HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/14/2008 - Minutes 1
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ADVISORY COMMISSION ON DIVERSITY
MAY 14, 2008
Commission: Antonio Cube
Sandel Demastus
Audrey Godwin
Raymond Lam
Vern Nichols
Charles Thomas
Lari White
Absent: Serena Aquino
Staff: Gloria Gamba
Jerry Rerecich
CALL TO ORDER: Sandel Demastus, Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
GUEST SPEAKER: Amina Ahmed, Family Support Program Director, from the Refugee
Women's Alliance (ReWA) was the guest speaker. ReWA is a multi-ethnic, community-based,
non-profit organization, providing services to refugee and immigrant women and families in the
Puget Sound area. They were founded in 1985 by a group of resettled Asian women who sought
to provide services not offered by other agencies. Ms. Ahmed began her presentation by
discussing how the area has become increasingly diverse in its ethnic makeup and the complex
needs of this diverse community. Their programs include domestic violence services, early
childhood education, customized ESL classes, youth programs, family support, parent education,
and vocational training. ReWA operates from five sites in King County, however, they are not
located in Renton. They are funded by the City of Renton and serve Renton residents by
partnering with the Department of Social & Health Services and The Salvation Army. Their
funding sources include federal and local governments, private foundations and corporations,
and individual donors. She will send their quarterly newsletters to further update the
Commission.
The Commissioners thoroughly enjoyed the presentation and thanked Ms. Ahmed for her time
and efforts.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Lari White made a motion to approve the May 14, 2008, agenda
as written. Second by Audrey Godwin. Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Charles Thomas made a motion to approve the April 9, 2008,
minutes as written. Second by Lari White. Motion carried.
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Minutes/Advisory Commission on Diversity
May 14,2008
Page 2 of 2
INTERVIEW PROCESS DISCUSSION: There were three applicants for the Advisory
Commission on Diversity vacancy. Interviews were conducted on May 7, 2008. Jerry Rerecich
explained that one applicant did not arrive for the interview and asked the Commissioners if they
would like to reschedule the interview. The Commissioners decided not to grant the interview,
since they had selected their applicant of choice. They asked that a letter be sent to the applicant
indicating they had selected the new Commissioner but will keep the application on file for
future vacancies.
OLD BU5INESS: The Renton Technical College CommiJNITY Festival (Togetherness in
Diversity) will be held on June 5, 2008, Building I, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Jerry Rerecich will
arrive early and set up the booth. The following volunteered to work the booth:
➢ Charles Thomas 4:30 p.m.
➢ Sandel Demastus 5:00 p.m.
➢ Lari White 5:00 p.m.
➢ Vern Nichols 5:30 p.m.
Vern Nichols suggested that staff provide a laminated, small placard, with a statement reflecting
the mission of the Diversity Commission and have them available at the festival. Sandel
Demastus reminded the Commissioners to wear their pins.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Audrey Godwin has made contact with Renton Councilmember
Greg Taylor to identify the leader of the Ethiopian Community. Audrey also has connections
with the Hispanic Community, and recommended contact with Helena Stephens, Retreat
Facilitator, to increase access to community leaders. Sandel Demastus, through the Public
Access System, will connect with the faith-based community.
The Commissioners agreed to meet on Monday, June 9`h, at 6:00 p.m., on how to accomplish the
goals established at the February 2008 Retreat. Gloria Gamba will make meeting room
arrangements and notify the Commissioners.
NEW BUSINESS: For one month only, the June 11`�' meeting will be held at Renton City Hall,
S`�`Floor, Conference Room#Sll, beginning at 6:30 p.m..
AD,TOURNMENT: Audrey Godwin moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 p.m. Second by
Charles Thomas. Motion carried.
Minutes were taken by Gloria Gamba.
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Sandel Demastus, Chair