The Edmonds Diversity Commission intends to create a quick-response system when discrimination occurs in their city and devise events that bring all city residents together, according to members who met on Wednesday.

The commission, appointed by the City Council, is still in its early stages of operation, having just begun in November 2015. It was formed after a walk against racism last year, which was prompted by an Edmonds family who was a target of racial slurs and a death threat. The commission’s main goal is to bring awareness, acceptance and appreciation to diversity within the Edmonds community.

Six out of the nine members of the commission attended Wednesday’s meeting at Edmonds City Hall, along with two committee organizers and the new council liaison, Councilmember Adrienne Fraley-Monillas.

A top commission priority is to establish partnerships within the community. Whether partnering with churches or non-profit organizations, commissioners agreed they are committed to reaching out beyond just their city.

Commission member Diana White discussed connections and possible events with the United Methodist Church and other programs such as FOCUS (Families of Color Uniting Scholars), who are willing to partner with the Edmonds Diversity Commission.

“People are watching what we do outside of the city,” said White. “We could make a pretty broad presence, not just the footprint of Edmonds.”

Because there are only nine commission members, they are looking to bring in more partners in other cities.

Several commission members brought up the need to hear from the community, especially those from diverse backgrounds. Edmonds’ population is 79 percent Caucasian, 9 percent Asian, 5 percent Hispanic, 4 percent multiracial, 2 percent African American and 1 percent Native American, according to a 2014 census data.

City Councilmember Fraley-Monillas brought up the need to reach out to those who don’t speak English and to immigrants. “Many do not speak English. If we really want to reach out to all the people in Edmonds, we have to identify who they are and where they’re at,” Fraley-Monillas said. “These are the ones who are isolated and unable to communicate.”

The commission is formulating a community survey they plan to distribute in the next few months, which the city council has approved a budget for. They’re looking at the American Community Survey for examples of questions to ask, including “Do you feel a part of your community?” said Patrick Doherty, Edmonds Director of Economic Development and Community services.

This will allow the commission to hear directly from the public on their needs, desires and how the diversity commission can help.

In addition to these partnership events, they also discussed developing a notification system when a discriminatory incident occurs, such as the recent racially-motivated threats at Edmonds-Woodway High School.

Commission members said they want to be a safe place for all citizens to turn to.

“What I would like to do is to make sure that the whole community knows that they can come to us,” said Commission Member Mario Brown. “Making sure that it doesn’t get covered up and that we don’t put any shame – I think that’s a purpose that we can serve.”

Later, Brown asked the people in the room if any had been a victim of discrimination. Nearly everyone raised his or her hand, including the commission members and three audience members. When this happens, Brown explained that such an incident makes you feel like “an other” and “unsafe.” He added, “I want to make those folks feel safe again.”

The hope is that some type of notification system, whether it’s on social media or through a statement on the Diversity Commission web page, will give people a way to reach out.

The commission also decided to create a calendar of holidays and observance days reflecting diverse culturals and religions.

The last few minutes of Wednesday’s meeting was dedicated to an update on the Edmonds School District, presented by Commission Member White, who also serves on the Edmonds School Board.

White said 48 percent of students in the district are students of color, while 9 percent of staff identify as non-white. This creates a huge disconnect between student and staff, she said.

White has been involved in equity work in the district, which has worked with EAACH – a grassroots parent advisory group focused on building inclusive schools. The bilingual translation services have grown, with lunch menus now offered in Spanish and other languages. Five years ago they were only in English.

Through the compiled data, White showed that the school district’s equity work is extensive and an example of how diverse communities can be included in the City of Edmonds. The Diversity Commission members were encouraged by this as this is an example of what they wish to see for the whole city.

Moving forward, the Diversity Commission plans to work on developing an event that will help establish their identity as a safe place and a voice for the diverse residents of Edmonds. The goal of this event will be to join with other communities to educate and raise awareness on topics of diversity.

The commission’s next public meeting will be held on March 2 at a location to be confirmed. More information on the diversity commission can be found here.

— Story and photo by Ashley McCuen

Ashley McCuen is a University of Washington communications student.