Diversity Committee Meeting – April 20, 2006
Agenda
I. Announcements
There were no announcements at the beginning of the meeting
II. Lennisa Mostella – Diversity Trainer
The Committee welcomed Lennisa Mostella, diversity trainer with the UT Office of Equity and Diversity. She shared with the Committee the different activities that OED are offering on campus, including a “Diversity in the Workplace” series, Cultural Competency workshops, and Diversity Dialogues. Lennisa mentioned that they have already conducted workshops for over 1000 people and 30 colleges on campus. They are looking into using peer mentors and introducing the programs to the residence halls and athletics. The Committee asked Lennisa a number of questions, including how to get people to attend when many obviously would not want to be there. Lennisa mentioned that there could be a number of incentives, including HR 128 which offers professional development credit for taking part in workshops and other training activities. She also pointed out that many people who arrived thinking they did not want to be there, left happy that they had attended, and feeling as if they had learned a lot. Lennisa invited us to contact them to let her know if there were any ways we could partner up, mentioning both the Culture Corner and the Hot Topics/Cool Books displays as possible areas of interest. They are also looking for facilitators.
Following Lennisa’s presentation, the Committee briefly discussed what they had heard. It was suggested that the Committee should consider having a workshop done just for us and then look at branching out to the Libraries as a whole. It was also suggested that we take a look at our goals to see if there were one particular area we should focus on.
III. Call for Chapters: Voices of Diversity on College Campuses
Kawanna announced that Maud had forwarded on information about a call for chapters. An editor is looking for different perspectives on diversity on college campuses. Kawanna suggested that it might be an ideal opportunity for someone looking for a publishing opportunity. Kawanna will send out the e-mail to the committee so that everyone can receive the information.
IV. International Festival – April 21st
Rita reminded everyone that the International Festival was the following day, April 21st, and thanked all who volunteered to staff the table. She also showed the committee the sign that Martha designed that stated “Change your World” at the libraries in a number of languages. Other plans for the table included a handout on international news resources, and free candy and cookies. She invited everyone to come out to enjoy the activities.
V. Family Reunion Food Fest
Kawanna, Becky, and Molly gave a brief update on the final planning for the Family Reunion Food Fest. Kawanna announced that though she had only received one recipe so far via the e-mail form; she had heard from others word of mouth that they were bringing items. She reminded those on the committee planning to contribute to let her know what they were bringing so she would have an idea of how much food to expect. It was also announced that the Staff Enrichment sub-committee would have a brief meeting following the full Committee meeting to finalize plans for the event.
VI. Recap: Loretta Parham meeting
Members of the Committee who were able to make the special meeting with Loretta Parham on April 12th gave a brief recap of what was discussed. The meeting was very informal but Loretta’s ideas were looked highly upon. Most liked the suggestions she offered for ways to address diversity. Loretta also invited the Committee and anyone else interested down to the AUC to view the inner-workings of their library system.
VII. Culture Corner – Summer and beyond
Kawanna announced that she would be sending out a call for volunteers soon for the summer Culture Corner. She also mentioned that she was looking for someone or some ones who might be interested in taking over the coordination of the Corner. She will send out a call via e-mail for volunteers for both.
Meeting adjourned
Respectfully submitted by Kawanna Bright, May 1, 2006