam (absent) Vern Nichols Charles Thomas Lari White Staff Gloria Gamba(absent) Jerry Rerecich CALL TO ORDER: Sandel called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Fire Chief David Daniels was also present. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Vern made a motion to approve the February 13, 2008, agenda as written. Second by Antonio. Motion carried. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Antonio made a motion to approve the January 9, 2008,minutes as submitted. Second by Charles. Motion carried. � INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUEST: Kevin Henry, coordinator of Bellevue's Cultural Diversity Program, was introduced. Mr. Henry began his presentation by discussing how Bellevue has become increasingly diverse in its ethnic makeup over the past 28 years, from 8%non-white residents in 1980 to over 30% now. The highest percentage of minority residents is Asian/Pacific Islander, followed by persons of Hispanic background. The Bellewe School District reflects the minority percentage of the general population and over 60 different languages are spoken among the students. A printed Powerpoint presentation was distributed and Mr. Henry discussed some of the subjects, especially the action points for cities, summarized as follows: 1. Neighborhood Outreach Program. ■ A satellite office, "mini-city hall,"allows for a personal approach. Multi- lingual volunteers help staff the office. ■ Neighborhood Liaison Program ■ Neighborhood Enhancement Program ■ Distribute publications and promote special events 2. Multilingual Resources ■ Broaden the Media List, to include neighborhood and ethnic newspapers, � - radio stations, and other media outlets �- � �,, ■ Language Resource Guide is available for city resources ■ Interpreter/translator services are used ■ City website is translated into other languages ■ Training for front line staff Minutes/Advisory Commissioi�w�iversity ,� February 13,2008 Page 2 3. Community Education „� ■ From the top down—administrators and city leaders set the example ■ What is the attitude of the message? See the"Continuum on Becoming an Anti-Racist Multicultural Institution". Mr. Henry has a professional background in marketing and recommends the use of basic marketing principles to promote cultural diversity concepts, events, and awareness. In conclusion, Mr. Henry took questions from the Commission and volunteered his city email address, for anyone interested in receiving the general periodic correspondence that he sends to a broad list of area addressees who are interested in diversity on a local and regional level. It is khenrvna,bellewewa.sov and his telephone number is 425-452-7886. CORRESPONDENCE: The February 2008 packets included the CommUNITY Festival "Togetherness in Diversity"on June 2-6, 2008; RentonNOW dated Feb/Mar 2008; the Diversity Commission Contact information; and the Community Services Status Report. OLD BUSINESS: The Advisory Commission on Diversity Retreat was held on February 2, 2008. The retreat recap, approval of goals, and Commission assignments were tabled until the written record of the retreat is completed. NEW BUSINESS: It was announced that election of new officers will take place at the March meeting. In other news, most of the Community Services Department has moved temporarily to � the Liberty Park building behind the Renton downtown library. Human Services is presently located in the 200 Mill Avenue South building(the old city hall building). The mailin�address for the entire department will remain the same: Communiry Services Department, Renton City Hall, 1055 S. Grady Way, Renton, Washington 98057. Staff telephone numbers will also remain the same. COMMISSION REPORTS: Lari will draw from her list of four speakers for future guest speaker invitations. COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: Sandel announced that the Highlands Task Force will have an Open House on February 28 from 6:00—8:00 p.m. at Highlands Elementary School ADJOURNMENT: Antonio moved to adjourn at 7:50 p.m. Second by Vern. Motion carried. Antonio also thanked the Fire Chief, David Daniels, for attending. The minutes were taken by Mary Ann Anthony. ,� �, • �� Sandel Demastus, Chair �