Commission on Cultural Diversity Annual Report to City Council March 3, 2014 Tom Reardon - City Council Liaison Diana Beatham - Chair Geraldine Alexis - Vice-Chair Rita Battle, AJ Biami, Michael Denton, Gail Houston, Sigrid Limtiaco – Commissioners Victoria Yarbrough - Staff Liaison

The Commission’s Purpose The commission was established in 2007 to foster cultural awareness, public education, and community engagement. The commission will promote and improve relations and understanding amongst the many diverse ethnic and cultural segments of the City of Sierra Vista. The commission will provide a permanent forum for these issues, and offer ongoing educational and informational activities to address current issues, raise public awareness, and foster understanding within our community. Many, if not all, of the activities planned and sponsored by the commission fulfill up to 3 of the 9 Strategic Focus Areas in the Strategic Leadership Plan ◦ Quality Cultural, Tourism, and Recreational Amenities ◦ Attractive, Welcoming, and Healthy Community ◦ Working Together as a Community

¡Greet Yourself, Sierra Vista! A Cultural Diversity Fair 8 th Annual Fair Saturday, April 20, 2013 Buena High School 17 countries represented by volunteers 30 international students from the International Military Student Office on Ft. Huachuca representing their countries 14 entertainers and groups singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments plus 24 people demonstrating martial arts/karate

¡Greet Yourself, Sierra Vista! A Cultural Diversity Fair

African Film Festival March 5, 2013 Partnership with TRADOC Culture Center Hosted finale of two- week festival Films, fashion show, hosted discussion, food sampling

Cochise College International Film Series February 5-7, 2014 Partnership with Cochise College liberal arts department Commission selected the film ‘Hotel Rwanda’ Shown at the Sierra Vista Public Library, Cochise College, and Douglas

Additional Projects MOA with TRADOC Culture Center ◦ Agreement would formalize a working relationship between TCC and the Commission to collaborate on activities that promote cultural diversity awareness, education, and training ◦ Current status is under review by MG Ashley’s office ◦ Although not yet signed, TCC is still willing and able to partner with the commission for cultural activities

Thank you!