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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/02/2008 - Minutes .,� `'rr ADVISORY COMNIISSION ON DIVERSITY FEBRUARY 2, 2008 RETREAT Commission: Serena Aquino Antonio P. Cube, Sr. Audrey Godwin Raymond Lam Vern Nichols Lari White Absent: Sandel Demastus, Chair Charles Thomas Staff: Denis Law, Mayor Terry Higashiyama, Community Services Administrator Jerry Rerecich, Recreation Director Bonnie Rerecich, Resource &Funding Manager Gloria Gamba, Secretary Guests: Helena Stevens, Retreat Facilitator Captain Terry Masango, T'he Salvation Army Dalia Amin, Lindbergh High School Student Terry Higashiyama, Community Services Administrator, expressed her sincere thanks to the Commission for their outstanding accomplishments and achievement of their 2007 established goals. The purpose of this retreat is to establish the Commission's 2008 Work Plan, determine long and short-term goals and priorities. Denis Law, Mayor, expressed his appreciation to the Commissioners for their efforts and discussed the challenges and opportunities for both Renton and King County to share their wealth of diversity. He expressed that it is time to breakdown hurdles and celebrate diversity, as well as the importance of building trust, educating the community, and providing services to those residents requiring assistance, i.e., language challenges, disabilities, age, ethnic backgrounds, and gender. Mayor Law will continue partnering with the Renton School District and he would like to have cultural booths during Renton festivals featuring various ethnic customs and foods to gain knowledge about each other and reach out to the global community. Bonnie Rerecich introduced Dalia Amin, a Lindberg High School Student, who was nominated fox the Diversity Makes a Difference award offered by the Northwest Asian Weekly Newspaper. She was nominated for her active leadership in the Kurdish Community. Dalia explained that she volunteers as an interpreter, assists new immigrants how to adjust to life in the United States, and how to prepare for citizenship tests. � � The next speaker, Terry Masango, Captain, The Salvation Army, spoke of his experiences growing up in Zimbabwe Africa, and how The Salvation Army found a deep purpose in his life. He and his wife came to Renton after being with The Salvation Army in Australia, California, and Spokane. The Captain explained the challenges encountered upon arriving in America and the importance of interacting with Renton's diverse community. Helena Stevens, Retreat Facilitator, explained the purpose of the retreat: ➢ 2008 Work Plan ➢ Connecting with the community ➢ Regional picture ➢ Education on current and special populations, immigrants, youth, and others ➢ Finance, economics,business support, access to/and educating employers At the conclusion of the retreat, the top three goals, time lines, and committee leads were selected for 2008: 1. Increase access to community leaders and connections with churches, social groups, etc.—May 2008—Audrey Godwin 2. Increase and educate the community, employers,businesses, and the City—May 2008—Serena Aquino,Audrey Godwin, and Charles 3. Increase resources and connections—June 2008 - Vern Nichols The 2008 retreat adjourned at 12:30 p.m.