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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 14, 2012 Calf Minutes/Meeting Summary Advisory Committee on Diversity p -; ..... Thursday, June 14, 2012 PICKERING 7:00 pm Pickering Civic Complex, Main Committee Room Attendees: Catherine Reidt, Co-Chair Devinder Panesar, Community Appointee Jacob Yacoumidis, Community Appointee Christy Harper, Pickering Public Library Jody Morris, City of Pickering P. Anderson, Aids Committee of Durham D. Garland, Aids Committee of Durham L. Roberts, Recording Secretary Absent: Kevin Ashe, Councillor, Ward 1 Kirk Mark, Chair Carlisle Miller, Community Appointee Keith Richards, DRPS Preet Panesar, Dunbarton High School Margaret Lazarus, Valley Farm Public School Neha Mohan, VP, (YOU)nity, Pine Ridge High School • Fred Gibson, Pickering Carib Canadian Cultural Association Alma Sandoval, Hispanic Canadian Alliance of Ontario Misha Biswas, President, (YOU)nity, Pine Ridge High School Alysha Singh, Secretary of (YOU)nity, Pine Ridge High School Item/ Details & Discussion & Conclusion Action Items/Status Ref# (summary of discussion) (include deadline as appropriate) 1.0 Welcome & Introductions Kirk Mark C. Reidt welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were made. 20 Approval of Minutes Approval of agenda — one additional item was added ([YOU]nity Moved by C. Harper Seconded by D. Panesar Carried Moved by C. Harper Seconded by D. Panesar Page 1 CORP0228-2/02 That the minutes of the May 10, 2012 meeting of the Diversity Committee be approved as amended. Carried 3.0 Business Arising from Minutes 3.1) CCACN Sports Update J. Morris provided an update with respect to the CCACN event. She noted they had been in contact with her and confirmed a date for the tournament at the end of August. She also noted they plan to hold the gala and launch one week prior to the tournament, but as yet have not confirmed a venue for this. J. Morris noted she had confirmed the fees applicable with Ammar and advised him that no promotion could take place until the venue has been booked and paid for. J. Morris indicated to the organization that she was available to assist, but required further information from them. A brief discussion period ensued. 3.2) Diversity Forum J. Morris provided an update with respect to the writing contest. With respect to the discussion at the previous meeting regarding publishing all entries, she provided the Committee with all the submissions from this year. She provided an overview of what would be involved as well as staff and time commitments for such a project, explaining such an endeavor would not be feasible at this time due to the lack of resources. She also provided a copy of the books which are currently published and distributed to all schools. A question and answer period ensued with the following points being made: • Send an acknowledgement to all participants • Have a display at the schools at the beginning of the school year to help promote the writing contest • Lack of promotion in schools is a concern • Contact PAC 4 teens to assist in promotion of the writing contest • Send out certificates to all participating schools — Jody suggested we send this out with the books in September for this past contest year. Page 2 CORP0228-2/02 It was recommended that staff provide each school Principal with a copy of the book along with the poster. It was also suggested that the School Board Trustees involved with Aboriginal as well as Diversity matters, be invited to attend the Diversity Committee meetings. 4.0 Event Updates 4.1) Survey J. Morris provided members with copies of the updated survey. The Committee reviewed the survey with some additional revisions being made. D. Garland noted the importance of the addition of a section for J. Morris to action Aboriginal Ancestry—which would include Metis, Inuit and First Nations. It was the consensus of the Committee to include this prior to Item #22 on the survey. It was the consensus of the committee to have J. Morris update the survey and forward along to staff for final review. J. Morris noted the promotion would begin the first week of July. She indicated a booth has been booked for Canada Day and it was suggested that the survey be available to hand out. She asked for volunteers for the booth which will run from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. 5.0 New Business 5.1) Aboriginal Community Engagement D. Garland provided an outline of upcoming events being hosted by the aboriginal community. She handed out information on these events and also noted that the month of June has been proclaimed "Aboriginal Month". A question and answer period ensued and the issue of location for these events was discussed, as it was noted that the current location in Oshawa does not allow for all Durham Region residents to attend. She noted she would like to see this opened up more. She also extended an invitation to all members to attend the Aboriginal celebration in Pickering Village this month. She noted the group is very busy promoting their activities in order to foster a sense of community and inclusiveness. She also noted members were welcome to attend their Page 3 CORP0228-2/02 meetings coming up in September. D. Gardland noted she would be pleased to act as a liaison between the aboriginal community and the Advisory Committee on Diversity. 5.2) JYOU]nity Discussion ensued with respect to the sub-committee [YOU]nity. It was suggested that the Committee identify who will be taking a leadership role in this and how the Committee can assist [YOU]nity in obtaining new members. Some suggestions were to • contact PAC 4Teens • • talk to the school boards • place posters at City sporting events to help generate interest among students from all schools • request [YOU]nity create a workplan • communicate to Diversity Committee through staff rep in order to keep apprised of upcoming events as well as any assistance required from the Committee, not necessarily attend meetings 6.0 Next Meeting &Adjournment The next meeting will be held on September 13, 2012 Meeting Adjourned: 8:40 pm Copy: City Clerk Page 4 CORP0228-2/02