Spokane Minority Advisory Resource Team (SMART)

Minutes of October 13 SMART Meeting

Submitted by Yvonne Lopez-Morton

Participants: Pam Austin, Joe Dressler, Toni Lodge, Denise McKinnon, Yvonne Lopez-Morton, Denise Osei, and Cynthia Vigil

Denise Osei welcomed group and introduced Toni Lodge, who hosted and moderated the meeting at The Native Project.

Group participated in roundtable introductions

Presentation by Denise McKinnon, Community Colleges of Spokane, about Career Transitions Program. Six-week program Monday through Friday and begins October 31 and additional 2012 sessions are scheduled in January, February, April and May. Classes will be conducted in the Institute for Extended Learning’s Magnuson Building at 2917 W. Ft. George Wright Drive.  Cost of the program is $300, however some funding will be available for qualified individuals. For more information, contact Denise at 279-6065 or dmckinnon@iel.spokane.edu

Group discussed meeting dates, locations and guest speakers/programs for rest of 2011 and 2012. Schedule is tentative based on availability and confirmations:

2011

November 10:  Location:  Institute for Extended Learning Lodge

Speaker:  Doug Wordell, Spokane Public Schools

Topic:  Biometric program at elementary schools

December 8:  Location:  Perkins Restaurant Downtown

Speaker:  Marjorie Davis, SFCC (Confirmed)

Topic:  Fellowship breakfast and financial aid

2012

January 12:  Location:  District 81 Administration Building

Speaker:  Fred Schrump/Joan Poirier

Topic:  Academic/graduation outcomes

February 9: Location:  Emmanuel Family Life Center

Speaker:  TBD

GED/Early College

March TBD  Location:  Washington State University Spokane

Speakers:  TBD

Topic:  Community Forum

April 12: Location:  SFCC

Speakers:  Denise Osei and Cynthia Vigil

Topic:  Students of Color Community Graduations

May 10: Location:  Emmanuel Family Life Center

Speakers:  Native Project, Communities in Schools, YWCA, YMCA, Emmanuel Center and others

Topic:  Summer youth programs & job opportunities

Group discussed upcoming “Get Connected” Student of Color Day which will be held  December 6 at SFCC and possible involvement by SMART or individual members. Denise will connect with Bernice Buchanan to get more details before November meeting

Denise mentioned Early College High School Gathering on October 21 at SFCC at 5 p.m. in the SUB Café at the Falls featuring keynote by Kelly Dotson (Holy Family Hospital) and presentation by Eastern Washington University Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Nu Xi Chapter. Please RSVP ASAP to 533-3768.

Yvonne mentioned that Yvonne Montoya Zamora is receiving the Carl Maxey Racial Justice Award at the November 2 YWCA Women of Achievement Luncheon. Yvonne LM is hosting a table with Yvonne MZ’s family and still has 4 seats open at her table. Toni Lodge announced that Native Project is also hosting a table.

Joe mentioned that the Native Project Wellness Program at Havermale is in progress every Wednesday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Havermale High School and the community dinner/education event for students and families is scheduled every third Wednesday. Yvonne said she would like to connect with media to alert them to this wonderful longtime and successful program that engages both students and families and is open to all.

Pam announced she has been transferred from Havermale to Spokane Public School’s administration building.

Cynthia mentioned that the Latinas Unidas group at SFCC is hosting Antonio Gomez on October 27 from 11:30 to 1 in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Yvonne mentioned that in response to legislation passed in Washington regarding enforcement of discrimination in schools, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction is finishing their rule making process.

Meeting adjourned

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