COSUMNES RIVER COLLEGE
Cultural Competence and Equity Committee
MINUTES
September 11, 2008
3:00 PM
1. Welcome and Introductions – Christina Alvarado, Rich Shintaku, Allah-mi Allen, Rukiya Bates,
Emmanuel Siguake, Lily Kun, B.J. Snowden, Winnie LaNier, Frank Condon and Kathy McLain
introduced themselves to their fellow committee members. Christine Scherbaum (ex.), Kim Harrell
(ex.), Hoyt Fong, Ken Cooper, Ellen Arden-Ogle (ex.), Ray Mapeso, Kathryn Mayo (ex.) and Coral
Sage were not present.
2. Winnie provided an overview of the committee charge, which is available online at
http://www.crc.losrios.edu/Faculty_and_Staff/Shared_Governance/Cultural_CompetenceEquity.htm )
3. BJ summarized the committee’s accomplishments from 2008 which included:
 enhancing the support for cultural events
 providing financial support for several new cultural events including the Poetry Series, the African
Speakers Series, and the night at the theatre
 Establishing the framework for a new strategic plan
 supporting the CRC book sale
 contributing to the further implementation and institutionalization of cultural competence into all
aspects of the campus
 supporting the creation of a new mural on campus in the library building
 enhancing the CC and E website, particularly with regard to creating a resource page to support
culturally proficient practices at the college
 supporting professional development opportunities at the college related to cultural proficiency
4. Discussion items

Kathy updated the committee about the decision to sponsor a film series this semester. The
proposal is to host the film series during three of our upcoming meetings. The film series comes
highly recommended by FLC. The committee approved the proposal. Scheduled showings are:
Cultural Competence Video Discussion Workshop Series - Join members of the Cultural
Competence and Equity Committee as they view and discuss Diversity: Crossing the Lines, #1.
Make Contact This video illustrates both the historical and contemporary immigrant experience,
helping viewers develop and appreciation of the difficulties and challenges of adapting to a new
land with a new language and customs and explores the root reasons for prejudice and
stereotyping in U.S. society. Thursday, September 25th at 3 PM.
Cultural Competence Video Discussion Workshop Series - Join members of the Cultural
Competence and Equity Committee as they view and discuss Diversity: Crossing the Lines, #2.
Make a Move. This video examines the process by which individuals in society acquire prejudice
and stereotyping, and the negative effects of these on others and includes discussion on racial
and ethnic jokes, and interracial dating. Uses dramatic vignettes and the personal stories of those
who have experienced prejudice. Thursday, October 23rd at 3 PM.
Cultural Competence Video Discussion Workshop Series - Join members of the Cultural
Competence and Equity Committee as they view and discuss Diversity: Crossing the Lines, #3.
Make a Difference. This video shows how prejudice and racism are tolerated by those in
positions to make positive changes and illustrates the advantages of culturally diverse institutions,
including educational and workplace facilities. The film showcases different communities and
programs which have been successful in their effort to increase understanding between ethnic
and cultural groups. Thursday, November 20th at 3 PM.

Finalizing the New Strategic Plan – Kathy distributed the framework that was generated last
year to inform the finalization of a new strategic plan. This task will be included on the agenda for
our next meeting

Online Employee Profiles – Kathy shared this project with the committee, noting that the links to
the profiles were not operational at this time. The committee discussed the value of the project
and made a recommendation that we continue to support the completion and ongoing
institutionalization of the project. BJ Snowden agreed to follow up with Kristie with regard to the
links not working and to discuss the committee’s recommendation that the page contain all
employees’ names and contact information – but that pictures and links to more information
would be voluntary.

Committee Charge Review - Kathy noted that the posting of the committee charge implied we
had engaged in a committee review of the charge last year, which did not occur. The committee
agreed that we needed to include the review of the charge at our next meeting.

Book Sale – Kathy presented a tentative date of November 4th for the book sale based on the
availability of the Orchard Room. The committee was concerned that this was Election Day and
asked her to inquire as to whether there were other options for the sale. She agreed to do so.
She also indicated she would disseminate a request for donations to ensure that we had sufficient
stock of books, CDs, videos, games, etc. We will need to identify a coordinator for the event at
our next meeting.
5. Other

Frank discussed the opportunity to host another Evening at the Theatre for the upcoming show
Waiting for Lefty, which is a show about labor and issues related to the working class in the
1930s. Kathy agreed to talk with Ellen further about this and to write the Cultural Events proposal
that is needed to fund the free tickets for employees and students.

The committee discussed ways to enhance the cultural proficiency aspects of convocation and
the adjunct meeting, noting that most PD events and activities are offered at non-required times,
which means that attendees have already engaged the process and need to grow in this area.
Winnie comments that we needed to make a connection and establish the relevance of activities
and needed to be creative in order to create a bridge for all employees to walk across. The
committee discussed various options and ways they might accomplish this including using an
interactive game, using the Mosaic Ohana group at convocation and the adjunct meeting, using
the game of oppression, or using and adapting the World Café to one of the PD venues. Kathy
also noted that the interactive lunch activity at convocation provides an opportunity to engage in
meaningful dialogue that supports the goals of the committee. This item needs to be included on
the agenda for the next meeting.